Sketching the Swan Dive

  WEDNESDAY JANUARY 28, 2025 | 6:00-8:00PM

Hey, guess what, it’s been a long 5 months since our last Swan Dive meetup. Time for us to head back there for an evening chill meetup!

The bar, as the name suggests, is a cool dive bar with colourful atmosphere and cheap drinks. It is well decorated with vintage furniture, has arcade games, and though it’s dark, it’s a great opportunity to exercise our night-time vision and capture our fellow sketchers deep in shadows.

The drink selection is extensive — they can make just about anything, different types of beers, as well as daily drink specials. There are non-alcoholic options as well. For food options they serve hot dogs, veggie dogs, pizza pockets & chips.

Please note:
1. We are sketchers as well as patrons of Swan Dive. Please do enjoy the space and its various food and beverage offerings.
2. **Cash only!** There is an ATM in the back and a Scotiabank across the street.
3. Please keep drawing materials and equipment to a minimum as we will be at a bar with other patrons and the tables are sized as such.

More about Swan Dive here: https://www.instagram.com/swandiveto/

6pm - check in with hosts before finding a spot to sketch.

8pm - let’s gather for a throwdown and group photo, likely at the pool table at the back.

When: Wednesday Jan 28, 2026 - 6-8pm
Where: Swan Dive bar, 1631 Dundas St W, Toronto
Hosts: Vivian  and Natalie 

*****

Urban Sketchers Manifesto
1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation.
2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live, and where we travel.
3. Our drawings are a record of time and place.
4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness.
5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles.
6. We support each other and draw together.
7. We share our drawings online.
8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.

*****

Disclaimer
By participating in any events organized by Urban Sketchers Toronto (USk Toronto, USk TO), you agree to the following:

USk TO events are provided with no special warranty either expressed or implied.

You assume all risks while participating in the event. All participants must use care and good judgment and must obey the USk Manifesto, all rules and regulations of USk Toronto and the City of Toronto.
USk Toronto reserves the right to reject any participant who is causing disruption of activities during the event.

USk Toronto, including but not limited to the organizers, committee members, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, etc., assume no liability for any loss, theft, damage, or injury to property or persons, including death, whether arising in contract, negligence, equity, or otherwise.

USk Toronto reserves the right to post any pictures and videos taken during the events on social media without asking permission of each individual present in the material. (Discretion will be applied, where appropriate.)

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: BY PARTICIPATING IN USK TORONTO EVENTS, YOU ARE GIVING UP ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE CLAIMS THAT YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST THE ORGANIZERS

Sketching Old City Hall

    SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026 | 1:00-3:00PM

Come join us sketching inside this gorgeous Toronto historical building! Tickets are required for participating; obtain here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1980882367485?aff=oddtdtcreator

As this is a government building and we are provided special access, please bring a piece of government-issued ID, and be prepared for a security check-in for building entry.

There will a limited number of chairs available, feel free to bring your own sketch chairs.

1pm - Meet hosts at the indoor lobby by the building entrance facing Queen Street. Be ready with your Eventbrite ticket for the hosts check-in.

3pm - meet in the same spot for our group throwdown to share sketches, chat, and take a group photo.

Please note:
- Please be mindful to avoid any paint spillage on the heritage floor.
- Please do not block pedestrian traffic and treat security with respect.

Where: Old City Hall
When: Sat Jan 24, 2026 1-3pm

Hosts: Vivian @vfsoetikno & Natalie @natalie.dauntless

*****

Urban Sketchers Manifesto
1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation.
2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live, and where we travel.
3. Our drawings are a record of time and place.
4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness.
5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles.
6. We support each other and draw together.
7. We share our drawings online.
8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.

*****

Disclaimer
By participating in any events organized by Urban Sketchers Toronto (USk Toronto, USk TO), you agree to the following:

USk TO events are provided with no special warranty either expressed or implied.

You assume all risks while participating in the event. All participants must use care and good judgment and must obey the USk Manifesto, all rules and regulations of USk Toronto and the City of Toronto.
USk Toronto reserves the right to reject any participant who is causing disruption of activities during the event.

USk Toronto, including but not limited to the organizers, committee members, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, etc., assume no liability for any loss, theft, damage, or injury to property or persons, including death, whether arising in contract, negligence, equity, or otherwise.

USk Toronto reserves the right to post any pictures and videos taken during the events on social media without asking permission of each individual present in the material. (Discretion will be applied, where appropriate.)

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: BY PARTICIPATING IN USK TORONTO EVENTS, YOU ARE GIVING UP ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE CLAIMS THAT YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST THE ORGANIZERS

Sketching at Eataly Toronto + Postcard Exchange with USk Merida Mexico

   SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 | 1:00-3:00PM

This Saturday we’ll be meeting at Eataly Toronto! We’ll be doing a postcard exchange with @urbansketchers_mid as well - sign up required. Kindly read all the details at the link below and let us know if you have any questions, toronto.urbansketchers@gmail.com

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1980375854491?aff=oddtdtcreator

Eataly Toronto/Yorkville/Cumberland Terrace - feel free to sketch in one of the many great Yorkville spots as well.

If sketching in Manulife Centre or Cumberland Terrace please remember:

• NO personal chairs
• No big equipment
• No sitting on floors!

1pm - If signed up to postcard exchange - mandatory check-in with the hosts at Eataly - upstairs at the bar of Caffe Vergnano. Otherwise optional!

3pm - Throwdown/postcard dropoff and group photo at Cumberland Terrace by Bay Station entrance.
From Manulife Centre, head toward Holt Renfrew on concourse level, turn left on hallway, then right to get to the entrance of Cumberland Terrance (where Bay subway station is to the left upon entering). 

 

POSTCARD EXCHANGE DATES
When/Where:

January 17, 2026 - Postcard Creation or Dropoff for USk Merida - Eataly Toronto (Manulife Centre)

Throwdown/Postcard Dropoff at Cumberland Terrace in front of Bay Station entrance

January 28, 2026 - USk Merida Mexico Postcard Distribution - Chefs Hall

Hosts: Vivian @vfsoetikno & Natalie @natalie.dauntless

*****

Urban Sketchers Manifesto
1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation.
2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live, and where we travel.
3. Our drawings are a record of time and place.
4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness.
5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles.
6. We support each other and draw together.
7. We share our drawings online.
8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.

*****

Disclaimer
By participating in any events organized by Urban Sketchers Toronto (USk Toronto, USk TO), you agree to the following:

USk TO events are provided with no special warranty either expressed or implied.

You assume all risks while participating in the event. All participants must use care and good judgment and must obey the USk Manifesto, all rules and regulations of USk Toronto and the City of Toronto.
USk Toronto reserves the right to reject any participant who is causing disruption of activities during the event.

USk Toronto, including but not limited to the organizers, committee members, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, etc., assume no liability for any loss, theft, damage, or injury to property or persons, including death, whether arising in contract, negligence, equity, or otherwise.

USk Toronto reserves the right to post any pictures and videos taken during the events on social media without asking permission of each individual present in the material. (Discretion will be applied, where appropriate.)

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: BY PARTICIPATING IN USK TORONTO EVENTS, YOU ARE GIVING UP ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE CLAIMS THAT YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST THE ORGANIZERS

2025 Sketched: A Year in Review Newsletter

Dear Sketchers,

What a whirlwind of a year 2025 has been! We've had many exciting meetups and events including our big gallery exhibition, participating in International Urban Sketchers Week, our first-ever Carousel learning experience, and a field trip to Montreal where we met members of other Canadian USk Chapters!

Thank you to everyone from our community in and around Toronto – visitors, partners, hosts, and all volunteers who contributed their personal time to bring these events to life. And thank you, readers, for attending our meetups and/or sharing your sketches with us online.

We hope you enjoy this collection of stories.

Street Sketching in Toronto

Marek Badzynski

“Are you painting the Cathedral?” she asked, peeking over my shoulder.

“Yes,” I said, gesturing toward the church, “it’s beautiful—and pretty old too.”

“Indeed! It opened back in 1853!”

I looked up, surprised. “Oh wow—you know a bit about this Church, don’t you?”

She smiled. “I do. I’m Louise, the Vicar.”

That brief sidewalk encounter in 2018 became something much larger: it marked the beginning of a relationship between Toronto Sketchers and the Cathedral Church of St. James—one that grew into multiple art initiatives.

Together, we found more ways to bring Art to the streets of Toronto.

SKETCHWALK:
Sculptures of Wellington

USk Week 2025 - May 3
Summary by Natalie Carvajal

A crowd of sketchers braved the unseasonably chilly weather to enjoy a selection of sculptures along Wellington Street in the Financial District. Ellen Hayes gave us a brief history of each of the sculptures we stopped at, as we sketched quickly - some in the cold and some in the nearby office buildings open to the public.

Oshi Wanigasekera

Jennifer Ossi

Sketching at 40 Temperance

Thong Ling

A whirlwind snowstorm transformed into a vibrant canvas that morning.

Undeterred by the elements, a small group of sketchers gathered at our destination, eager to kick-start the new year with creativity and connection.

Together, we generated a surge of positive energy, propelling us into 2026 with renewed enthusiasm.

GROUP EXHIBITION

Summary by Kate Parkinson

Lines of the City: Urban Sketches of Toronto

August 5 - September 27, 2025

Urbanspace Gallery

401 Richmond Street West, Toronto

This show was a chance to view Toronto through the eyes of an urban sketcher!  A heartfelt tribute to the city, drawn on location, one line at a time.

Nearly 50 original sketches brought Toronto to life through the eyes (and steady hands!) of a talented and diverse group of urban sketchers who meet regularly to sketch on location.

Opening night on Saturday, August 9 was buzzing with creativity, as artists and visitors took part in the lively on-site event. Sketchbooks were open, pens and brushes were busy, and the room was filled with the joyful hum of people catching up with friends and viewing the artwork.

Whether you’re an artist, an art lover, or just someone who appreciates Toronto’s quirks and beauty, Lines of the City invited you to slow down, look closely, and see the urban landscape through the eyes (and lines) of some of its most passionate documentarians.

Moments

Hagen Materne

It was a day out sketching with the group, little bit of chat going on between people but the usual quiet focus. Behind me came a little voice. “Excuse me but may I make a suggestion?”

Turning around I see a little girl of maybe 8 completely focused on my work. “Of course,” I said.

“Perhaps more water.”

Her parents stood mortified behind her. “Oh, don't disturb him.” Unperturbed, she continued.  I added water and the sketch improved. 

 

But isn't that the thing about being in the public realm - the interaction is half the fun!  Countless times I have started great chats - with the aged skinheads on Alexanderplatz in Berlin who took me under their wings when the cops showed up;  with the authoritative aristocrat who declared, “Those people are far too fashion!”; with the drunk electrician on his way to work on a 208 volt service; with the tearful, giant security guard at the US embassy fence; with the older couple who stood - silently - behind me for 15 minutes and then she whispered to him, “Why, I'd pay for that. I'd pay $35.”  ??? 

Ah, urban sketching. 

Swan Dive

Natalie Carvajal

Ivan Gutierrez

An eclectic little spot on Dundas St W and my favourite bar, Swan Dive Bar provided a cozy vibe for many a meetup this year. It all started after I saw a video Abra, the now late great co-owner, had posted on Instagram asking for community help which sparked my idea of really supporting local. I’m not much of a bar patron but Swan Dive was among the top bars I had been to and I thought - the worst that can happen is that they say no.

Luckily, the answer was an enthusiastic yes. It had been a while since we did a meetup in a “Drink and Draw” format and it was wonderful. We chatted and sketched while sipping on ridiculously affordable drinks, snacking on hot dogs and pizza pockets. Since then we’ve done a few more and the atmosphere at these little meetups are something special.

Today as we ring in the new year, I raise a 0% glass in memory of Abra.

Sketching Music

Sonya Padovani

I spent a lovely afternoon at the Meridian Arts Centre watching a rehearsal with the Orchestra Toronto orchestra alongside USk Toronto. It was such a treat – hearing classical music live and watching these talented performers come together to create one cohesive performance was awesome.

For my sketch, I used an ink pen, colourful Sharpies, and a bit of watercolour with my waterbrush to capture the orchestra’s energy. I usually love working with wet materials, so switching to Sharpie pushed me to focus on line work and bold colours. Balancing that with my waterbrush technique let me blend my love of watercolour painting into this bold picture.

I’m so grateful for this creative community and our incredible talent in Toronto.

2025 Sketched: A Year in Review

Michele Daniels