Urban Sketching Workshops 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. We occasionally 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 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.

Plein-Air-Singapore-Things-you-need-Chalk-n-Pencils

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

Benefits of Participating in Urban Sketching Workshops

Joining Chalk N Pencils’ urban sketching workshops offers several advantages:

Guided Instruction: Learn from experienced artists who provide personalised guidance and tips.
Community: Connect with other sketchers and share ideas, techniques, and feedback.
Exploration: Discover new parts of the city and see familiar places from fresh perspectives.
Feedback: Receive constructive critiques that help you refine your skills and grow as an artist.

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.

At Chalk N Pencils, our adult art classes help you build the fundamentals to become a better urban artist. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, our classes offer comprehensive instruction in techniques, composition, and creative expression.

FAQs

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 sketching group can also provide support and encouragement.

What are some good warm-up exercises for plein air sketching?
Begin with quick, five-minute sketches to loosen up. Focus on gesture drawing to capture the scene’s essence without worrying about details. These warm-ups help you get into the flow and build confidence.

How do I handle curious onlookers while sketching in public?
Engaging with onlookers can be a positive experience. Be friendly and open to conversations. Use headphones if you prefer to focus, and remember that most people are simply curious and appreciative of your art.

What should I bring to an urban sketching session besides art supplies?
Bring essentials like a hat, sunscreen, water, and a portable stool for comfort. A small bag to carry your supplies and a camera or phone for reference photos can also be helpful.

Can urban sketching be combined with other forms of art?
Absolutely! Urban sketching can be a starting point for more detailed works or integrated with other media like photography, digital art, or collage. It offers a versatile foundation for various artistic explorations.

Conclusion

Urban sketching offers a delightful way to explore the city, capture its essence, and express creativity. At Chalk N Pencils, we provide workshops and classes that guide you through the fundamentals and help you develop your skills. Join us for an urban sketching workshop and experience the thrill of plein-air sketching.

For more information and to book a trial class, visit our Adult Art Class page or Book a Trial now.

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$5 off a trial art class at Chalk N Pencils when you click through this link and send us a message on WhatsApp.

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Chalk n Pencils @ New Bahru

5.0

Based on 40 reviews

Thea Tan

00:26 30 Sep 24

Chalk n Pencils' beautiful new space at New Bahru provides a conducive space for art making and is a good place to soothe your soul. Workshops and classes are conducted by artists and one thing you can count on is that Ms Kheng always uses quality materials in her studio.Attended a rubber stamp carving workshop yesterday for Design Week and really enjoyed myself. Strongly recommend anyone who is around the area to pop by and take a look. There's also a corner where you can shop!

Trish Johnstone

23:56 29 Sep 24

I attended a stamp carving workshop as a part of Singapore Design Week. Priscilla is a talented artist who loves sharing her knowledge, and is a natural teacher. It was also lovely to meet others in the class and chat in a relaxed and casual setting.

See Yong Xin

03:58 29 Sep 24

A beautifully designed studio on the 4th floor of New Bahru, Chalk n Pencils is a lovely respite from the bustle of Singapore for some quiet and restful artmaking. We attended Priscillia's stamp carving workshop as part of Singapore Design Week and had so much fun. She was patient, approachable, and skilled. Looking forward to more artful experiences at Chalk n Pencils! 🙂

YX C

15:57 28 Sep 24

Sessions at Chalk N Pencils are fun with a great ambience for creation. Priscilla has been very gracious hosting events and was incredible with sharing tips and tricks in her workshops

Vivian Ho

14:16 28 Sep 24

I took a rubber carving class, and it was a fantastic experience! The instructor was patient and knowledgeable, making it easy for beginners to follow along. I loved the hands-on approach, and by the end, I created a detailed design I didn’t think was possible. The class had a fun, relaxed atmosphere, and the small size allowed for personal attention. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to try something new

Vivian

14:14 28 Sep 24

Nicole Ow

13:50 28 Sep 24

Thanks Priscilla for teaching us how to use the stamp carving tools safely for different effects and steps during today’s workshop. 👍 Appreciate the suggestions to improve the design to make it more interesting.The New Bahru studio also has a lot of creative works around for a relaxing and inspiring environment.

Charissa Tham

09:46 28 Sep 24

My friend and I went for the stamp carving session this weekend and we had the best time. Priscilia was very patient and helpful in guiding us through the tools and process.Now I’m considering taking the adult painting class!

Janice Loh

10:48 22 Sep 24

Mei Wah Ho

01:29 21 Sep 24

I recently took my kid to Chalk n Pencils @ New Bahru during our vacation, and we had an amazing experience! The studio is bright and inviting, filled with all kinds of creative supplies. The instructors are incredibly friendly and encouraging, helping the kids explore their creativity in a fun way. My child loved the variety of projects available, from painting to crafting.The atmosphere is relaxed, and it's clear that the staff genuinely care about nurturing the kids' artistic talents. My kid left with huge smiles and their own masterpieces! We’re dropping by during our vacation, and we can’t wait to see if it opens up near our neighborhood! We’ll definitely be returning for more classes and events. Highly recommend for any young artist!

Jose Kasijo

11:53 20 Sep 24

We had so much fun for a team gathering here. Highly recommended!

Raymond Joanne

15:21 17 Sep 24

We had a wonderful experience with Priscilia. Before we even started, she took the time to brainstorm ideas with us, considering the setting of our new home to ensure the painting would be a perfect fit. During the session, she expertly guided me, my husband, and our 3-year-old boy through various techniques to achieve different strokes. It’s definitely not easy to involve a young child in painting, but she managed to engage our son, allowing him to contribute to some areas of the artwork. Her friendly and pleasant demeanor made the whole experience enjoyable, and we're absolutely thrilled with the outcome. We can't wait to display it in our home!

Shasha Lubis

10:32 13 Sep 24

Recently attended a guided live portrait drawing session at Chalk N Pencils, and it was a fantastic experience! The studio's ambiance is both welcoming and inspiring, creating the perfect environment for creativity. The instructor, Ms Priscilia, was incredibly skilled and provided clear, insightful guidance and demos throughout the session, helping me improve my techniques and confidence in drawing with charcoal. If you're looking for a great place to enhance your art skills, I highly recommend Chalk N Pencils. They hold different types of live sessions too like figure drawing as well as still life! It’s an exceptional blend of instruction, artistry, and a supportive community!

Wuu Angie

11:17 15 Aug 24

My daughter loves their art classes. Ms Priscilla is patient and really has deep knowledge on art. She makes art fun for people. She also helped us with our family painting which we hang proudly in our living room now! ❤️

Ong Gladys

13:19 13 Jul 24

Truly Meow-Mazing to do the Gabby dollhouse art jamming party for my girl’s 8th yr bday party with Chalk N Pencils! It was fuss-free during the planning and discussing the event details , easy to communicate and my queries were addressed promptly. On the actual day, the set-up was done bythe team swiftly and thankful for Chalk N Pencils to provide all materials , furniture and pleased to have 3 staff to oversee , teach and guide the 10 kiddoz on their jamming 😃. The kiddoz enjoyed the painting , learning new art skills and have lots of fun during the party. A small twist of event that we weren’t able to have it at the new studio , but all went well we had the party at our place which made the event accessible and convenient to us and our little guests.

Wenjin Tan

07:28 13 Jul 24

Did 10 sessions of adult coaching classes to improve my watercolour painting skills and Pris was really patient with me. She gave a lot of guidance and also helped to correct some mistakes in my pieces. This was very important to me in looking for a good teacher and I learnt a lot. The school also organises ad-hoc outdoor painting and sketching classes which helped me connect with other like-minded people and improve my skills beyond just watercolour. Classes were fun, affordable and flexible. Unfortunately, I’ve to leave the country for work, otherwise, I would’ve continued! Thanks to Pris and the rest of the teachers for an amazing time, I hope to be back soon!

chienling chua

04:39 12 Jun 24

The children have been taking art classes here for half a year and have improved a lot in their painting and coloring skills.We love the small class sizes here. The teachers are patient and possess pure art professional skills and experience. There is no need to worry about children being crammed and losing the collaboration and originality of artistic creation.In the child's works, I saw a lot of her own creative concepts and ideas, and the use of art materials is also quite diversified. I can see the hard work of the teacher team! My children look forward to going to art class every week😊Recommended for parents who want their children to immerse themselves in art creation!

Nicole Thong

05:06 24 May 24

My kids love their art classes here.. teacher are warm and caring.. the art lesson really is enriching and enjoyable..

Val ng

04:38 13 May 24

Alexa loves going for art class at Chalk n Pencils every week. She looks forward to learning different techniques for the various art pieces and is always proud to show me her results. The teachers are very patient with her as she tends to overthink and become slower in the creation process. The older sister also enjoys the various workshops/camps during the holidays and looks forward to them year on year!

Yanan Li

15:32 08 Dec 23

My kid totally loves their art class at Chalk n pencils . The teacher makes art super fun for the little ones. The kids learn techniques and get creative in a relaxed setting. My kiddo looks forward to class and has become an awesome little artist thanks to all the encouragement to use their imagination. I'd definitely say check out this art class!

Chalk n Pencils @ Joo Chiat

4.9

Based on 31 reviews

Lim Wee Ting

04:25 22 Aug 24

My 6yo son has been attending weekly art classes at Chalk N Pencils for almost 2 years now, and he has been enjoying his time there thoroughly. The projects are interesting and varied, new techniques are taught to him, and the teachers allow him to incorporate his interest areas into the artwork. He thinks of it as his happy place. Highly recommended!

Omija Lee

03:44 29 Jun 24

My daughter has gone to a few of their classes and has always enjoyed yourself.The art camp has very interesting themes and the teachers are friendly and patient

Karean Lim

22:49 27 Jun 24

We chance upon Chalk n Pencil @ Sunshine Plaza and notice their Holiday Camp program. As my son is “extraordinary” I was concerned initially of him being able to adapt to the programs . The staff approached us and explained to us the programs and reassured us they would be able to accept him as long as we parents be truthful about his conditions .My son attended a 3 days program at their Katong outlet (2 Artists Impressed Painting & 1 Pokeball Sculpture)My husband & I were surprised when we received a mid day update on his art work progress as well as a final day artwork . The staff had also been very professional and courteous.Would definitely be signing up my son for their future programs and recommend others too .

Lee M.

11:17 20 Jun 24

I sent my daughter here for a couple weeks of art camps during her school holiday. She had a wonderful time and made several nice paintings and sculptures. One of them has become her most cherished possession, and she proudly shows it to everyone who visits our home.I like how some of these art camp activities got her interested in fine art. She's in love with impressionism now, and she has been begging me to take her to see some famous impressionist paintings in person. I also appreciate how she was fed decent quality lunches while she attended, for other kids activities feature junk food far too often.Overall, I think the Chalk n Pencils art camps are good wholesome fun, and I would definitely send my daughter back.

Ei Liang Teng

05:57 19 Jun 24

Highly recommend this place for kids. My daughter has been there since 4-5 years old and now my younger son is also going weekly. It’s their favorite class and love going there every week

Flora Tang

06:25 10 Jun 24

Teacher Shasha is very patient and friendly. My son (4.5 years old) enjoys his weekly art class at chalk n pencil. He has already picked up a few art technique and has great improvement in cutting with scissors.

Fulin Tay

05:39 30 Aug 23

Chalk n Pencils is located at sunshine plaza which is centralised and very convenient. Miss Thi and Miss Giselle is friendly and provided professional guidance throughout the art jamming session. It’s all our first time, and we are not sure of what to expect and draw. However, Miss Thi and Miss Giselle explained patiently and helped us with the colour combination. The art studio is well equipped with many colours and tools. We all enjoyed the session and had lots of fun! Thank you all for providing us an awesome experience 🙂

Join Our Community

Eager to start your artistic journey? Join our community of artists in Singapore today! Whether you're looking to learn, create, or simply enjoy the company of fellow art enthusiasts, Chalk N Pencils is the place to be.