The world of urban sketching is a rich tapestry of dynamic compositions, intricate details, and innovative artistic expression. As experienced artists, we often find ourselves drawn to the captivating complexities of the built environment, seeking to capture the essence of a city through the unique lens of our sketchbooks. Yet, within this pursuit, we can sometimes struggle to translate the energy and essence of a scene onto the page, often defaulting to traditional compositional structures that fail to fully convey our creative vision.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
In this article, we’ll explore unconventional perspectives and innovative approaches to urban sketch composition, with a particular focus on the versatile medium of coloured pencils. By delving into the creative potential of this deceptively simple tool, we’ll uncover techniques and strategies that can breathe new life into your urban sketching practice, allowing you to infuse your work with a fresh and energetic sense of discovery.
Embracing the Unexpected: Subverting Traditional Composition
One of the hallmarks of truly captivating urban sketches is the ability to challenge conventional compositional norms. Rather than relying on the standard rule-of-thirds or symmetrical layouts, we can seek out unique vantage points and unexpected framing devices that capture the essence of a scene in a more dynamic and engaging manner.
As Liz Steel shares, her experience as an architect has profoundly influenced her approach to sketching buildings and urban environments. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying structure and perspective of a subject, but then intentionally subverting these technical elements to create sketches that are “free and spontaneous” rather than rigidly accurate.
“I wanted them to capture the thrill of discovery I had when I was designing. So I started working really hard to develop some techniques which would enable me to sketch buildings in a fun and loose way but with enough accuracy to keep the architect in me happy.”
Embracing asymmetrical compositions, unusual cropping, and even intentional distortions can breathe new life into your urban sketches, allowing you to capture the energy and essence of a scene in a manner that feels fresh and compelling. By prioritizing the emotional impact over technical precision, you can create work that resonates with the viewer on a deeper level.
Colour as a Compositional Tool
When working with coloured pencils, the interplay of hue, value, and saturation can become a powerful compositional tool, allowing you to guide the viewer’s eye and create a sense of visual harmony.
Liz Steel often experiments with “layering and burnishing” her coloured pencils, exploring the medium’s capacity for both bold, expressive marks and subtle, atmospheric washes. By consciously considering the placement and interaction of her colours, she is able to subtly shift the focal points and visual rhythms within her sketches, guiding the viewer’s attention and creating a sense of balance and depth.
“I’ve been wanting to exploring blending options but worry that going down a more layered approach would be too out of character. I primarily want to develop a fresh, spontaneous, loose way of using CPs.”
This approach aligns with the principles of Notan design, as explored by Will Kemp. By simplifying a scene into basic shapes of light and dark, the underlying structure and visual impact of a composition can be more readily identified and refined. Applying these Notan principles to your coloured pencil work can help you identify the most compelling focal points and create a harmonious interplay of colour and tone.
Harnessing the Gestural: Exploring Unconventional Drawing Tools
While the precise control of coloured pencils can be immensely satisfying, embracing a more gestural, expressive approach can also yield captivating results in your urban sketches. Experimenting with unconventional drawing tools, such as brush pens or even your fingers, can liberate you from the constraints of traditional pencil work and encourage a more intuitive, spontaneous style.
Will Kemp emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamentals of light and shadow, which can be applied to any medium or drawing tool. By focusing on the interplay of tone, edge, and form, you can create sketches that convey a strong sense of depth and dimensionality, even with the most minimal of markmaking.
“The theory seems simple and the changes in technique small, but applying the principles of how tone, light and shade work, will improve the illusion of form in every drawing you do – regardless of the subject.”
Incorporating these principles into your coloured pencil work, whether through fluid, brushstroke-like applications or more gestural, expressive marks, can infuse your urban sketches with a dynamic, energetic quality that sets them apart from more traditional renderings.
Composition as a Narrative: Exploring Unconventional Viewpoints
Beyond simply arranging the visual elements on the page, composition can also be used as a powerful storytelling device, inviting the viewer to explore your urban environment through a unique and engaging lens.
By experimenting with unconventional viewpoints, such as high vantage points, unusual angles, or even a forced perspective, you can create a sense of narrative and emotional resonance that goes beyond the purely representational. This approach encourages the viewer to become an active participant in the scene, rather than a passive observer.
Liz Steel speaks to the importance of understanding traditional architectural drawing techniques, such as perspective, but then deliberately subverting them to achieve a more expressive and evocative result.
“Technical perspective does not always create lively work! I’m much more interested in sketches of buildings which have personality and tell a story.”
When working with coloured pencils, this narrative-driven approach to composition can be particularly effective. By strategically placing focal points, using contrasting colours or values to guide the eye, and incorporating unexpected elements, you can create urban sketches that invite the viewer to linger and discover the hidden stories embedded within the scene.
Practical Techniques: Coloured Pencil Mastery
As you explore these unconventional approaches to urban sketch composition, it’s important to maintain a strong foundation in the technical aspects of coloured pencil drawing. Mastering techniques such as layering, blending, and textural exploration can elevate your work and allow you to fully harness the medium’s expressive potential.
Liz Steel shares her experimentation with various coloured pencil techniques, including “layering and burnishing” to achieve a fresh, spontaneous quality in her sketches. By consciously considering the interplay of colours and values, she is able to create a sense of depth and atmosphere that transcends the inherent limitations of the medium.
“As well as exploring different ways of using coloured pencils, I’ve also been intentionally incorporating various elements in my pages as part of Lesson 1 of Sketchbook Design which I’m revisiting at the moment. So you will see headings, borders, colour blocks, maps, charts and a little collage on these pages!”
Additionally, incorporating unconventional drawing tools, such as brush pens or even your fingers, can lend a dynamic, gestural quality to your coloured pencil work. By embracing the unexpected and allowing for a more intuitive, expressive approach, you can push the boundaries of what is possible with this deceptively simple medium.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Creative Potential of Urban Sketching
As urban sketchers, we have the incredible privilege of capturing the rich tapestry of the built environment, infusing our work with a sense of place, energy, and personal experience. By embracing unconventional perspectives, harnessing the power of colour as a compositional tool, and exploring the expressive potential of coloured pencils, we can unlock new avenues of creative exploration and produce urban sketches that truly captivate the viewer.
Through the guidance and insights shared by experienced artists like Liz Steel and Will Kemp, we can develop a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin compelling urban sketch composition, and then boldly apply these concepts to our own creative practice. By stepping outside the bounds of traditional approaches, we open ourselves up to a world of artistic discovery, where every sketch becomes a thrilling journey of experimentation and self-expression.
So, pick up your coloured pencils, seek out the unexpected, and let your urban sketches become a canvas for your unique creative vision. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are a deeply fulfilling and rewarding artistic journey.
Example: Modern Abstract Painting Series 2024