Recently, at the urging of some friends, I attended a Saturday morning Urban Sketching class. Over the course of 90 minutes, our instructor, Marcia Schrotenboer, introduced us to the essentials of sketching, delivering a well-organized and inspiring session. Her central message was clear: “Draw what you see.” It wasn’t about perfection, but rather about slowing down, becoming curious, and deeply engaging with the world around us—one sketch at a time.
The Basics of Urban Sketching
Urban sketching is about capturing moments, whether indoors or outdoors, through direct observation. These drawings aren’t just sketches; they tell a story. It could be the story of a quiet coffee shop corner or a bustling city street. Every drawing is a personal snapshot of a place or moment in time that caught your attention. For me, urban sketching has heightened my awareness of my surroundings and has brought a new level of mindfulness to how I engage with the world. It has also encouraged me to be more present, which, I’ve found, has positively influenced my relationships. When you’re fully present, the way you interact with others changes—you’re more focused, attentive, and engaged.
The tools are minimal and highly portable. While urban sketchers can use any media, I found a small 8 x 5.5, unlined, slim notebook to be the perfect companion. In class, our instructor encouraged us to use a pen rather than a pencil. Why? The goal is not to erase or perfect, but simply to record what we see. Using a pen allows for more spontaneity, and there’s a certain freedom in not worrying about mistakes. My go-to tool is a .03 Uni Pin fine line pen with water- and fade-proof ink. I find it produces crisp lines that allow me to capture the details of a scene quickly.
While color isn’t necessary, it can certainly add a layer of richness to your sketches. I enjoy adding color, especially during the fall when the world seems to explode into vibrant hues. Whether you prefer colored pencils, markers, or watercolors, the choice is yours. Adding color helps me remember specific scenes more vividly.
Here are a couple of my sketches from the Urban Sketching class I attended.
An outdoor sketch, downtown Holland, MI
A sketch of my shoe
Finding Moments to Sketch
One of the great things about urban sketching is that it can be done anywhere. I’ve sketched in coffee shops, restaurants, at home, and even during events. The practice of sketching has helped me stay more in the moment, as I find myself paying closer attention to details—the lines of a building, the interplay of light and shadow, or the expressions on people’s faces. This heightened awareness leads to a deeper appreciation for my surroundings.
If you’re curious about urban sketching or want to dive deeper, visit Urban Sketchers. For me, urban sketching has become more than just a creative outlet—it’s a way of seeing the world anew, with a fresh perspective that has also strengthened my relationships and deepened my sense of presence. So next time you have a moment, grab a pen, slow down, and start sketching. You may be surprised by how much you discover.