Nov 14, 2023
Urban Sketching in Singapore for Adults
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.
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.
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.
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.
Foundational Art Course for AEP Students
We offer a short course for AEP students, message us to enquire.
Community and Resources
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.
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.