Nic's Art Journey

In a discussion a couple days ago my father called me art illiterate. I don’t think he’s wrong. But does it really matter?

When is urban sketching, urban sketching? Opinions varry, a lot. Here’s my take. Your mileage may vary!

I’ve been asked for tips and hints on how to get started with sketching. While I’m far from an expert, here are some things I wish I’d known earlier on.

Sketching and drawing are closely related. Lots of people use the terms interchangeably. But there are differences between the two.

This is my “ultra portable” sketching kit that I’ve been using for a couple weeks. Ok, so there’s smaller out there. But this is pretty limited. And darn good so far!

So many people tell me I’m talented. Many people on social media say they aren’t talented. I don’t think it’s about talent though. It’s about skills.

Track inspection car I sketched while waiting for take out. It was right around sunset on a cloudy day, so I was losing light quickly.

This is one of my quick on-location series. The line up at the border crossing was very slow to progress. I had time to leave the car in park and quickly sketch my surroundings. Buildings, cars, etc.

I was listening to the Beyond the Lens podcast. One guest said “Embrace the highlights, protect the shadows”. This is a common saying with photography.

I did this one from a photo I took in Paris, waaaay back in 2010!

This is one of my quick on-location series. I did this one sitting in my car before going grocery shopping!

This is my first “quick on-location” series. That tree got my attention.

An old house I did from a photo I took. And when I say “old”, I mean… Built in 1570

Urban Sketchers Vancouver organized a sketch walk with special guest Felix Scheinberger. I was lucky enough to be able to go, and learn a LOT!

First, and hopefully not last, outing with Urban Sketchers Vancouver. We did a sketch walk that afternoon. I spent about 40 minutes on this sketch, while chatting with other people.

I considered calling this one “Hands are hard”…

Should you put down your ink lines first? Or your color first? There are different thinking about this. I typically put down the ink first, and color later. But I’m exploring the idea of changing!

Crossing Utah, we came across Wilson’s Arch. A huge sandstone arch. Took photos. Sketched it years later!

Trying a new thing - A landscape or “hero” image, with a “cartouche” (a small detail highlighted), and some text/journaling.