Sketching the Landscape

Do you want to be a better artist?

Do you want your work to be more spontaneous?

The more sketching artists do, the more they learn to 'look and really see'. It is very important to train our observational skills so we draw what is there, and not what we think is there.

Ideally carry a small book, pencil or pen around with you all the time.

On many occasions I wish I had followed this advice. Unexpectedly we find ourselves...

• Sat somewhere and need to be patient? It may be a traffic jam or waiting for a friend in a cafe. You can always find something or someone interesting to record.
• Out and about and see an inspiring view. The camera on your mobile will not capture this viewpoint in the same way as your pencil.
• Walk past a poster or painting and want to remember a certain colour combination interesting use of medium unusual perspective on an ordinary subject.......

Then capture it in your book. Do a thumbnail or make some notes.

Use your book as a memory aid....

• jot down ideas, thoughts, colors schemes, emotional responses to what you see and experience.
• a particularly unusual cloud formation
• bright sunlight streaming through trees

The list is endless!

Lawn maintenance

The above photo is of a simple pencil study. It has been done swiftly. The shape of the landscape has beeh noted; with more detail to the buildings. Spot the added words? Great pieces of information so the artist knows what textures and colours to use.

Interested in doing more sketching? Have a look at the materials page to see where you can purchase some basic materials