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The Urban Sketching Handbook Techniques for Beginners: How to Build a Practice for Sketching on Location
In The Urban Sketching Techniques for Beginners, artist and Urban Sketcher correspondent Suhita Shirodkar shares essential skills for sketching architecture, people, and everyday objects on location. You'll learn the basics of value, color mixing, and perspective through helpful studies and exercises, whether at home, in studio, and on location. The Urban Sketching Techniques for Beginners is perfect for anyone who’s just getting started in this fascinating art form, or who wants to develop their observational and drawing aptitude by reinforcing basic concepts.TheUrban Sketching Handbook series offers location artists expert instruction on creative techniques, on-location tips and advice, and an abundance of visual inspiration. These handy references come in a compact, easy-to-carry format—perfect to toss in your backpack or artist’s tote.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2020
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119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 5, 2020
The Urban Sketching Handbook: Techniques for Beginners is a nice enough book - but feels like a strangely placed addition to the Urban Sketching Handbook family. We're about ten books in (I believe) to the Urban Sketching Handbook series, and only now do we get a "Beginners" book. Unfortunately that makes it a little difficult to judge "Techniques for Beginners," if you've read or purchased any of the previous ten books like I have. If you have read the other books in the series, especially the more general ones, then this book is well tread territory of the basics of sketching materials, form, perspective, locations/objects to draw, and drawing prompts. If you haven't read any of the other books, then this is a good place to start and see some of the highlights of what the Urban Sketching Books emphasize. It's not a bad book by any means, but it's harder to define it as the ultimate "beginner" book in the series when you could alternatively pick up "Sketch Now, Think Later," "101 Sketching Tips," or "The Complete Urban Sketching Companion," which already exist in the line. Ultimately Suhita has a difficult job with standing out here -- given that all the books introduce basic concepts, and 3 books seem to already be "generalist" and thus good options for beginners already. At this point, I feel like I'm quibbling a tiny bit - I do like this book! It's enjoyable (though the netgalley digital copy is woefully out of proportion and that's probably because the printed versions are already a bit too narrow to begin with). I'd definitely pick it up for a friend just wanting to start sketching. I wish it had come out much earlier in the line up, and I also wish that we would stop tossing in full on still life oil paintings (even if they're only "studies") and acting as if those are urban sketches. Pick this up if you want to introduce someone to urban sketching, but not if they're already several books into the series.
November 9, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Urban Sketching Handbook: Techniques for Beginners is a tutorial and style guide in the Urban Sketching series - this volume is by Suhita Shirodkar. Released 3rd Nov 2020 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 112 pages and available in flexibound format.
The introduction and tutorial sections are arranged logically with accessible and understandable text. It's illustrated throughout in color with numerous sketches by several different artists (not just the author), showing a variety of styles. The tools and supplies are basic and easily acquired without much expense. Most of the supplies will already be available for most readers. Each of the small mini-tutorials show process pics and how they develop along with some explanatory text.
The study tutorials are arranged thematically:objects, places, and people. The overall feel of the book is rich in technique, useful, and varied and I saw so many things which got my fingers itching to jump in and start drawing. I think most (non)artists are a lot more shy about drawing on paper/media and this book has a lot of good suggestions for picking up materials and making a start.
Five stars. I really liked this book and will definitely use it going forward for my own drawing sessions. I would recommend it to artists of all levels. It could also make a valuable text for more formal classroom/group type instruction. There's a *lot* of information included here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Urban Sketching Handbook: Techniques for Beginners is a tutorial and style guide in the Urban Sketching series - this volume is by Suhita Shirodkar. Released 3rd Nov 2020 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 112 pages and available in flexibound format.
The introduction and tutorial sections are arranged logically with accessible and understandable text. It's illustrated throughout in color with numerous sketches by several different artists (not just the author), showing a variety of styles. The tools and supplies are basic and easily acquired without much expense. Most of the supplies will already be available for most readers. Each of the small mini-tutorials show process pics and how they develop along with some explanatory text.
The study tutorials are arranged thematically:objects, places, and people. The overall feel of the book is rich in technique, useful, and varied and I saw so many things which got my fingers itching to jump in and start drawing. I think most (non)artists are a lot more shy about drawing on paper/media and this book has a lot of good suggestions for picking up materials and making a start.
Five stars. I really liked this book and will definitely use it going forward for my own drawing sessions. I would recommend it to artists of all levels. It could also make a valuable text for more formal classroom/group type instruction. There's a *lot* of information included here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 7, 2021
When you read “urban sketching” what do you think?. Sketching buildings and outdoor spaces?. Yes? Well, that’s what I always thought. Sketching at home felt more comfortable than exposing myself to people and their potential interest in my activities. Now I have stronger reasons for not going out and, ironically, I’m craving for it. Oh the irony. However, after reading Suhita Shirodkar’s The Urban Sketching Handbook: Techniques for Beginners: How to Build a Practice for Sketching on Location, I found options and great techniques for -finally- keeping a sketch on location habit, even if it is from home!.
This book is aimed at beginners and those struggling with the challenges urban sketching can bring. In the first chapter or “key”, you will learn about tools you can choose from, sketch kits and how to keep it simple, watercolor palettes, solutions to the “first blank page” struggle, finding the right subject, place and time slots to fit sketching into your schedule. The next 3 “keys” are packed with tips, techniques and examples of different sketching styles, tools, composition, perspective, texture, value and a complete chapter dedicated to drawing people. The last pages contain challenge ideas to kick-start your sketching practice.
I love how this book series always shows you examples of work from multiple artists, each with their very unique style and approach to sketching. It’s always exciting to discover artists I know and admire. This time I noticed Chris Carter, Liz Steel, James Gurney and Renato Palmuti.
While this book is meant for beginners, this is not a step-by-step or “follow this method” type of book. There’s no right or wrong way of doing things, but a variety of approaches, tips and techniques that will, hopefully inspire and help you discover your very own style.
This book is aimed at beginners and those struggling with the challenges urban sketching can bring. In the first chapter or “key”, you will learn about tools you can choose from, sketch kits and how to keep it simple, watercolor palettes, solutions to the “first blank page” struggle, finding the right subject, place and time slots to fit sketching into your schedule. The next 3 “keys” are packed with tips, techniques and examples of different sketching styles, tools, composition, perspective, texture, value and a complete chapter dedicated to drawing people. The last pages contain challenge ideas to kick-start your sketching practice.
I love how this book series always shows you examples of work from multiple artists, each with their very unique style and approach to sketching. It’s always exciting to discover artists I know and admire. This time I noticed Chris Carter, Liz Steel, James Gurney and Renato Palmuti.
While this book is meant for beginners, this is not a step-by-step or “follow this method” type of book. There’s no right or wrong way of doing things, but a variety of approaches, tips and techniques that will, hopefully inspire and help you discover your very own style.
December 16, 2020
This book is filled with helpful information that should be helpful for anyone starting out with sketching locations or drawing people. Besides providing simple ways to start and simplify objects around us into more basic shapes (for ease of drawing and so it isn't all that overwhelming). There are also basic information about form, colour and perspective. What I really liked are the different examples from many different artists that are laid out and explained so that a clearer picture is given on what the author is going on about. Although overall, this book is not much different from many other art resources out there, when considering it on its own, it is a good, simple start for beginners.
November 18, 2020
. Who better to learn urban sketching or art journaling from than folks who seem to live and breathe this art from the urban sketchers community.
The Urban Sketching Handbook : Techniques for Beginners is a new addition to the series and once again, I am loving it! This is another book I could look through again and again and still not get fed up. I am not a new art journaler but I find I am still inspired and refreshed by the techniques and tips provided by the author and the many contributing sketchers from all over the world.
The book is divided into 4 main chapters, and each chapter touches on the essential elements of objects, places, people and putting it all together. I think it's really good that each chapter starts with an exercise so beginners will never be at a loss at what to draw or paint.
It is not strictly a step-by-step instructions kind of book, though you can see some short step-by-step that shows how you could draw and paint a building, for instance.
Definitely a great title from which to launch the addictive and wonderful art of urban sketching.
I hope to own hardcopies of all the titles from this excellent series soon!
This is my honest opinion based on the review copy I received from the publisher.
The Urban Sketching Handbook : Techniques for Beginners is a new addition to the series and once again, I am loving it! This is another book I could look through again and again and still not get fed up. I am not a new art journaler but I find I am still inspired and refreshed by the techniques and tips provided by the author and the many contributing sketchers from all over the world.
The book is divided into 4 main chapters, and each chapter touches on the essential elements of objects, places, people and putting it all together. I think it's really good that each chapter starts with an exercise so beginners will never be at a loss at what to draw or paint.
It is not strictly a step-by-step instructions kind of book, though you can see some short step-by-step that shows how you could draw and paint a building, for instance.
Definitely a great title from which to launch the addictive and wonderful art of urban sketching.
I hope to own hardcopies of all the titles from this excellent series soon!
This is my honest opinion based on the review copy I received from the publisher.
March 30, 2024
I have a university degree in design and this book was better than any drawing class I’ve taken. Classical drawing courses (even ones for beginners) are often very prescriptive. One MUST draw this way, approach the process this way, follow these rules to be an artist/designer. Yes, artists and designers break those rules, but classical courses never make it clear that you should. This book provides a solid foundation while encouraging the reader to make personal choices about how and what they draw. The author provides two-three activities per subject which are each are different enough to be able to help different thinkers grasp the concepts. The range of examples provided are excellent, and many are imperfect, which helps to make the process feel less precious. I feel excited to sketch again after reading this book!
March 25, 2021
Handy reference book to keep close by - I’m a sucker for the Usk pocketbook series, although they start it become a bit repetitive after awhile...
March 23, 2021
Do you, as a beginner, want to learn more sketching techniques?
Artist and teacher of urban sketching, Suhita Shirodkar is presenting "The Urban Sketching Handbook: Techniques for Beginners. How to Build a Practice for Sketching on Location", one book in the "The Urban Sketching Handbook" Series published by Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry. Shirodkar defines urban sketching as "drawing on location from direct observation. Most urban sketchers work in sketchbooks. These books become stories told over time. They hold memories and meaning, a visual record of sketchers‘ lives and the world around them,7. (p. 7). The book holds seven keys: 1) Starting Out, 2) What to Sketch: Objects, 3) What to Sketch: Places, 4) What to Sketch: People, and 5) Bringing It All Together. In these five keys she offers descriptions and information. She is not only offering samples of her own work but also from the work of other artists which is really inspirational. For some of her explanations Shirodkar uses a step-by-step approach which is also very helpful for the beginning artist.
According to Shirodkar the book is for people who maybe are just starting out on their sketching adventure, or want to get back to the basics of observational drawing. Perhaps they are looking for solutions to particular challenges that come up with drawing on location. They have drawn architecture forever, but drawing people intimidate them. Or they will happily draw people and faces, but the word perspective might sound scary. She states: "If any of these sounds like you, this book is for you. Because aren’t we all beginners in some way? Beginning something new,
beginning to see better, beginning a new sketchbook, a new sketch . . . (p. 7)". So I highly recommend this book for beginners, but also for advanced students who want to "fill in the blanks" in the area where they still lack knowledge of skills.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheUrbanSketchingHandbookTechniquesForBeginners #NetGalley
Artist and teacher of urban sketching, Suhita Shirodkar is presenting "The Urban Sketching Handbook: Techniques for Beginners. How to Build a Practice for Sketching on Location", one book in the "The Urban Sketching Handbook" Series published by Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry. Shirodkar defines urban sketching as "drawing on location from direct observation. Most urban sketchers work in sketchbooks. These books become stories told over time. They hold memories and meaning, a visual record of sketchers‘ lives and the world around them,7. (p. 7). The book holds seven keys: 1) Starting Out, 2) What to Sketch: Objects, 3) What to Sketch: Places, 4) What to Sketch: People, and 5) Bringing It All Together. In these five keys she offers descriptions and information. She is not only offering samples of her own work but also from the work of other artists which is really inspirational. For some of her explanations Shirodkar uses a step-by-step approach which is also very helpful for the beginning artist.
According to Shirodkar the book is for people who maybe are just starting out on their sketching adventure, or want to get back to the basics of observational drawing. Perhaps they are looking for solutions to particular challenges that come up with drawing on location. They have drawn architecture forever, but drawing people intimidate them. Or they will happily draw people and faces, but the word perspective might sound scary. She states: "If any of these sounds like you, this book is for you. Because aren’t we all beginners in some way? Beginning something new,
beginning to see better, beginning a new sketchbook, a new sketch . . . (p. 7)". So I highly recommend this book for beginners, but also for advanced students who want to "fill in the blanks" in the area where they still lack knowledge of skills.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheUrbanSketchingHandbookTechniquesForBeginners #NetGalley
February 18, 2021
The Urban Sketching Handbook: Techniques for Beginners How to Build a Practice for Sketching on Location by Suhita Shirodkar is aimed at beginners, with lots of descriptions and information on how to gain techniques.
It comes from the point of view of several artists, which is good for showing different styles.
The Urban Sketching Handbook is a series, and so if you find this one helpful, you might want to have a look at the others!
The Urban Sketching Handbook: Techniques for Beginners How to Build a Practice for Sketching on Location was published on 3rd November 2020, and is available from Amazon , Waterstones and Bookshop .
You can follow Suhita Shirodkar on her website .
I was given this book in return for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Quarto Publishing .
It comes from the point of view of several artists, which is good for showing different styles.
The Urban Sketching Handbook is a series, and so if you find this one helpful, you might want to have a look at the others!
The Urban Sketching Handbook: Techniques for Beginners How to Build a Practice for Sketching on Location was published on 3rd November 2020, and is available from Amazon , Waterstones and Bookshop .
You can follow Suhita Shirodkar on her website .
I was given this book in return for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Quarto Publishing .
May 31, 2023
3 stars: good, average read. May not personally buy, but glad I read.
4 stars: above the normal enjoyment. May buy if I have extra money and shelf space
5 stars: absolutely loved. Going on my “must own” book list.
Urban Sketching is a new interest to me and I feel like this book gives a good overview of the concept if urban sketching, materials, and styles. I also like how it touches on the more technical areas of perspective and light/shadow, etc, all without getting bogged down.
I feel this book is a great jumping off spot for finding more books covering areas that one would like to delve into more.
4 stars: above the normal enjoyment. May buy if I have extra money and shelf space
5 stars: absolutely loved. Going on my “must own” book list.
Urban Sketching is a new interest to me and I feel like this book gives a good overview of the concept if urban sketching, materials, and styles. I also like how it touches on the more technical areas of perspective and light/shadow, etc, all without getting bogged down.
I feel this book is a great jumping off spot for finding more books covering areas that one would like to delve into more.
August 1, 2021
This book is one I truly wish I had more time to review. I have always been fascinated by Urban sketching but I am not very good at it.
This book had wonderful practical steps to help learn and improve Urban drawings. And it is styled towards beginners so it's easy to follow and replicate the drawings.
This is a great book for any beginner and even those good at drawing may find useful tips and techniques.
This book had wonderful practical steps to help learn and improve Urban drawings. And it is styled towards beginners so it's easy to follow and replicate the drawings.
This is a great book for any beginner and even those good at drawing may find useful tips and techniques.
June 21, 2024
did a really good job at breaking things down
my initial goal was to start and finish this before june 21st with enough time to practice the concepts presented.
in the end i only practiced about to exercise and for the rest i simply read the handbook and hoped it would stick in my brain.
hopefully i’ll be able to apply some of these concepts and will probably read another one of these books
my initial goal was to start and finish this before june 21st with enough time to practice the concepts presented.
in the end i only practiced about to exercise and for the rest i simply read the handbook and hoped it would stick in my brain.
hopefully i’ll be able to apply some of these concepts and will probably read another one of these books
January 5, 2023
Great examples, but it feels there’s a lack of focus. The artists featured were great, but I feel Shirodkar has beautiful sketches that would be worthwhile hearing more of her personal expertise. I felt this book was more of a showcase of urbansketching by giving examples from many other artists; maybe it’s best suited for someone who has never heard of urban sketching and wants to give it a try.
January 2, 2023
Wooow!! I simply loved this one!
I found a lot of useful and practical tricks and tips to get better at sketching and lose my fear from drawing fast and loose, which also helps me with concentrating more on the process and the watercolor afterwards, rather than spend so much time in the sketch that I later don’t want to “ruin” it. Definitely will keep reading it more times.
I found a lot of useful and practical tricks and tips to get better at sketching and lose my fear from drawing fast and loose, which also helps me with concentrating more on the process and the watercolor afterwards, rather than spend so much time in the sketch that I later don’t want to “ruin” it. Definitely will keep reading it more times.
January 17, 2021
This is a great book, well explained and beautiful illustrations, and photography. Well worth reading.
Thanks to Netgalley and Quatro Publishing for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and Quatro Publishing for the ARC.
April 7, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed. Bite sized wisdom with wonderful examples. Nt only to learn from, but to motivate, to inspire. Will be purchasing this for my own library.
June 10, 2022
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November 12, 2022
Visually stunning and motivating guide to Urban Sketching for beginners.
Read
February 7, 2023Good for a beginner.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews