"Urban sketching is a celebration of life, a journey of discovery, and a way to connect with the world around us. As we walk the streets, sketchbook in hand, we unravel the hidden stories etched within the cityscape, breathing life into its essence, and connecting with like-minded souls who share our passion for art."
(All Photo credits: Megali Nanayakkara, Founder of Urban Sketchers Community, Colombo)
Every city has a story waiting to be told. As the sun rose on a beautiful Sunday morning, 'Kamatha Open Air Theatre at BMICH' premises buzzed with excitement. Aspiring artists from various walks of life gathered to take on the fascinating world of urban sketching. As the founder of Art'o'San Studio, I was honored to lead the session and introduce the essentials of urban sketching to the enthusiastic group. This gathering was part of the monthly meet-up of 'Urban Sketchers Colombo' , a vibrant community of artists dedicated to depicting the city's spirit in their sketches.
About Urban Sketchers Colombo :
As a regional community within the global Urban Sketchers organization, Urban Sketchers Colombo brings together individuals who practice on-location drawing in their cities, towns, and villages. The organization aims to elevate the artistic, narrative, and educational aspects of location drawing while connecting people across the globe who share this passion. "Art transcends barriers and unites us all." Events hosted by Urban Sketchers Colombo offer a supportive and inclusive environment, welcoming artists of all ages, races, genders, and skill levels.
The Workshop :
"Creativity is a wild mind and a disciplined eye." The Sketch Walk event at Kamatha Open Air Theatre provided the ideal backdrop for our creative exploration. As I shared fundamental urban sketching tips with the eager participants, it was inspiring to witness each artist's unique interpretation of the surroundings.
During the workshop, I discussed the following topics:
1.The Essence of Urban Sketching: "We tell stories through our art, capturing the lives of people and creating art from the world around us."
2.Characteristics of Urban Sketching: "In the city's chaos, we find beauty through quick, loose strokes and by embracing imperfections."
3.The Seven Essential Elements of Art: "Line, shape, form, color, value, space, and texture – these are the building blocks of our visual language."
4.Composition: "The harmony of background, middle ground, and foreground creates a balanced visual narrative."
5.Steps in Sketching:
a. Planning the Sketch: "Observe, absorb, and compose. These are the keys to capturing the essence of your subject."
b. Drawing the Sketch: "Let your tools tell the story, using the supplies you have available."
c. Revising the Sketch: "Adding contrast, highlights, and final touches breathes life into your creation."
Throughout the workshop, I used my own artwork as examples, along with the works of other artists, and took inspiration from our immediate surroundings.
The Heartwarming Ambiance :
"Art has a way of bringing people together." The Urban Sketchers Colombo community's warm and welcoming atmosphere was truly heartening. It was a pleasure to engage with such a lively group of art enthusiasts, spanning all age groups. I felt privileged to share my knowledge on art and sketching basics with this passionate assembly.
Conclusion :
"Urban sketching captures the soul of the city." The magic of urban sketching lies in capturing the essence of cities, people, and architecture in their most genuine and unfiltered state. It's less about perfection and more about seizing the moment and the emotions that come with it. "In the end, it's the emotions and memories that linger." The Sketch Walk by Urban Sketchers Colombo was an unforgettable experience that I will treasure for years to come.
"As we sketched our way through that memorable event day, we found ourselves not only capturing the city's essence but also forming lasting connections with fellow artists. The joy of shared creativity and the thrill of immortalizing the city's stories in our art are experiences that will forever bind us together. For in the end, it's these moments, these emotions, and these memories that make urban sketching an unforgettable journey."
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