Urban sketching is a real time record of being in a moment, time, and place. I had an opportunity to witness such craft when I met more urban sketchers not only here in Baguio City but also from Manila. Let me share with you the lessons I’ve learned from urban sketchers from all walks of life.
What is Urban Sketching?
Urban Sketchers is a global community of sketchers. Bag-iw Sketchers is on its way to be vetted as an official chapter soon. Once they’re officially a chapter, Bag-iw Sketchers would finally be “Urban Sketchers Baguio.” Furthermore, “Urban Sketchers, or USk, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of Washington, USA, supporting and representing a grassroots community of sketchers.” The mission? “To raise the artistic, storytelling, and educational value of on-location drawing, promoting its practice and connecting people worldwide who draw on location where they live and travel.” Sir Randy, an urban sketcher from Manila shared that urban sketching highlights a place’s heritage and it also exemplifies cultural awareness. “Because of urban sketching, nabuksan yung interest ko sa history ng Pilipinas.”
The answers and quotations in this blog were recorded from the sketch talk we organized with Bag-iw Sketchers and Urban Sketchers Manila at Luisa’s Café last October 6, 2024. The talk and gathering were so insightful. I couldn’t help but to take out my pen and notebook, not to draw, but to write about it.
How Did an Urban Sketcher Start Urban Sketching?
The panel shared how they started urban sketching. To some of them, it was brought by the pandemic and it has become their creative outlet to destress. Urban Sketcher, Roselyn, shared that she bought a Koi watercolor set for intended for her father but when the pandemic hit, the watercolor set remained untouched so she started playing with it and self-learned ways to sketch or paint which she also turned to watching Skillshare and Youtube tutorials. Another sketcher, Dindin, also shared, “I want to do something that I don’t do on a daily basis.” Urban Sketching primarily became Sharla’s “travel diary,” an urban sketcher from Baguio, she shared, “I do urban sketching to document my travels. As a traveler, it gives me connection with sa mga diko kakilala.”
Techniques from Urban Sketchers
Sir Aurelio, an urban sketcher from Manila (slash, taga-Baguio din, pun-intended), shared his technique in urban sketching. To make it easier, he said, “Divide sa tatlo, background not detailed, middle then the foreground is your subject. If nags-start ka palang, use pencil. For sketching people walking; practice the basic shapes ng tao.”
Ged, an urban sketcher based in Baguio shared his own technique as well. He said, “Simplify, main subject, yun lang i-focus mo. Sa street, unahin mo mga di gumagalaw.”
What struck me also was from Roselyn when she said, “There’s no such thing as a mistake, a mistake is a part of a story. The techniques will come and practice but don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”
Dindin added, “Embrace each other’s skills. Don’t be intimidated by others’ works.”
How to Overcome Fear?
This question rose during the panel discussion and there were many answers regardless of the whole context of fear from the one who inquired. An urban sketcher from Manila, Muf, shared that to overcome fear from the public is , “You have to participate, practice lang.” Sharla added, “Just focus, wag iisipin sasabihin ng iba.” Another advice from Roselyn, is that your timeline should be by you and ask yourself, “Who are you drawing for?”
Lastly, I asked them: If you could describe urban sketching in one word, what would it be?
The responses that struck me the most perfectly encapsulate what urban sketching is all about. These words are:
Community
Family
Moment
Draw
Art
Photos taken by Jaydie Chamos.
Urban Sketcher, Joel, shared during the opening at the sketch talk, “We have to realize that everything around us moves at an undeniable speed and urban sketching could be our power to slow time down before everything inevitably changes.”
Urban sketching is more than just drawing; it’s about capturing the essence of life as it happens—its places, its people, its stories. From the insights shared by urban sketchers in Manila and Baguio, it’s clear that this craft fosters a sense of connection, not just to the world around us but also to the community of artists who share this passion. Each sketch is a moment preserved, each line a testament to creativity and courage. Whether you’re new to urban sketching or a seasoned artist, remember that every stroke tells a story, and every “mistake” is just another chapter in your creative journey. So grab your pen, your colors, and let the streets inspire you. Happy sketching!
Stay updated on the next sketching events on https://www.facebook.com/bagiwsketchers!
