Learn how to quickly and confidently sketch complex Urban Scenes using direct ink and a limited palette of only few watercolour paints.This class is designed for people who already have good grasp of perspective and composition, but want to improve their process for selecting the scene, deciding on the approach, making of hard decisions and the final execution.
Learning Goals
How to:
Compose scene view
Identify masses
Concentrate attention on focal point
Decide on composition
Assess values
Draw using expressive strokes
Paint with confident brush strokes
Workshop Schedule
15 min - Walk to 1st spot/view
15 min - Set up, class goals, distribute handouts & supplies, introduce sponsors
15 min - Ink and 1 colour (value) demo by instructor
45 min - Ink and one colour exercise by class
15 min - relocate to 2nd spot/view
15 min - Ink and 5 watercolour demo by instructor
45 min - Ink and 5 watercolours exercise by class
15 min - Final group throw down & review, group photo, closing remarks
Supply List
Watercolours
Watercolour brushes
Sketchbook
Fountainpen, Fude pen with permanent ink
Water container for washing brushes
Paper towels
Portable stool
Meet Your Instructor
Marek is an Architect that uses drawing and sketching to make own memories of place and time. His favourite pastime involves sitting in front of some urban landmark, inking sheets of paper with his favourite Fude ink nib, and painting them with watercolours. His subjects capture shape, light and contrasts of busy street life scenes, majestic buildings, decrepit back alleys, or of any place having an overwhelming mix of charm and character that can be put into a fast ink and watercolour sketch.
He teaches urban sketching for in-person gatherings in Toronto, Chicago, Ann Arbour and Jacksonville, as well as online groups in Canada, Poland, Italy, Argentina and USA. His online classes and demos are available directly on the Etchr Studio's web site, and throughout his Instagram feed under the handle of @marekbad64
Fleeting Moments Captured With Vibrant Watercolours
Workshop Description
I will share my own experience of painting spontaneous vibrant sketches using pen and watercolours, without overthinking subject matter. Learning goals: to introduce participants of all skill levels to watercolour techniques and how to apply them to urban sketching.
Learning Goals
Watercolour techniques: a. Wet on dry, b. Wet in wet, c. Graded wash.
How to fix mistakes with watercolours (streaks, lifting)
Vibrant colours- complementary colours, blended wash (mixing colours on paper, wet in wet)
Workshop Schedule
Introduction: Sharing my process
Quick Sketch (demo 20 min)
Participants will sketch 2 sketches (max. size 5 x 7 inches) for five minutes each, using a pen or pencil. The goal is to draw loose and let go of expectations (10-15 minutes)
Watercolour techniques – four techniques: wet on dry, wet in wet, graded, wash, lifting (50 min)
Participants practise techniques (20 minutes)
Feedback (10 min)
Vibrant colours: How to get Vibrant colours? Complementary colours. Blended wash (mix colours on paper instead of mixing on palette). (35 minutes)
Participants practise on one of their sketches done in step 2 (30 minute)
Participants sketch a scene, add watercolour techniques and vibrant colours as discussed and practised earlier. I will circulate and give feedback as needed (50 minutes)
Sharing finished sketches as a group, and group photo (10 minutes)
Supply List
Pencil
Waterproof fine liner pen/fountain pen (with waterproof ink) ,
Watercolours
Watercolour papers (sketchbook or pad)
Watercolour brushes
Container for water
Paper towel
Meet Your Instructor
Suzanne is an artist and an Ontario College of Teacher certified teacher, with over 20 years of experience teaching Art.
Suzanne is a member of the Richmond Hill Group of Artists, and has participated in juried and group shows. She completed an AiR at Mill Pond Gallery in August 2022. She participated in the Richmond Hill Art Walk 2022- exhibiting paintings in acrylic and watercolour. Her artwork was featured in a solo exhibition overseas, as well as in various group exhibitions throughout the years. Her paintings are in private collections.
For over 10 years, Suzanne has been using pen and watercolours to put down on paper her impressions of the world around her. Her vibrant, semi-abstract urban sketches capture fleeting moments of people and places.
Freedom and Spontaneity Using Soft Pastels for Urban Sketching
Workshop Description
This workshop will focus on simplifying complex urban scenes and painting impressionistic urban sketches using bold colours and expressive marks using soft pastels. Learn the essentials and working methods unique to soft pastels, their limitations, and the opportunities it offers as a unique medium. All levels of sketchers are welcome.
Learning Goals
To compose a scene by judging the quality and direction of light
To add elements of semi-abstraction and focus on the core elements in a scene
To construct an “illusion of detail” through expressive pastel application to bring a looser and more painterly feel to your work
Quick Intro to Pastel Mark Making, General Rules for Success (Light on Dark, Soft on hard), simplifying shapes. Mistakes to avoid. (20 minutes)
Sketch 1: Watch (30 minutes)
Sketch 2: Paint along (60 minutes)
Review of the Sketches/Feedback for Students (40 minutes)
Supply List
Set of 30 - 40 approx. Soft (ideally handrolled) pastels – Schmincke and Sennelier are both excellent in my opinion though they are expensive being top-tier artist-grade pastels. Sennelier has more beginner-friendly sets of half sticks i.e. a landscape/urban set works perfectly. Mungyo (Also known as Honsell Artist Quality) also offers handmade pastels sets that are excellent value for money. The colour range is more important than quantity, i.e., having more tonal variations as half sticks is better than buying fewer full sticks.
Pastel Paper: 9 x 12 inch or 12 x 16 sheets will suffice depending on your preference. I prefer larger as it can always be subdivided to suit a scene. Clairefontaine Pastelmat or Sennelier LaCarte are the Ideal pastel papers in my opinion. They have plenty of tooth for layering and come in a great selection of colours. Please get Dark or Mid Tone sheets. Avoid Light Tones, and NO WHITE PAPER, please.
Other artist-quality sanded papers (such as Art Spectrum, Uart, Pastel Premier, and Canson Mi-Tientes Touch) for soft pastel will also suffice. Unsanded paper like velour, Ingres, and regular Mi-Tientes is also fine, but can be unforgiving to beginners although they are cheaper.
Supports: Field Easel (optional but extremely helpful) - Not an endorsement but I use MEEDEN Artist Watercolor Field Easel; there are plenty of alternatives available.
A smooth drawing board (MDF board will suffice). Should be at least the size of the paper + a couple of inches for handling (approx. 16 x 20 size for 12 x 16 sheets or 12 x 16 size for 9 x 12 sheets)
Small sketchbook/scrap paper for thumbnails (optional)
Masking tape and paper clips
Paper towels or rags to wipe your hands.
A ruler or straightedge (12 inches).
Meet Your Instructor
It was during my undergraduate studies in Architecture that I began painting and sketching on and off and ultimately stopped painting altogether for almost five years during graduate school. Then in 2019 urban sketching became my gateway back into the world of art and painting. Life, people, places, and landscapes inspire all my artwork. My subjects are typically everyday scenes that I find visually exciting and I aim to capture a mere 'slice of life.' I often focus on capturing the feeling of a scene by simplifying and telling a story rather than aiming for an accurate and descriptive reproduction.
In the studio I have explored various mediums including acrylics, oils, watercolours and so on. However, a large proportion of my plein-air work and urban sketches are either in watercolours or pastels. I use impressionistic and abstract elements to simplify complex urban landscapes. I use bold and vibrant colours and spontaneous mark-making to convey light, energy, and liveliness in my work - and pastels are an ideal medium for this.
I have taught design as an academic instructor in Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi and at the University of California at Berkeley. I have also taught painting in watercolours and acrylics as private lessons. Most recently (in November 2022) I taught a 3-day workshop on watercolour essentials at Northern Contemporary Art Gallery in Toronto.
In this class we will learn to capture a moment or scene on location quickly using only a water brush, a blue soluble ink Pilot pen, white highlighter, and a sketchbook.
Learning Goals
In this class we will learn to capture a moment or scene on location quickly using only a water brush, a blue soluble ink Pilot pen, white highlighter, and a sketchbook.
Workshop Schedule
Intro(5 mins)
The course will begin with an overview of what will be covered and supplies used. Students will leave the class having learned how to assemble an easy, inexpensive set up and expanded strategies to create more balance, drama, and movement in their artwork.
Class
Discussion of variables when using soluble ink (30 mins)
Setup
Ink Properties
Paper
Line Work
Values
15 min demo
Instructor will show the benefits of the soluble Pilot pen and the types of lines that result in a successful expressive sketch.
30 mins; independent sketch
Students will do their own line practice and work from the handout.
20 min in-depth demo
Instructor will show the importance of value, deepening the darks and finishing with the white highlighter.
Q&A
Troubleshoot for anyone who needs help.
Participants will have at least 1.5 hours of independent sketching.
Supply List
Pentel water brushes
White highlighter- Posca or Molotov
Soluble Inks
Sketchbook
Meet Your Instructor
I joined USk Chicago in 2016 and soon became a Chapter Admin. I love being part of this supportive and generous group of artists. I use a variety of mediums however soluble inks and fountains are my biggest interest. I like to sketch fast and move around to get as many captures of time and place as I can. Inks, especially soluble, are the perfect medium due to the easy, simple set up. Soluble inks allow spontaneity and many times, an unexpected result which in turn takes the pressure off to create a “perfect”. I love to teach others how to carry little and create more. It is never too late to learn something new.
I first taught in 2018 at the CHICAGO PEN SHOW, followed by teaching a fountain pen and a ink workshop at the 2018 and 2019 Usk Chicago Sketch seminar, and teach various art classes at the White Lake Arts Center in West Michigan.
Five Steps Steps to Capture Urban Green Spaces Using Versatile Acrylics
Workshop Description
How many times have we looked at a scene we would love to sketch, only to be bogged down by the complexities of the scene? This workshop will help you simplify your process so as to enjoyably capture a scene that calls out to your heart, using the advantages of versatile acrylics that can be used on either canvas and watercolour paper.
Learning Goals
To break down a complex scene using 5 manageable steps:
Composition - capture the essence of a scene in a loose painterly way in a short time
Value mapping
Using acrylics the watercolour way
Creating textures for more interest
Embellishing final sketches
Workshop Schedule
Module 1: 10 mins
Intro to acrylics: Why use acrylics?
Ways to set up palette for success
Ways to show acrylic sketches
Module 2: 50 mins
Demo and intro to the 5 steps process to systematically capture a complex scene
Composing a compelling scene
Value mapping
Colour Zones
Finishing touches on sketches to elevate to the next level
Module 3: 30 mins
Putting all the steps together in an exercise sketch of a simple scene on watercolour paper
Module 4: 60 mins
Putting all the steps together in an exercise sketch on canvas
Module 5: 30 mins
Feedback, questions, tips on continuing practices into the future
Supply List
The following will be provided:
1 pc long handle acrylic brush ½”
Watercolour paper pad
Stretched canvas
Acrylic paints
What you will bring
Acrylic brushes: bring what you have: flats, liner, angle flat
Pencil with eraser
Water and water container for painting
Rags/paper towels for drying & cleaning brushes
Any small flat container with lid as palette (eg, 2x foam plates or old pencil flat tin)
Folding stool
Small water spray bottle
Snacks and Water to keep spirits up
Hat, sunscreen, insect repellant
Relaxed sense of humour and play
Meet Your Instructor
My world consists of creating and teaching art, family, cooking, dancing and more art. I sketch in watercolours during fast-paced travels, oils and acrylics at other times. I have done abstract and hoarding artwork for condos, murals and commissioned paintings of people, houses and pets.
I love participating in live painting events, won a few prizes during which I have learnt lots the hard way. I love sharing the process to help fast track your path, so you too can reap the joys of sketching the gems you encounter along your life’s journey!
Draw the Shapes: A Quick Value Sketch With Markers
Workshop Description
In this workshop we will learn the importance of values and understanding of shapes. We will focus on primary or larger shapes instead of smaller details to produce a believable illustration of what they see, within a limited range of values or shades.
Students with no experience can take this workshop as it is designed as a fundamental instruction on marker rendering with greys.
Learning Goals
We will work on some basic shapes and color them up with different values. Later on we will experiment with some photographs to practice the techniques.
At the final stage, students will be sketching live within an urban context.
Aside from the rendering techniques, students will be trained with the knowledge of composition and sense of proportion.
Workshop Schedule
First Hour
0-30 minutes
Discussion about shapes and values
Markers as rendering media and general composition
30-60 minutes
Practice shading different shapes with markers
Second Hour
0-30 minutes
Rendering with marker with simplified shapes using a reference photo
30-60 minutes
Using the same technique sketching live from a urban set up
Third Hour
Student will continue with the sketch for 45 minutes
Last 15 min will be feedback and critique on each drawing
Supply List
Copic Sketch Markers: W-1, W -3, W-5, W -7
1 Strathmore Marker pad. ( 6in. x 8 in.)
Meet Your Instructor
I love sketching. I started sketching in 1996, I had a study trip to India as a student of architecture. It does not matter what tools or media I need to do the sketch — it can be pencil, charcoal, markers, ballpoint pen or watercolour. My idea is to capture the moment with people and the environment I am surrounded with. To capture the essence of light, colour, material or texture of any subject that I want to record in my sketchbook. The purpose of joining a group was to share and improve the skill that I already had and inspire new sketchers to cherish the beautiful urban set up we have around us.
I was an art instructor at BRAC university, Bangladesh. I used to demonstrate the sketching technique for the students of architecture. In Singapore at Raffle design school, I taught my Interior Design students how to render with markers. In Canada I had some workshops demonstrating watercolour techniques for Waterloo and Kitchener Urban sketchers group, Toronto Watercolour Society.
The goal of the workshop is to discuss and to learn what makes the sketch specifically related to the city or place where the sketch is done. What details are more or less important. Urban sketch as a portrait of a city.
Learning Goals
The participants will learn how important are many details and items, that are often ignored, to capture the essence of a city and to make the sketch storytelling. The pen and watercolour technique is the most popular among urban sketchers, however there are many different ways to apply it, depending on the sketcher's style, personality and skills. After a brief review of various ways to sketch with ink and watercolor, I will demonstrate and explain my own sketching style.
Workshop Schedule
Intro and explanation of the idea, illustrated with some of the instructor’s sketches and sketchbooks (30 min)
Pen and Watercolor sketching technique. Explanation and demo of the instructor's sketching style (30 min)
Sketching Demo The instructor will do a brief sketch to illustrate the discussed before. The participants can either watch or sketch along (40-45 min)
All the participants will pick a view and sketch trying to implement the ideas discussed during the workshop. The instructor will either sketch as well or oversee, answering questions, and providing tips and advice.
Supply List
Sketchbook
Favourite fountain pen with a waterproof ink or a liner
Small set of watercolors
Meet Your Instructor
I am an Architect and drawing was a part of my professional education, however for many years I used to draw or sketch for my work only. In 2016 I learned about the concept of urban sketching, found the idea very appealing and a couple of months later joined Urban Sketchers Toronto, the meetup group at that time.
Many sketchbooks have been filled with sketches and memories since and many amazing people met, both in person and virtually. My favorite subjects to sketch are city scenes, buildings and people. Urban sketching has become an important part of my life and the way to see and explore the world.
I was a demo artist for the Old Town Toronto Art Festival in 2019. Then in 2021, I had a demo and two classes on the Etchr Studio online platform. I finished a 4-hour minicourse entitled,"Introduction to Urban Sketching” for Artefacto online art school in 2022 and did a lecture about urban sketching at Limmud Festival, Niagara Falls in the same year.
We are looking for volunteers to help out with our USkTO 10x10 Workshops, taking place at the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood in Old Town Toronto on July 15-16, 2023. Be a part of this fun event celebrating our Chapter’s 10th anniversary!
This course is designed for absolute beginners who have no architectural background and have trouble finding angles when drawing a building.
Sketchers who are having difficulties understanding the concepts of the vanishing point and perspective drawing can easily find the angle of a building using a viewfinder called the Non-Architect Clock. The Clock will be used to determine angles of a building by using the numbers on the clock, such as the angle of the roof, the base of the structure, or the curb of the sidewalk or the street.
There will be 3 exercises on how to sketch buildings from a simple structure to a complex scene:
Exercise 1: Using the Non-Architect Clock to look for angles on a simple building.
Exercise 2: Directly using paint by using big shapes before drawing with a pen
Exercise 3: A complex building or scene will be pulled together using the Jigsaw Puzzle approach by sketching one block at a time
Learning Goals
At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to draw buildings, no matter how simple or complex they are. Using the methods from the three exercises, they will be confident in their approach to their subject.
Workshop Schedule
Introduction (5 min) - Removing Fear
Introduce the Non-Architect Clock as a Sketching Tool (10 minutes)
Exercise 1 - Sketching a Simple Building at an angle (15 min)
Exercise 2 - Blocking big shapes using direct watercolors and a big brush (30 min)
Exercise 3 - The Complex Scene
The Complex Scene:
Demo on how to tackle a complex scene using the jigsaw approach (30 min)
Participants sketch on their own using what they learned (1.5 hours)
I will go around each participants to respond to any questions
Final Thoughts and Group Photo
Participants discuss their take-away from the workshop and how it helped them be fearless in drawing complex buildings.
Remaining time will be for final thoughts and group photo.
Supply List
Sketchbook, no specific size
Watercolor brushes, any size is ok
Fine liner pens or fountain pen with waterproof ink (NOT India Ink nor Calligraphy Ink)
Pencil
Watercolors, any existing palette will do
Water container
Water for painting
Water for internal use
Paper towels
Folding chair
Courage
Open mind
Your inner child
Meet Your Instructor
Isabel is the artist behind Modellatura Arts. As a business graduate, she uses the left side of her brain for work and the right side of her brain to create art primarily in pen and ink with watercolors. Historic buildings, landscapes, and nature inspire her to draw. Aside from her involvement with the USk Toronto Chapter, she is part of the Urban Sketchers Org Membership Committee as the Regional Leader for North America. She mentors groups in the US and Canada who wish to become Official USk chapters.
She is an Etchr Studio Instructor and has conducted numerous demos for Derwent both online and in person. She recently taught an in-person class at USk Jacksonville and will be teaching at USk Chicago in July 2023.
This workshop will teach the foundational techniques you need to sketch urban cityscapes and landscapes successfully. It will introduce linear perspective and composition, followed by studying light and colour mixing techniques. Ultimately, we will apply all of this to create a painting of the beautiful historic St. Lawrence neighbourhood.
Learning Goals
Learn to compose complex cityscapes
Learn to draw perspective and simplification of architectural details
Understand colour mixing and working with limited colour palettes
Workshop Schedule
Meet and Greet/Introduction (15 minutes)
Demo 1: Introduction to Foundational Techniques (20 minutes)
Sketch 1: Warm-up sketching (30 minutes)
Demo 2: Colour techniques (20 minutes)
Sketch 2: Paint along (1 hour 15 minutes)
Review of the Sketches/Feedback for Students (20 minutes)
Supply List
Watercolour Paints ( Essential: Ultramarine Blue, Alizarin Crimson, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna; Optional: Any other colours)
Brush - Round/Mop Large - Size 8 or10, 3/4 inch Flat or Angular Flat
Fineliner or Fountain Pen with waterproof ink
Paper: Cold press or Hot press, preferably 150gms or 300 gms- at least 9 by 12 inches.
Small sketchbook for quick sketches
Watercolour Palette
Water holder
Brush Pens (Grey shades)
Pencils & eraser
Paper towels "
Meet Your Instructor
Sonali Praharaj is a visual artist and urban sketcher who enjoys painting cityscapes, landscapes, and everyday life routines through ink and watercolours. She is constantly exploring ways to capture urban and landscape elements together to create vibrant compositions. She enjoys painting en plein air and in the studio.
Her art journey began early in childhood nevertheless, it has been a meandering path where life, work and other priorities made it difficult for her to continue painting regularly until recently. After starting a new life in Toronto, her work as an urban designer inspired her to rekindle her love for capturing places and moments in this new city. She is an active member of the Toronto Watercolour Society and Urban Sketchers Toronto, where she received a warm welcome and found a like-minded company that encouraged her to paint more.
Sonali has been teaching sketching and painting classes for 15 years. Her experience ranges from personal one-on-one classes and small group settings. She recently conducted a demo for USk Toronto at Union Station.
Outside The Lines: Learn To Create Flowing & Energetic Urban Sketches
Workshop Description
During this workshop, you will learn specific techniques to help you create loose dynamic watercolor and ink sketches. Oftentimes, we get hung up on trying to get the details accurate when urban sketching.
In this workshop, we won’t worry about things like proper perspective or getting every detail right. Instead, we will focus on finding your own interpretation and style by experimenting with different ways to achieve a variety of lines, creating depth using watercolor glazing and a cool calligraphy pen to try.
We will spend time sketching a building, object or scene on location, while practicing these techniques.
Learning Goals
How to create lines with movement.
How to paint with watercolors outside the lines using wet on wet and glazing techniques.
How to use a parallel pen for shading and details.
How to get depth in your urban sketches.
How to use unique finishing techniques for added drama.
Workshop Schedule
Module 1: Loosen Up (30 Min)
Using your whole arm
Movement with straight lines
Variety of line with parallel pen
10-15 min exercise
Module 2: The No-Plan Plan (30 min)
Examples of urban sketches
Start small with subject matter
Think big with shapes
Be spontaneous
10 min pencil outline exercise
Module 3: Watercolour Basics (45 min)
Light and dark study
Choosing a limited palette
Make a splash, literally
Wet on wet
Glazing and layering
Painting outside the lines
10-20 min exercise
Your phone is an asset
Module 4: Make It Your Own (30 min)
Finding your own style
A different start is a fresh start
10 min mixed media exercise
Splatter, run off, whipping
More movement, more energy
Module 5: You’re Done…or Are You? (30min)
How to analyze your work
Check for depth and contrast
Hit it for POP
Happy little mistakes
Back into a strategy
When is enough, enough
Supply List
Pilot Parallel Pen 6mm, or; fine liners or fountain pen with permanent ink
Watercolour paper minimum 8x10 size
Basic small watercolour set like W&N Pocket Set
Large round mop watercolour brush size 12 or 14
Basic pencil with eraser
Fine white opaque acrylic or gel pen (nice to have, not essential)
Meet Your Instructor
Hi, I'm Ky. I actually haven't been sketching or painting my entire life, you didn't think I'd say that right?
I believe that anyone can be creative if they have a few tools in their belt and the passion to try something new. With art, it's all about experimentation and finding a medium that speaks to you.
I love the combination of pencil, ink and watercolour — they organically work together and the looser you are the better the result. I rarely plan things out and I don't worry about whether I accomplished my goal — it's all in the process. That's kinda how I roll.
