An Urban Sketcher
Copyright Paul Cousins
What is Urban Sketching?
To quote Urbansketchers.org, an urban sketch is a drawing created on location, indoors or out, capturing what the sketcher sees from direct observation. Urban sketchers use any kind of media to tell the story of their surroundings, the places they live, and where they travel.
Who are we?
Liverpool Urban Sketchers, or LUSk, is an official chapter of Urban Sketchers, a global community of sketchers dedicated to the practice of on location drawing. We share our love for the places where we live and travel - one drawing at a time.
When and where do we sketch?
LUSk meets on the first Saturday of every month at a location in and around the Liverpool city region. We also occasionally meet up for extra one off events on other days too. Our Facebook page has the details of the next meet up and can be viewed here.
What do we sketch?
Again, to quote Urbansketchers.org, urban sketching is a record of time and space, an event, something happening at a given moment, somewhere in our world. For some that can be a quick sketch of a scene, with a short caption of what's going on. For others it's a piece that can take a long period of time to complete. It is an urban sketch as long as a sketcher has captured the essence of the moment and place on location.
Urban sketching differs from en plein air painting in that it is more akin to reportage, that is to say it is about story telling, witnessing and recording, using any medium, indoors and out, rather than to aim to produce an aesthetic artwork.
Urban sketches do not have to be of urban environments. They can be done indoors or outdoors, in urban, rural or natural places.
Why urban sketch?
Urbansketchers.org mission is to raise the artistic storytelling and educational value of on location drawing, promoting its practice and connecting people worldwide who draw on location where they live and travel.
Liverpool Urban Sketchers mission is all of the above plus to create a safe, supportive, non judgemental environment for anyone interested in on-site drawing in Liverpool and the surrounding areas
Joining a LUSk meet provides so many benefits:
- It gives you the opportunity to practice your drawing skills
- It hones your observational skills; you never really see a place until you've drawn it
- It feeds creativity. The more you draw, the more creativity you will unlock. Being around other artists helps develop that even further.
- You become part of a community. As an urban sketcher, you'll become a part of a global network working to connect the world, one sketch at a time. At our meet ups you will meet like minded people who support and encourage each other.
- It's great for wellbeing. Drawing can help relieve stress and anxiety by promoting mindfulness and keeping you grounded.
- It creates a personal visual diary. Your sketchbook becomes a treasure trove of memories. It is amazing how looking through previous drawings can bring back memories of times and places with such clarity. There is nothing else quite like it!
What experience do I need?
None! The people who attend our meet ups range in experience from absolute beginner to professional artists. All of them are supportive and everyone learns from each other. There are no judgements, and if you do not feel confident enough to show your work at the end of a meet up, there is no obligation to do so. If you do decide to show your work though, you will probably be pleasantly surprised by the positive feedback you get.
What equipment do I need?
All you need is something to draw with and something to draw on. One of our regulars has been known to urban sketch with a biro on the back of an envelope! Another uses found materials to produce collages. Many people have a sketchbook, pencils, fine liner pens, watercolours or markers. It can be as simple or complex as you like, and can even include digital art using a drawing tablet with a drawing program.
Whatever you feel comfortable using or experimenting with will be perfect.
How much does it cost?
It is absolutely free to attend any of our meet ups, the only costs to you are travel, materials and maybe a coffee.
Come along and join us!
Urban Sketching Kit
Copyright Paul Cousins