First: Nov 14, 2023 | Updated: Nov 25 2025

Urban Sketching in Singapore

At Chalk N Pencils, we believe in inspiring creativity in adults through engaging and educational art experiences. Urban sketching has become increasingly popular in Singapore, offering a unique way to capture the vibrant essence of city life. On occasion we will organise plein-air sketching sessions for our adult students, allowing them to explore and draw the urban landscape.

Group of six people standing by a waterfront holding up sketch drawings of nearby buildings and scenery along clark quay.

The Essence of Urban Sketching

Urban sketching is about capturing the world around you as it happens. It involves drawing on location, whether it’s bustling city streets, serene parks, or quaint cafes. The charm of urban sketching lies in its spontaneity and the ability to record fleeting moments with quick, expressive strokes.

Urban sketching offers numerous benefits:

Mindfulness: It encourages you to slow down and observe your surroundings more closely.
Creativity: It challenges you to interpret and depict the world in your unique style.
Connection: It fosters a deeper connection with the environment and its people.

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Getting Started with Urban Sketching

If you’re new to urban sketching, here are some tips to get you started:

Choosing the Right Sketching Materials

Sketchbook: Opt for a portable sketchbook with thick pages that can handle various media.
Pencils and Pens: Start with basic pencils and waterproof ink pens. These are versatile tools for sketching on the go.
Watercolours: A small watercolour set can add a splash of colour to your sketches.

Finding Inspiring Sketching Locations in Singapore

Historic Districts: Chinatown, Little India and Clarke Quay offer rich cultural scenes and vibrant architecture.
Parks and Gardens: Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Botanic Gardens provide lush, green spaces perfect for plein air sketching.
Cityscapes: The Marina Bay and Singapore River area offers stunning urban views and modern architectural marvels.

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Tips and Strategies for Successful Urban Sketching

To elevate your urban sketching skills, consider these advanced tips:

Practising Perspective and Composition

Practice drawing perspective grids to understand how buildings and streets converge.
Experiment with different compositions to find dynamic and engaging layouts.

Using Light and Shadow

Pay attention to the direction of light and how it casts shadows.
Use contrasts between light and dark areas to add drama and interest to your sketches.

Incorporating People and Movement

Capture the essence of people with quick, gestural lines.
Show movement by repeating elements or using directional lines.

Keeping a Regular Sketching Practice

Dedicate time each week to sketching in different locations.
Review your work regularly to identify areas for improvement and celebrate progress.

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Outdoor Inkwash Drawing at Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Singapore

Community and Resources

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For those interested in further exploring urban sketching, consider joining local groups that hold frequent outdoor sketching sessions:

Urban Sketchers Singapore: USkSG is a local community of artists passionate about showing SG through on-location sketching. Sketchwalks are organised monthly on the last Saturday of the month.
Weekend Sketchers: A get-together to paint, draw, sketch, share art experiences and capture joy moments together, mostly on Sundays.
Cafe Sketchers Singapore: A friendly group that combines the love of sketching with visits to various cafes around the city.

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Group of adults and children sitting outdoors on pavement, engaged in sketching and watercolor painting activities.

You can even bring your kids along!
The session above was with Weekend Sketchers at Harbourfront.

Urban Sketching Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions?
We’ve got answers!

1. How can I improve my confidence in urban sketching?

Improving confidence comes with practice and experience. Start by sketching familiar places and gradually challenge yourself with more complex scenes. Joining a local sketching group, or enrolling in a structured Adult Art Class, can also provide the support, encouragement, and technical foundation required to accelerate your skills.

2. What are the best essential materials for a beginner urban sketcher?

We recommend keeping your kit light! An excellent starting point is a permanent waterproof ink pen (like a fineliner), a small set of watercolours (a travel palette is ideal), a water brush pen, and a quality sketchbook. This combination is versatile and requires minimal setup, making the plein air sketching less daunting. You can find all these essentials at various Art Supply Stores in Singapore.

3. What are some good warm-up exercises for plein air sketching?

Begin your session with quick, five-minute sketches to loosen up your wrist and eye. Focus on gesture drawing to capture the scene’s energy and essential lines, rather than worrying about fine details. Practising basic perspective exercises before starting a detailed piece will also help you get into the flow and build confidence quickly.

4. How do I handle curious onlookers while sketching in public?

Engaging with onlookers can often be a positive experience. Be friendly and open to brief conversations—most people are simply curious and appreciative of your art. If you prefer deep focus, politely thank them for their interest and explain that you need to concentrate, or use headphones as a gentle visual cue.

5. What should I bring to an urban sketching session besides art supplies?

Bring essentials for personal comfort and safety, such as a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, water, and a portable, lightweight stool for sketching comfortably. A small bag to carry your supplies and a camera or phone for capturing reference photographs or notes can also be very helpful.

6. Can urban sketching be combined with other forms of art?

Absolutely! Urban sketching is a versatile foundation. Sketches often serve as quick studies for more detailed works created later in the studio. It can be integrated with other media, such as mixed media collage, or serve as the basis for digital painting or illustration.

Building a Strong Foundation for Urban Sketching

Our adult art classes focus on developing essential drawing skills that form the backbone of urban sketching. By mastering techniques like composition, perspective, and creative expression in our studio sessions, you’ll build a solid foundation that enhances your ability to capture the vibrancy of urban environments. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these classes will elevate your urban sketching skills to new heights.

For more information or to book a trial class, visit our Adult Art Class page today.