Sketch Now, Think Later: Jump Into Urban Sketching with Limited Time, Tools, and Techniques

Great book filled with tips for outdoor sketching good book to own

Fantastic read.. it's almost like Mike is sharing all his knowledge and expertise in person.. the technique are simplified and can be readily implemented..

I have purchased many art books over the years and this is my all-time favourite. I refer back to it often. It rightly advises that the best way to enjoy sketching and get good at it is to get out there and do it. It begins with excellent advice about a simple and portable set of tools to use and get to know very well. It also recognizes that sketching a living and moving world rewards quickness, which also helps fit sketching into a busy life. The book is very informative and holds nothing back in terms of specific suggestions for materials, subjects and techniques. Yet it is also very well organized and avoids overwhelming the reader. The author's tone is friendly and encouraging. He is a superb sketcher and the book contains many examples of his work that are well connected to the text. More examples of his work and other information are to be found on his website. My favourite quote from the book encourages sketchers to dive in, trusting to instinct and experience and the feeling of the moment: "Don't overthink; you know what to do." I have been an en plein painter and sketcher off and on for many years, but this book encouraged me to do more of it and provided much helpful guidance. As I result, I have happily sketched 139 scenes in the seven months since I purchased it, using the equipment and techniques he recommends. If you want to have fun sketching your world, then this book is an excellent choice, even if you already lead a busy life.

Conforme

I have a large collection of how to books on urban sketching and watercolor. Some are better than others. I am a student of landscape sketching and watercolor. I have taken classes for a several years now, I am always looking for a teacher who can show me how to draw and paint better. Most books on urban sketching say they are for beginners as well as experienced artists. The books assume way to much on the part of the student. When it comes down to it these books are showcases of the authors artwork, not how to. They all start out with the same thing, here are some nice photos of the equipment I use, paints, pencils, blank sketch books etc. Some give a few step by step illustrations then take off with beautiful finished paintings. I love looking at the paintings but I want to learn how. This author shows you how to. Mike is opinionated and tells you exactly what he uses then how he carries his kit around. Next he goes into a very clear simple 2-3 pages on perspective, basically all you need to know. He uses a pen, not a pencil because he uses artists to keep going even if they make a mistake something every professional teacher I have had urges. All of my teachers have said to always keep going on a sketch or drawing, never tear it up there is always a way to keep going and finish. Mike is an author but he is also a teacher. His art is really wonderful and enjoyable and he shows you how to do it. Not that he wants you the student to copy his style, on the contrary he urges you to keep going, sketch sketch sketch. Always carry your sketch book. I really appreciate his teaching style or should I say his writing style. I think my search for instruction books is over. Buy the book, it is a convenient size, just like a sketchbook.

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