Urban Sketching Made Simple (Even If You Feel Intimidated)
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Urban sketching can feel… a bit overwhelming at first.
Busy streets. People moving. Buildings with too many details. And that quiet pressure to “get it right.”
But here’s the truth:
Urban sketching doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
In fact, the simpler you make it, the more enjoyable—and sustainable—it becomes.
In my recent YouTube video Urban Sketching Made Simple, I shared a not so quick tutoria l on how to simplify your sketchings so you can start with confidence.
Here I dive a bit deeper on how to approach urban sketching the easy way.
What Is Urban Sketching, Really?
At its heart, urban sketching is just about capturing a moment of everyday life around you.
Not perfection.
Not accuracy.
Not even finishing the page.
It’s about observing, slowing down, and translating what you see into your own visual language.
A quick sketch at a café.
A doorway you pass every day.
A quiet street corner.
That’s enough.
Why We Overcomplicate It
Most beginners struggle not because sketching is hard—but because of expectations.
You might be thinking:
“I don’t know where to start.”
“There’s too much to draw.”
“What if I ruin the page?”
So instead of starting simple, we try to do everything at once.
Perspective. Details. Colour. Composition.
And that’s where it falls apart.
A Simpler Way to Start
Let’s strip it back.
When you go out to sketch, focus on just three things:
1. Choose One Main Subject
Don’t draw the whole scene.
Pick one thing:
A building
A window
A lamp post
A café table
Let everything else be secondary—or leave it out completely.
2. Use Basic Shapes First
Before thinking about details, break your subject into simple forms.
Squares. Rectangles. Lines.
This removes the pressure and gives you a structure to build on.
3. Suggest, Don’t Describe
You don’t need to draw every brick or window.
A few lines can suggest a building.
A loose wash can suggest shadows.
Your brain fills in the rest—and that’s where the magic happens.
What If You Feel Self-Conscious?
This is a big one.
Drawing outside can feel vulnerable.
But here’s a shift that helps:
People are far less interested in what you’re doing than you think.
And even if someone notices—they’re usually curious, not critical.
Start small:
Sketch from a quiet corner
Sit in a café
Or even sketch from your car
Having a friend or family member with you also helps
Build confidence gradually.
Urban Sketching Made Simple, My Real Approach
In this week’s video, I show you how I approach urban sketching in a simple way. But I always keep in mind that:
Not every page will works.
Some sketches will feel unfinished.
Others will definately surprise me.
That’s part of the process.
I focus on:
Keeping things loose
Letting go of perfection
Enjoying the moment instead of controlling it
Because when you remove pressure, you actually sketch more—and improve faster.
A Simple Exercise to Try Today
Next time you’re out, try this:
Set a timer for 10–15 minutes
Choose one small subject
Sketch using only pen or pencil
Add a touch of colour if you want—but keep it minimal
That’s it.
No pressure to create a “beautiful page.”
Just show up and sketch.
✨ Final Thought…
Urban sketching isn’t about creating perfect drawings.
It’s about building a habit of noticing.
Of being present.
Of telling small visual stories from your everyday life.
And the more you simplify it,
the more you’ll actually want to keep going.
🎥 Watch Urban Sketching Made Simple (Beginner Friendly Guide)
If you’d like to see these pages and hear the full story behind them, you can watch the video here:
👉 Urban Sketching Made Simple
🎁 Want to Start Your Own Travel Sketchbook?
If you’re not sure where to begin, I’ve created a free Travel Sketchbook Guide with simple prompts and ideas to help you start (without pressure or perfection).
And if you’d like more guidance, inside my course Sketch Your Travels, that will be launching soon, I will walk you step by step through building a sketchbook practice with ink, watercolour, and storytelling—without pressure or perfection.
Join the waitlist for my upcoming course and learn how to sketch your travels with confidence, simplicity, and joy.
When you join the waitlist, you’ll receive the Free Travel Sketchbook Starter Guide.
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