There is something very special about city sketching. Perhaps it’s the energy of the people, the bustle of the streets, or simply how you can never quite get away from city life. Whether you’re a student or a professional, there’s nothing like capturing your cityscape with a sketchbook and some pencils. In this article, we’ll show you how to create two simple city location drawings using just a few basic tools.
The purpose of this lesson is to teach you how to create a fine urban location drawing in a sketchbook using black line and cross hatching. By following the steps outlined, you will be able to quickly and easily capture the essential features of an urban setting.
1) You can take a stroll down any busy street in your chosen city and observe all of the different shapes and perspectives that can be found. Once you have an idea of what you want to draw, head to an open space and start to draw—using light and smooth lines—the buildings and other landmarks that stand out most to you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and viewpoints, as this will help you to develop your own unique style when drawing urban scenes.
Once you’re happy with your initial City Sketching it’s time to start filling them in with more detail.
2) Next, start adding details with cross hatching. Use small, evenly-spaced strokes to add shadows, highlights, and detail to your drawing. Be sure to vary the intensity of your markings depending on the light source and the tone of your scene.
3) Once all of your details are in place, finish up by adding finishing touches with a brush or pencil. Using light and dark tones will help to create depth and dimensionality in your drawing.
4) Finally, take time to experiment with different vantage points and perspectives to get a fuller understanding of your work. Remember: a good sketchbook is a tool that can be used for endless creative exploration!
Thank you for reading! We hope you've found our city sketching tips helpful. Until next time, take care!