Welcome to Three Steps to Sketching Heaven: Urban Sketching in Three Parts! This video is a comprehensive guide to mastering urban sketching by breaking the process into three fun and easy-to-follow stages: simplifying and sketching, applying watercolour, and adding the finishing touches. Whether you’re new to sketching or a seasoned artist looking for a fresh perspective, these steps will help you create stunning urban artwork that captures the spirit of your surroundings.
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Step 1: Simplify and Sketch
The journey to a heavenly urban sketch begins with simplifying your scene and translating it into a basic sketch. In this step, we focus on observation, composition, and creating a strong foundation for your artwork. Urban environments are often bustling and complex, but with the right techniques, you can filter out distractions and focus on what’s essential.
You’ll learn:
• Simplifying complex details
• Sketching lightly and confidently
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Step 2: Apply Watercolour
Once your initial sketch is complete, it’s time to breathe life into it with watercolour. This step adds vibrancy, depth, and atmosphere to your urban sketch. You don’t need to be a professional painter to succeed—our tips and techniques will help you achieve beautiful results, even if you’re new to watercolours.
Key topics include:
• Painting light and shadows: Learn how to create a sense of depth by using contrasting tones.
• Layering techniques: Build up colours in transparent layers to achieve richness without overpowering your sketch.
• Adding atmosphere: Incorporate subtle washes to suggest sky, weather, or even the mood of the scene.
Watercolour is a versatile medium perfect for urban sketching because it’s portable and quick-drying, allowing you to capture the moment in a painterly way.
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Step 3: Add Finishing Touches
The final step is where your sketch truly comes to life. By adding extra linework, details, and highlights, you’ll refine your artwork and make it pop. This stage is all about enhancing your piece without overworking it, giving it that polished, professional finish.
In this step, you’ll discover:
• Reinforcing linework: Add selective pen or pencil lines to strengthen key elements and guide the viewer’s eye.
• Incorporating texture: Use hatching, cross-hatching, or stippling to suggest brickwork, foliage, or other details.
• Adding highlights: Apply small pops of white or light colours using tools like gel pens or gouache to create sparkle and dimension.
• Balancing your composition: Learn how to step back, assess your work, and make subtle adjustments that bring everything together.
These finishing touches help your sketch stand out while maintaining the spontaneous and lively feel of urban art.
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Why This Three-Step Approach?
Urban sketching can feel overwhelming when faced with a complex scene, but by dividing the process into three clear steps, it becomes approachable and fun. This method ensures you:
1. Start with a strong foundation.
2. Add colour and atmosphere with ease.
3. Finish with confidence and clarity.
The result? A balanced, eye-catching piece that reflects your unique perspective.
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Join the Creative Journey
Urban sketching is more than art—it’s a way of seeing the world differently and connecting with your environment. Share your sketches, join communities, and inspire others to explore their creativity.
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Hit play and let’s create a little piece of heaven on paper together! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more art tips and tutorials.
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00:00 Introduction
00:37 Simplify
05:47 Colour
14:42 Final Touches