Urban sketching completely changed the way I see the world around me. Instead of walking through a city and zoning out, I started looking up, noticing details, paying attention to people’s postures, how light hits buildings, and how trees wrap around signage and sidewalks. If you’re wondering what is Urban Sketching, it’s essentially the practice of drawing on location, from life, in the moment. You bring a sketchbook out into the world—to a cafe, a street corner, a public park, or a train—and draw what you see.
It sounds simple (and it is), but it becomes incredibly rewarding the more you do it. Urban sketching isn't about perfection or style. It's about slowing down, observing, and capturing a moment in your own hand. You can do it in pencil, ink, watercolor, or a mix of media. The important part is that it's drawn from life.
There's something different about sketching from life that no photo can replicate. When I look back at my sketchbooks, I don't just remember the drawing—I remember the sounds of the street, the conversations at the next table, the breeze, the sun. It captures more than just what something looked like; it captures what it felt like to be there.
Key Points for Beginners
- Start small and close to home. You don’t need to travel to Paris to sketch. Your own neighborhood has great material. Start with a view out your window or your favorite coffee shop. The goal is to build the habit.
- Keep your kit simple. A few pens and a sketchbook are enough. Overcomplicating your gear often becomes an excuse not to start. My go-to tools are listed in my urban sketching kit.
- Don’t worry about style at first. Focus on observation. Style evolves naturally with repetition and interest. Let your drawings be wonky and imperfect—that’s part of the charm.
What Is Urban Sketching, Really?
At its core, urban sketching is observational drawing done from life, on location. You’re not using reference photos (although they have their place too—I share urban sketching reference photos for practice). You’re sitting or standing in front of your subject and drawing it in real-time.
The term “Urban Sketching” grew out of a global movement with a strong online and community presence. You’ll see the term used in a lot of books like The Art of Urban Sketching or The Urban Sketching Handbook: 101 Sketching Tips. But even though it has “urban” in the name, you can sketch anywhere: suburban streets, small towns, nature parks, or even inside your own home.
It’s not about the subject. It’s about showing the world from your perspective. It doesn’t matter if your drawing is accurate or technically correct. What matters is the act of looking, noticing, and interpreting.
How I Got Started (and What Helped Me Stick With It)
I started sketching in public by drawing from my parked car. It felt safer than sitting on a bench with people walking past. Over time, I grew more comfortable and started sketching in parks, cafes, and eventually places like New York and Seattle. You can see some of those examples in urban sketching New York or urban sketching Seattle.
My early sketches were rough and quick. I used cheap pens and didn’t care much about the outcome. That attitude is what helped me build consistency. The more I sketched, the more I improved—not just in drawing, but in observation and storytelling.
What helped most was keeping things simple. A pen, a tiny watercolor set, and a small sketchbook. No fancy gear. I focused on quick sketches instead of trying to make a masterpiece every time. That mindset shift made all the difference.
What You Need to Start Urban Sketching
You don’t need much. In fact, the less you carry, the more likely you are to actually sketch. Keeping your kit lightweight removes friction, and it makes it easier to say yes to sketching in small moments.
A Small, Sturdy Sketchbook
One that can handle ink and possibly light washes. I use one that fits in my urban sketching bag, so I always have it with me. You don’t need expensive paper—just something you won’t mind filling up.
A Reliable Pen or Two
I like waterproof ink so I can add watercolor on top. There’s a whole guide on urban sketching pens if you want to explore options. Fine liners, brush pens, or fountain pens all work depending on your style.
A Simple Watercolor Set (Optional)
Something compact. My urban sketching watercolor palette fits in my hand. You can start with just three primary colors and mix everything you need.
A Portable Bag
You can see exactly what I carry in my urban sketching kit, but keep it lightweight so it never feels like a chore. Everything should be able to fit in a small shoulder bag or backpack.
Where to Sketch (and What to Look For)
Don’t overthink it. You can sketch from your window, your front porch, a coffee shop, or a nearby bus stop. You don’t need an iconic landmark or famous skyline.
If you want some inspiration, check out these urban sketching ideas or explore themed exercises like urban sketching people or urban sketching trees.
Here’s what I look for:
- Strong shapes or shadows
- Interesting overlaps of buildings, signs, and trees
- People sitting, standing, or walking
- Fleeting moments like pigeons landing or buses pulling in
The subject doesn’t have to be exciting. A row of parked bikes or a streetlight next to a tree can be enough. The way you interpret it is what makes it unique.
What Urban Sketching Taught Me
Urban sketching made me more present. I don’t scroll my phone in waiting rooms anymore—I sketch. I also don’t beat myself up over “bad drawings” the way I used to. It’s not about good or bad. It’s about showing up and drawing what you see.
Books like Urban Sketching for Beginners and Quick and Lively Urban Sketching helped shift my mindset toward enjoying the process.
I started to embrace quick, loose lines. I even experimented with loose urban sketching to help me let go of perfectionism. That mindset translated into other areas of my creative life, too.
You can also take things further with online urban sketching courses, live workshops, or even follow along with my urban sketching tutorial.
Final Tip: Keep It Fun and Forgiving
The best advice I can give is to sketch often, keep it light, and give yourself permission to be messy. Simple urban sketching is more sustainable than trying to create perfect scenes every time. I even created a breakdown of easy urban sketching for beginners if you’re just getting started.
Eventually, you’ll discover your own preferences—maybe you love using markers, or maybe pen and ink becomes your favorite combo.
Sketching on location can become a personal ritual. A way to remember your days, notice the world, and express yourself without pressure. With enough pages, your sketchbook becomes more than a book—it becomes a journal of where you've been and how you saw it. That’s why I keep showing up to the page.