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Urban Sketchy
United Kingdom
Приєднався 2 лип 2021
Welcome to Urban Sketchy! My name is Donald and I'm an urban sketcher from Scotland. On this channel I encourage and inspire others to embrace the benefits of drawing real-life scenes, and I believe anyone can do it, even if you've never picked up a pen in your life, so come join me on my journey into the joys of urban sketching!
I Made My Own Dip Pen From a Stick
I made a dip pen from a stick I found in the garden, then tried sketching with it to see what would happen. Give it a go yourself, it's fun!
BUY ME A COFFEE
If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! Buy Me a Coffee is a simple, meaningful way for fans to support the artists they love. Think of it like a tip for good service. Your support allows me to keep this channel going and help more people embrace the joys of drawing for fun! Thank you.
www.buymeacoffee.com/urbansketchy
MY WEBSITE
Visit the Urban Sketchy website for my sketches, commissions and other sketchy goodness - www.urbansketchy.com
REFERENCE PHOTO
Download from Unsplash, no account required and copyright free -
unsplash.com/photos/ESYkLC9-weY
PRODUCTS USED
Here are the products I used in this video and where I bought them. All sites are based in the UK and ship worldwide. Products marked ** are affiliate links and may earn me a few pennies if you shop through these, at no extra cost to you.
SKETCHBOOK
Pink Pig Watercolour Sketchbook, Ameleie Paper, A5
** Pink Pig - www.the-pink-pig.co.uk/collections/watercolour-books?porc=BqentGwkuFbjAmFeEhqdDlFHyegvEca
INK
De Atramentis Document Ink, Black
Cult Pens - www.cultpens.com/i/q/DA49982/de-atramentis-document-ink
DRAWING GLOVE
Wacom Drawing Glove, left and right handed
Amazon - www.amazon.co.uk/Wacom-Drawing-Glove-drawing-left-handers/dp/B09L3K4V5Q/
BUY ME A COFFEE
If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! Buy Me a Coffee is a simple, meaningful way for fans to support the artists they love. Think of it like a tip for good service. Your support allows me to keep this channel going and help more people embrace the joys of drawing for fun! Thank you.
www.buymeacoffee.com/urbansketchy
MY WEBSITE
Visit the Urban Sketchy website for my sketches, commissions and other sketchy goodness - www.urbansketchy.com
REFERENCE PHOTO
Download from Unsplash, no account required and copyright free -
unsplash.com/photos/ESYkLC9-weY
PRODUCTS USED
Here are the products I used in this video and where I bought them. All sites are based in the UK and ship worldwide. Products marked ** are affiliate links and may earn me a few pennies if you shop through these, at no extra cost to you.
SKETCHBOOK
Pink Pig Watercolour Sketchbook, Ameleie Paper, A5
** Pink Pig - www.the-pink-pig.co.uk/collections/watercolour-books?porc=BqentGwkuFbjAmFeEhqdDlFHyegvEca
INK
De Atramentis Document Ink, Black
Cult Pens - www.cultpens.com/i/q/DA49982/de-atramentis-document-ink
DRAWING GLOVE
Wacom Drawing Glove, left and right handed
Amazon - www.amazon.co.uk/Wacom-Drawing-Glove-drawing-left-handers/dp/B09L3K4V5Q/
Переглядів: 549
Відео
I Tried Sketching with an Antique Quill & Ink Well
Переглядів 3682 роки тому
I stepped back in time to see if I could try sketching with an antique quill and ink well, owned by my parents. The experience was quite unlike anything else I have ever drawn with! BUY ME A COFFEE If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! Buy Me a Coffee is a simple, meaningful way for fans to support the artists they love. Think of it like a tip ...
Painting a Watercolour Christmas Wreath
Переглядів 1552 роки тому
It's Christmas! To celebrate the season, I had my very first go at drawing and painting a Christmas wreath in ink and watercolour. The reference photo is included below if you'd like to try it yourself. Merry Christmas! BUY ME A COFFEE If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! Buy Me a Coffee is a simple, meaningful way for fans to support the arti...
How To Draw A Vintage Camera
Переглядів 2932 роки тому
I inherited several vintage cameras from my uncle, so I thought I’d try to draw one! Follow my drawing in real-time, and have a go yourself if you’d like. I also share lots of drawing tips and my thoughts on making drawing more fun by embracing your mistakes. I have never drawn anything like this before, so if I can do it, you can too! BUY ME A COFFEE If you enjoy my videos and would like to su...
How I Draw Perspective Without the Mumbo Jumbo
Переглядів 4852 роки тому
Do the rules of drawing buildings in perspective leave you in a muddle? Me too! In this video I try drawing a highly cluttered street scene featuring a narrow sharply angled building in Tokyo, Japan, without any of the usual perspective mumbo jumbo. It also give me a chance to share my approach to dealing with mistakes, because there's plenty of those. BUY ME A COFFEE If you enjoy my videos and...
The Next Phase of My Street Sketching Style
Переглядів 5252 роки тому
After weeks of drawing experiments, I settle into the next phase of my urban sketching style by trying out a drawing of a jumbled street scene in New Orleans. BUY ME A COFFEE If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! Buy Me a Coffee is a simple, meaningful way for fans to support the artists they love. Think of it like a tip for good service. Your ...
Adding Bold Contrast to a Venice Bridge Sketch, But is it Too Much?
Переглядів 2512 роки тому
Does a bold and graphic high contrast black and white style work for urban street sketches? I try using the technique to sketch the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy, to find out just that. I also try out a new drawing glove. Ooh, that is exciting, I hear you say. And you're right, it is. BUY ME A COFFEE If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! Buy M...
Sketching Indoor Scenes :: In Celebration of the Urban Sketchers Movement
Переглядів 3442 роки тому
In this video I chat about an epic 5 hour sketch I did in celebration of the Urban Sketchers movement and the upcoming Urban Sketchers Symposium in Auckland New Zealand - a gathering of urban sketchers from around the world. I also try a new bold high contrast way of colouring my sketches. BUY ME A COFFEE If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! B...
My Most Ambitious Urban Sketch So Far
Переглядів 5042 роки тому
In this video I take on the most complicated urban sketch I have ever tried, a Venice bridge scene with loads of texture and a dreaded sweeping staircase. I can never draw stairs. BUY ME A COFFEE If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! Buy Me a Coffee is a simple, meaningful way for fans to support the artists they love. Think of it like a tip fo...
Sketching Busy Urban Scenes :: New York City
Переглядів 2302 роки тому
In this video I attempt to sketch a busy New York City street scene featuring the iconic Radio City Music Hall. So much complexity and clutter, this was a real challenge to figure it all out. Come see how I got on! BUY ME A COFFEE If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! Buy Me a Coffee is a simple, meaningful way for fans to support the artists t...
The Sketch That Ended My Urban Sketching Rut
Переглядів 5932 роки тому
Lately my urban sketching attempts have been in the doldrums, not turning out very well and leaving me a bit uninspired. Then I tried sketching this highly complex scene of the "L" train in Chicago, and suddenly things clicked again. I thought I'd share it with you in the hope it might offer some hope and inspiration, should you find yourself similarly struggling with your sketches. BUY ME A CO...
My First Try With Cheap Alcohol Sketch Markers
Переглядів 3702 роки тому
Are cheap alcohol sketch markers any good? To find out, I try a sketch with a set of markers at a fraction of the cost of Copics, from the brand Stationary Island. The subject I'm sketching is the front entrance to Buckingham Palace, London, where the newly crowned King Charles sits on his fancy throne. BUY ME A COFFEE If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me, please consider buying ...
Ever Tried Sketching in Sepia? Me Neither 😀
Переглядів 1,2 тис.2 роки тому
Well, I've finally done it. Eighteen months after buying them, I have at long last tried a sketch with my Faber Castell sepia toned brush pens. This is all part of my new determination to save money by using up the supplies I alreay have rather than keeping buying new urban sketching kit every five minutes. The subject I'm sketching is Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland. BUY ME A COFFEE If you enj...
How To Keep Sketching in a Cost of Living Crisis
Переглядів 3962 роки тому
In the midst of a cost of living crisis, many of us will be struggling financially and wondering how we're even going to heat our homes or put food on the table. But where does that leave our hobbies and interests, such an important part of maintaining our mental health? How do we manage to keep sketching and making art if we can't afford the necessary supplies? In this video I share 5 ideas I ...
Sunflower :: A Calming Sketch Meditation
Переглядів 1692 роки тому
In our hectic lives it can be hugely beneficial to take some time out for a bit of peace and relaxation. In this video I offer you the chance to do just that. The idea is to watch this simple sketch of a sunflower in real-time, let the sounds wash over you, and try to drift yourself into a trance-like happy place. Falling asleep is allowed and encouraged :o) BUY ME A COFFEE If you enjoy my vide...
Nature Sketching Basics :: A Simple Rose
Переглядів 1502 роки тому
Nature Sketching Basics :: A Simple Rose
A Simple Way to Draw Complex Architectural Details
Переглядів 3842 роки тому
A Simple Way to Draw Complex Architectural Details
My Top 5 Films To Inspire Your Art 👩🎨 🎥
Переглядів 2652 роки тому
My Top 5 Films To Inspire Your Art 👩🎨 🎥
Don’t Mind Me, I’m Just Sketching a Pink Castle
Переглядів 3682 роки тому
Don’t Mind Me, I’m Just Sketching a Pink Castle
Setting Sail on an Ink & Watercolour Voyage ⛵️
Переглядів 4072 роки тому
Setting Sail on an Ink & Watercolour Voyage ⛵️
LAMY Scala :: Is a Posh Drawing Pen Worth It?
Переглядів 1,1 тис.2 роки тому
LAMY Scala :: Is a Posh Drawing Pen Worth It?
I Tried Sketching Without a Pencil Plan 😬
Переглядів 5512 роки тому
I Tried Sketching Without a Pencil Plan 😬
Sketchy Fun With a LAMY Safari Fountain Pen
Переглядів 9162 роки тому
Sketchy Fun With a LAMY Safari Fountain Pen
Ink & Watercolour Postcards For Beginners
Переглядів 8612 роки тому
Ink & Watercolour Postcards For Beginners
Sketch With Me :: Pen & Ink Fisherman's Cottage
Переглядів 6242 роки тому
Sketch With Me :: Pen & Ink Fisherman's Cottage
Urban Sketching Takes Your Troubles Away 😌
Переглядів 4162 роки тому
Urban Sketching Takes Your Troubles Away 😌
Paint First, Pen Second :: Loose & Wild Ink and Watercolour
Переглядів 1,4 тис.2 роки тому
Paint First, Pen Second :: Loose & Wild Ink and Watercolour
Ink & Watercolour Idea For Beginners :: Paint Down First
Переглядів 13 тис.2 роки тому
Ink & Watercolour Idea For Beginners :: Paint Down First
Thank you, this is a very warm and open message. I'm a wheelchair user, my local USk group is very open and accepting to me, though sometimes the locations we go to are not accessible to me. Sadly this country is very hostile towards disabled people. But at least the communit is lovely
Thank you, very happy that you found this video of value. That’s great to hear your local sketch group is welcoming, it makes a big difference in a world where you can be treated like an outsider. Hope you continue to sketch and enjoy it. All the best.
I am new, love your tips and the shering
Love what you're doing here hemiplegic after stroke so challenging to fulfil the whole urban sketching methods eg hard to get out live in a care home i dont have all the equipment yet i have a police style notepad because its slim and tucks into a little bag attached to the arm of my wheelchair its thin lined paper so not ideal ok for mini sketches not very big also golf pencils about half size of standsrd pencil with eraser on end so no need for separate eraser i might bend the rules a bit such as using photos but original mini sketches done on location sometimes i draw inside the care home in the communal dining room so another rule ill be bending is what counts as on location i read a definition of urban sketching that just said drawing what we see around us by direct observation which does for me its just to make it easier on myself i dont get out to grand places the care home i live in has extensive grounds and is on a main road so some rich pickings if interpretation is liberally applied i dont have a paint set yet im stuck with just graphite pencil at the moment but ive been out in the cold and sat at the gates with cars whizzing by on the road outside so i think i earned a bit of a right to consider it urban sketching im just starting out so ive a long way to go before i get to doing it to its fullest meaning im so glad to have found you im inspired a fellow urban sketcher with a disability i am on facebook and look out for others there is great whst youre doing hope you dont mind my tagging along for the ride
Thanks for your message, that’s great you are getting a lot of benefit from sketching. You’re right, any drawing from observation fits the urban sketching definition, but drawing from photos is also fun and is still art. The benefits of doing it are the same. Hope you continue to be inspired 🙂
I’m considering getting it. His class looks really interesting :) wish I could do his technique with a brush pen… I have tried India ink on a water brush and they tend to clog it… I might try it with waterproof fountain pen ink… ❤thanks for the review
Glad you found it helpful. I think brushes should be okay if it’s very watered down ink like he uses. Brush pens do work to an extent but the result is a bit different. That’s the direction I went in using Faber Castell india ink markers (pitt artist brush pens). Cheers.
As someone who draws their lines out to that scratchy bold by default I think I'm going to have to give this a try. I always liked the classic style sketching you'd see looking at historic documents like some of Darwins sketches of various plants and animals. Should make for a fun project. I'll have to sketch one of my cats or something from the garden.
Does sound a fun project. Good luck!
Love the wonky style and I'm a huge fan of my cheap Lamy too!! Sorry you left! Love, love the accent as well!
Thank you Patty, very kind 😊 I’m sure I’ll be back making videos again at some point, if/when I have more time. Thanks for the compliment on my accent 😅
Bless you Donald, thank you for sharing your story in this video. You have a super attitude, and a lovely sense of humour. (PS, my late great uncle Ian McGregor was manager of Glenmorangie distillery) . Well done for creating this channel, and finding a unique and quirky style that works for you.
Very nice to hear that, thank you. I haven’t made any videos for about a year now but it’s nice to know they’re still being found occasionally. I will raise a glass to your great uncle then! 🥃
@UrbanSketchy Aw, I hope you're keeping okay. I just discovered your channel so I'm having a wee binge-watch. I'm a Scottish Artist/Urban Sketcher too. Take care 🤗
I’m doing grand thanks. Lovely to meet a fellow Scottish sketcher. Enjoy your binge watching, hope it doesn’t get too repetitive 😅
Continuous Line method is great for this kinda thing 😊
I tried continuous line drawing but it ended up more like continuous random scribbles 😅
Hah, I very much enjoy your commentary 😃
I can’t even remember what I would have been wittering on about, but thank you 😊
Blair Castle, I believe. The way you hold your pen looks similar to the correct way to hold a brush in Chinese painting
Yes indeed, Blair Castle. That’s interesting, I didn’t know that about Chinese painting. Cheers!
My mother said that drawing is not worth it and my husband said that I'm vad at it (which I'm not)
Sorry to hear that. Hope that doesn’t put you off drawing, if you enjoy it that’s all that matters. Apologies for the delayed reply.
Do younhabevwny videos about your watercolor palette? I can't find it
Any of my watercolour videos have details and links in the description, and I think usually in the video as well. I use Van Gogh watercolours from Royal Talens. Hope that helps.
Very good 👍
Thank you 👍
I found this video very inspiring, Donald. I'm recently retired and have no artistic background, but I've decided to learn urban sketching. Thanks for being transparent with your early endeavors. For what it's worth, I think your first attempt at a cityscape was awesome. 🙂
Nice to hear that, thank you. That’s great you’re getting into sketching, it’s a very satisfying thing to get into. Hopefully this video shows the need to be patient at the beginning while you figure things out. Glad you liked the cityscape. Back then I had the idea to scan and print copies of it which I then coloured in different ways as an experiment. Tried it with watercolour, the paper shrivelled up and the printer ink bled all over the page. I was clueless back then 😅 Thanks for watching.
I was in Edinburgh right before covid, what a neat town! I must have eaten at "The Conan Doyle" 5-6 times!
Glad you enjoyed it here! I’ve not actually been into the Conan Doyle, will need to check it out sometime.
Really interesting. Thanks so much for sharing your process and your work-in-progress pieces.
Thanks Lauren, happy to hear you found it of interest 😊
Hi Donald, I've not seen you here for a while. I hope you're okay. I look forward to seeing a post soon because I like your art! Carolyn (art for art's sake)
Hi Carolyn, thanks for your message. Nice to hear that. No I haven’t made any videos for a while, been so busy with other things and UA-cam does require a quite a time commitment. Hopefully I can pick it up again at some point. Hope your art is going well. Cheers, Donald.
Just found you today and binge-watching everything! Love this channel. Subscribed!
Thank you, that’s lovely. Glad you’re enjoying it 😊
i tried this tonight - TOTAL DISASTER! i only had a dark/medium blue and...oh boy what a mess
I feel your pain, I’ve had plenty of art disasters in my time. Well done for trying it. Hope you’re not put off trying again, it’s all good learning experience. The randomness of the technique means it’s different every time, next one might be great! Good luck 🙂
Even though I have a different style, your art is amazing and videos have been super helpful in my journey!
Thanks very much, appreciate that. Best of luck on your artistic journey 😊
💫💫 I admire your technique and your determination to learn and improve. To be fair, I can't see anything needed to be improved. However, every artist knows what they would like to achieve. I'm so glad that I came across your channel. Thank you so much for Donald for sharing your art thoughts and knowledge 🙌
Thanks a lot for the feedback, appreciate that. Glad you found it of interest 🙂
Thank you for sharing brother, I'm having a hard time breaking out of my shell.
Thanks for watching, hope it was some help.
What a nice sketch and pen! Would you mind sharing the nib size that you used here? Thanks!
Thank you. I think it was a fine nib. Mostly I would use the extra fine nib though. There’s not a lot of noticeable difference between them. Hope that helps 🙂
@@UrbanSketchy thank you!
💕🙏🏼💕
Loved this! Thank you for sharing ... 💕🙏🏼💕
Appreciated, thanks for watching 😊
I love your wobbly lines. They add character and free up the perfectionist in me. Thank you!
Thanks Kathleen. It definitely helps to get away from perfectionism!
Great video, much appreciated. Actually, I liked your "nightmare" drawing. And I am sure you know Ian Fennelly. Nuff said.
Hi Thomas, thanks for your comments, glad you enjoyed it. Yes I do know Ian’s work, he’s great. Cheers, Donald.
Wow. Subscribed. I’m excited to check out your channel and what is yet to come.
Thanks Abi. I’m taking a break from UA-cam at the moment but plenty existing videos to check out 🙂
Thanks Abi. I’m taking a break from UA-cam at the moment but plenty existing videos to check out 🙂
@@UrbanSketchy - Thank you
I love your wibbly-wobly style
Appreciate that, thanks 😊
I do enjoy watching your videos then watch again whilst trying to follow along with you. THANKS very much Donald
Yes I do find that is a good way to learn, watch first then give it a go. Glad you find it helpful. Cheers.
After your success with the stick you will find that sketching with a bamboo dip pen a doddle. Very nice
Thanks Lesley, I will have to try it sometime.
I laughed heartedly when I saw the title of your work this morning Donald. Congratulations for having a go. That turned out really well. I must say I could not believe how well it worked when I first tried it. I know there is an artist in Asia who draws exclusively with sticks he finds on his walks and he does beautiful work. After all a stick was almost certainly the first writing and drawing implement. Can’t wait for your next posting.
Thanks Sue. Well since it was your suggestion that I try this, if it all went wrong you were going to be getting the blame 😄 Having tried it now I can see why artists might use sticks as a legitimate tool, it seems you can make very expressive marks. That’s true, sticks would have been the first artistic tools. The only thing left for me to do now is start finger painting on the walls of caves 😅
That's so cool! I've heard about drawing with a stick but never gave it a try. Your sketch is a boat with no squint. You have really grasped the essence of drawing with these tools (quill and stick). Remarkable!
Thank you 😊 The stick thing is well worth a try, you could even just use the stick as it is without making a pointy tip. What I most like about these old fashioned tools is that you have no idea what the sketch will look like, it’s very different to using a normal pen. Cheers!
These vids are perfect, you also sketch slowly so I learn so much more
Thanks Leslie, yes I do draw at the slower end of the scale! Glad you found it helpful.
Holy guaccamole, Donald! THAT is the sketching style I love the most out of all the styles I've seen so far. I've only seen one other person draw like that. And I LOVE those lines. It is something I long to be able to do, but my nature just does not give in. As for the ink in the pot, there's only one thing you can do with it: use it up with that quill :D Wonderful sketch!
Fab! Glad you liked it. Funny how changing the instrument can dramatically change the way you can draw. Maybe you should try it yourself? I guess the trick will be finding some kind of pen that can make such varied marks. I’m not sure the quill is a practical long term solution, the squeaky sound of it on the paper is unbearable 😄 As for the pot, the ink has now congealed inside the well so is unusable. I think there was some loose rusty bits in the metal and it’s mixed with the ink. It’s going back to being an ornament again.
Really cool to watch while you shared your enthusiasm. Not fun to hear that scratchy scratch through earphones 😮
Thanks Lesley. Sorry about the scratchy noise, I was just thinking that people would be interested to hear what it sounded like to draw with this strange instrument. I had to listen to that for the entire drawing! To think people used to write novels with these. I would have to wear earplugs. Apologies again 🙂
Have you tried a bamboo pen or a Japanese brush pen?
Hi Lesley, no I haven’t tried those. I hadn’t even heard of a bamboo pen until yesterday. Something I will look into. Thanks!
There are various ways you could use up the ink in your pot, Donald. The easiest and cheapest would be using a sharpened stick. I have done that with sticks I have found in the backyard. That can be quite fun as long as the stick is not too dry that it snaps under pressure. You could use a dip pen. It would be interesting to know how different that is compared to the quill. Glass tip pens are easy and cheap to buy on Amazon. They are fun to use too. The last time I was in London, 2019 I visited an art shop. Everything was so expensive that the only thing I could afford was a bamboo dip pen. That was fun to watch. I could hear the excitement in your voice.
A stick! I would never have thought of that. I was in fact reading about dip pens this evening, they do seem to be quite cheap, I will look into this more for sure. Thanks for the tips. And glad you enjoyed it, I did find this a fun one to do. Even my parents were surprised this worked, they’d had the quill for years but never tried using it.
Wow, this looks so good and the lines have a really nice scratchy-ish look
Thanks Ali, yes the lines produced with this were so different and unpredictable. It would be pretty much impossible to achieve my usual kind of drawings with this, but I really liked the natural line variation you get without having to force it. Cheers!
Loved the quill experiment. Have you ever done a crayon experiment? You might find it enjoyable as well..... hint: find/use a big piece of newsprint paper.
Thanks Jim. A fun experiment, like stepping back to the old days. Yes I have indeed tried crayons, not in a video but it was something I played with briefly. It didn’t work for me but thanks for the suggestion, always like to hear new ideas 🙂 Cheers, Donald.
Fun and lovely. Thank you.
Thanks for watching Carla, glad you enjoyed 🙂
That is amazing!!!
Thank you Colette 😊
This is lovely! Great sketch, Donald
Thanks for saying, appreciate it! Cheers, Donald.
That is a truly fine wreath. The layers really gave depth to it. Excellent job!
Thanks! This is the beauty of watercolour, you can just keep sloshing on the layers until it looks like you knew what you were doing 😄
Lovely work again, Donald. I really enjoyed watching you do that. The door knocker in particular was fascinating.
Thanks Sue. Yes the door knocker surprised me, the way the watercolour dried did give an unintentional 3D effect and the gel pen somehow made it look more metallic. Bit of an accidental success there!
nicely done Donald
Thanks Lesley 🙂
Thanks. I will give this a go
Grand, it’s a fun one to try. Enjoy!