I started an Urban Sketching club in February 2026, and it has completely changed my practice. I have a few random sketches from 2025, and comparing where I am now to where I was a year ago is like night and day.
Urban Sketching has really leveled up my understanding of depth and perspective, and has given me a weekly challenge for trying new techniques. Whether I’m experimenting with a new medium or working on a specific skill, it’s become my safe space for artistic growth.
Below are some Urban Sketches I’ve done, in order of oldest to newest:
Not really an urban sketch – October 2024
This isn’t really an Urban Sketch because it doesn’t showcase the whole scene. It only shows the boat on the water. But I still wanted to post it because this is still one of my favorite watercolors I’ve done. Playing around with the water texture was super fun.
Verona, Italy – March 2025
It’s crazy to think that I finished this sketch and thought it was outstanding. This is one of two sketches I did in a two-hour-long session. I can’t wait to do more travel sketching, because I’d love to see how my style and technique has developed with similar subjects!
Dover, UK – October 2025
I still really like looking at the Roman Light House sketch from Dover, I was just beginning to devlop a sense of “show, don’t tell” with texture. Instead of doing every single brick, I just hint at the brick with texture here and there. It’s great for a beginner, but I definitely would be more subtle about it today.
First USK Meeting – February 2026
This is from the very first USK meeting I orchestrated. I did a proper Urban Sketch that day as well, but I don’t love it. So I’m going to show off my warmup sketch instead.
3rd USK Meeting – March 2026
These sketches are from the first Urban Sketchers meeting I hosted that actually had new people (who I didn’t force to attend)! One of the new Urban Sketchers became one of my closest friends.
I love these sketches, and I really miss the pen that I used to do them. It died, unfortunately.
Downtown – March 2026
This was either in March or April, but also one of my all-time favorites. I had so much fun drawing this, I absolutely love the stark blacks.
By the Seaside – April 2026
I was on a trip and was waiting in the car by the beach. I had a few minutes, so I whipped out my sketchbook to get a quick doodle down of some seagulls. This is a little less urban-sketchy because it doesn’t include any background or scenery. But it was done quickly and in the moment.
Train Tracks – Summertime 2026
I don’t remember the exact month that I did this, but this is when things start to get really fun. I am now beginning to incorporate more midtones and dark greys in my work, which is totally hightening the drama of my sketches!
This technique is totally hit or miss. Sometimes, I really fudge up what needs to be darker and ruin the piece. But it’s really gratifying when I get it right. I wish the fence in this was a bit more uniform, but I’m so pleased with how the shading came out in this that it doesn’t really matter.
Ghost Town – September 2026
Our awesome little sketching group took a trip up to a nearby ghost town. Wow! It was amazing, I abolutely loved it.
Ghost town pt. 2 – September 2026
Just when you least expect it, another sketch from that day!!! Although, the focus of the picture is the actual scene, so you dan’t see the sketch very well. But I’m quite happy with the perspective in this one, as it isn’t quite linear. It’s a very low-key fisheye perspective.
Sketching is Life – October 2026
I drew all of this in the dark while on a cave tour, believe it or not. I did it in pencil first, then developed it later with pen when I got home. I now carry a sketchbook with me everywhere I go, and take any opportunity to jot something down. Sketching has become more than just a Saturday afternoon thing for me. It’s the perfect example of: do it when you can for now, eventually you’ll do it whenever you can.
That’s all, Folks!
To summarize: I’m very pleased with how Urban Sketching has helped me grow as an artist. I still have days where I absolutely hate what I made (especially with watercolor), but I don’t think that’ll ever cease to happen. Hopefully my development is visible to anyone who isn’t me!
