Urban sketching is the practice of drawing on location, capturing the world around you in real time. Unlike studio drawing, it emphasizes observation, spontaneity, and a personal connection to your surroundings. For beginners, the idea of sketching in public can be intimidating, but with the right approach, it becomes a rewarding creative habit. This guide covers essential tips, recommended materials, and techniques to help you start urban sketching with confidence, especially if you plan to participate in Drawing Week Brussels.
What Is Urban Sketching?
Urban sketching is a global movement that encourages artists to draw from life in cities, towns, and villages. The core philosophy is simple: see the world one sketch at a time. Sketchers often carry a small notebook and a pen or pencil, capturing scenes such as street corners, cafes, parks, and architectural details. The focus is on recording what you see, not creating a perfect photograph. Mistakes are part of the charm. Many urban sketchers share their work online and meet in groups for sketch crawls.
Brussels, with its mix of historic architecture, vibrant street life, and green spaces, is an ideal city for urban sketching. During Drawing Week Brussels, you can join guided sketch walks and workshops tailored to all skill levels.
Essential Gear for Beginners
You don't need expensive equipment to start urban sketching. The key is portability and simplicity. Here's a basic kit:
- Sketchbook: Choose a hardcover or softcover book that fits in your bag. A5 size (148 x 210 mm) is popular. Brands like Moleskine, Stillman & Birn, or Leuchtturm1917 offer good options. Paper weight should be at least 100 gsm to handle light washes if you add watercolor.
- Pen: A waterproof fineliner is essential if you plan to add watercolor later. The Sakura Pigma Micron (sizes 01, 03, 05) is reliable and costs around €3-5 per pen. Alternatively, try a fountain pen with waterproof ink, like a Lamy Safari (€20) with De Atramentis Document Ink.
- Pencil: A mechanical pencil (0.5 mm or 0.7 mm) with HB or 2B lead is great for initial sketches. Brands like Pentel or Staedtler are widely available in Brussels art shops such as Artiscope (Rue de la Régence 58) or Boesner (Chaussée de Louvain 435).
- Watercolor set: A compact pocket set like the Winsor & Newton Cotman (€25-30) or Kuretake Gansai Tambi (€20) allows you to add color quickly. Add a water brush (e.g., Pentel Aquash Water Brush, €8) for easy painting without a water container.
- Accessories: A small eraser, a sharpener, and a portable stool (if you plan to sit for longer periods). A cross-body bag or a small backpack keeps your hands free.
Total cost for a starter kit can be as low as €50-60 if you buy from local stores. For workshop-specific materials, check the top workshops for beginners at Drawing Week.
Basic Techniques to Practice
Start with Simple Shapes
Before tackling a complex building, practice drawing basic geometric forms: cubes, cylinders, spheres. Most objects in an urban scene can be broken down into these shapes. For example, a mailbox is a cylinder on a rectangular base; a tree is a sphere on a cylinder. This approach helps you understand perspective and proportion.
Use Gesture Drawing
Gesture drawing captures the essence of a subject quickly. Set a timer for 30 seconds to 2 minutes and draw the overall movement and flow of a person walking, a car moving, or a tree swaying. This loosens your hand and trains your eye to see the big picture. Many urban sketchers start with a loose gesture before adding details.
Master One-Point and Two-Point Perspective
Perspective gives depth to your sketches. In one-point perspective, all lines converge to a single vanishing point on the horizon. This works well for street scenes looking down a straight road. In two-point perspective, you have two vanishing points, ideal for drawing corners of buildings. Practice drawing simple boxes in perspective. Books like Perspective Made Easy by Ernest R. Norling (€12 on Amazon) are helpful.
Focus on Values, Not Details
Instead of outlining every brick, observe the light and dark areas (values). Squint your eyes to see the broad tonal masses. Use hatching, cross-hatching, or stippling to indicate shadows. A simple value study (3-5 shades) can make a sketch look three-dimensional without intricate linework.
Add Color Sparingly
Watercolor is popular among urban sketchers because it's fast and portable. Start with a limited palette: a warm yellow, a cool blue, and a red. Mix these to create a range of colors. Apply a light wash first, then build up layers. Remember to leave white paper for highlights. You can also use colored pencils or markers – whatever you feel comfortable with.
Overcoming Common Fears
Many beginners worry about drawing in public. Here are strategies to build confidence:
- Start in quiet spots: Sketch in a park bench or a café corner before moving to busy squares. The best spots for urban sketching in Brussels include Parc du Cinquantenaire, Place du Grand Sablon, and the Mont des Arts – all with benches and less foot traffic.
- Use a small sketchbook: A small book is less conspicuous and easier to hide if you feel shy.
- Set a time limit: Give yourself 10-15 minutes per sketch. This prevents overthinking and perfectionism.
- Ignore onlookers: Most people are absorbed in their own activities. If someone looks, smile and continue. You can even offer to show your sketch – many will appreciate your effort.
- Join a group: Sketching with others reduces self‑consciousness. Drawing Week Brussels offers group sketch walks and workshops where you can practice alongside fellow beginners.
Finding Inspiration in Brussels
Brussels is a treasure trove of sketching subjects. Here are some ideas:
- Architecture: The Grand Place (Grote Markt) with its ornate guildhalls, the Atomium, and the Art Nouveau houses by Victor Horta.
- Street life: The bustling Rue des Bouchers, the flower market at Grand Sablon, or the comic strip murals scattered across the city.
- Parks: Parc de Bruxelles, Bois de la Cambre, and the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken (open only certain weeks).
- Transportation: Trams, metro stations (like Porte de Namur), and vintage cars.
- Cafés: Classic Brussels cafés like Le Cirio (Rue de la Bourse) or Café de la Presse (Place de la Monnaie) offer cozy interiors and people-watching.
For a structured experience, attend the top workshops for beginners at Drawing Week, where local artists guide you through sketching iconic locations.
Tips from Experienced Urban Sketchers
We asked several artists who teach at Drawing Week Brussels for their advice:
- “Draw what you see, not what you think you see.” – Focus on negative spaces and angles rather than preconceived shapes.
- “Keep a daily sketchbook.” Even 5 minutes a day improves your skills rapidly.
- “Don’t erase.” Use every line as part of the drawing. If a line is wrong, draw a better one next to it. The final sketch will have character.
- “Use a fountain pen.” It forces you to commit to lines and develops a fluid style.
- “Carry your sketchbook everywhere.” You never know when you'll find a great scene.
For more in-depth guidance, read our interview with featured artist at Drawing Week, who shares their personal sketching journey.
Next Steps: Join a Workshop
Drawing Week Brussels offers a range of workshops for all levels. Beginners can start with the “Urban Sketching 101” workshop, which covers basic techniques and materials. More advanced options include “Architecture in Pen and Wash” and “Sketching People in Motion.” Workshops cost between €25 and €45, and many include materials. Registration is online; check workshop registration tips to secure your spot early, as popular sessions fill quickly.
If you're unsure which workshop suits you, consult the complete guide to Drawing Week Brussels for an overview of the entire event. You can also view the schedule to plan your days.
Related articles
- The Complete Guide to Drawing Week Brussels
- Top Workshops for Beginners
- Best Spots for Urban Sketching in Brussels
- Interview with Featured Artist
- Workshop Registration Tips