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
 |
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
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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment