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URBAN SKETCHING: WILLIE JACOBS
urban
sketching
The main reason for these quick sketches
was to gather the necessary information for
paintings to be done back in the studio. When
photography became a means to gather and
store reference material, outdoor sketching
became an art form in itself.In 2007, the journalist, Gabriel Campanario,
used social media to announce a call for artists
to take part in a challenge to sketch the urban
landscape. In 2009 Campanario established
“Urban Sketchers” as a nonprofit organisation.
He drew up a special manifesto which has
been translated into several languages. Thus,
the name “Urban Sketchers” is reserved for a
certain group of artists, keeping to the original
manifesto. The USK motto is “We show the
world, one drawing at a time!”Personally I prefer to think of outdoor sketching
as “Field Sketching”, which covers all areas
and not just urban. Drawing or painting in
public can be daunting, so to start with, it
is a great idea to teach yourself the art of
sketching at home, using reference pictures.There is something exhilarating about
sketching out in the field. It may happen in the
veld, sketching flora, or in a museum, copying
sculptures. Wherever you find yourself in the
field and feel the urge to capture life around
you in a visual diary, you are practicing the
principle of urban sketching. With practice, as
you allow yourself to explore this new hobby
with only a sketchbook and a pen or pencil,
you will quickly start to develop your own
visual language and your own unique style.Meeting with other artists to explore and
practice public sketching in a group setting, is
the best way to grow your own confidence and
abilities. Sketching artists all know that coffeethe art of
urban sketching
The principle of urban sketching is hundreds of years old. The Old Masters used
the principle of sketching outdoors to acquaint themselves with the hustle and
bustle of city life and everyday living.http://www.writegear.co.za