![]() It includes detailed explanations and illustrated examples for each step and can apply to whatever medium you choose to draw in. Again, perfect for architecture and intricate details, not okay for sketching people.įor more tips and tricks have a look at my other Urban Sketching articles.This tutorial explains how to proportion and draw a male face. ![]() While mostly it's alright to do a quick sketch of a stranger without asking for permission (see above), there are some situations where it's technically possible but just doesn't seem right.Īny situation that seems rather private comes to mind, as well as spots where the dress code is very relaxed (such as pools).Ĭemeteries are great places to practice perspective and still lifes (tomb stones, flowers.), but I would not recommend drawing mourners. Situations in which it's not okay to sketch strangers It's much the same way that Edgar Degas practised for his amazing ballerina paintings.įor more good places visit my article 11 Spots in your City that are just Perfect for Urban Sketching. Any kind of theatre, dance school or even concert halls are great because your subjects are used to being looked at, it's part of their job after all.įor rehearsals rather than official performances you are going to need permission of course. The best places to sketch strangers in cities or towns tend to be those where people are too busy with their own life to notice much of what's going on around them.įor that reason I like sketching in train stations and airports, since everyone usually has more important things on their mind than observing their surroundings.Ĭafés are great because you can sit comfortably, often hidden away in a booth or a table at the back and your subjects will not usually move much or quickly.īut the absolute best spots to sketch people are performing arts centres. It takes a little practice, for sure, but being able to draw strangers without making them feel watched or uncomfortable is a very useful and important skill to develop for any urban sketcher. In situations where neither of these are an option you will simply have to learn to observe without staring. And if in doubt most people will (want to) believe it's not them you're interested in. If they do happen to notice you looking over for a moment they'll simply think you're deep in thought and it's a coincidence.Īnd of course there's the easiest way to hide where exactly you're looking: wear sunglasses.ĭark shades mask your eyes, so no one can tell if you're looking directly at them or at something else near them. The easiest way to be perceived as less of a ‘threat’ to your subjects is to appear like you're writing something, rather than drawing them. Some of it is simply practice, other tricks you can implement right away. The best way to create good sketches of strangers is to do it in a way that they don't notice they are the object of your artistic attention. But for quick, rough sketches it's often neither feasible nor necessary. That would be super off-putting for any shy urban sketcher out there.įor longer, more intricate portraits of course talking to the subject first is a must. Plus, asking someone will draw attention to you and they'll most likely want to see the sketch when it's done. They might also feel obliged to stay in their position longer than they would without you drawing them, so you’re basically intruding in their schedule. And you'd have no problem understanding why. If they notice it they'll very likely feel a bit uncomfortable, if not angry. Imagine walking up to a complete stranger on the street and taking their photo, without asking first. ![]() I like to think of it in terms of photography to properly visualise it. It depends on how you look at it and what your own preferences and values are. ![]() Is it okay to draw a stranger without asking? It’s also excellent practice for figure drawing, composition and to simply pass the time when waiting for the train. And of course they are frequently found in places with other people, noise and just a lot of distractions around.īut exactly because of these complications mastering to draw people will help you improve your skill set substantially. They never seem to stay still quite long enough. Their independent limbs, gestures and general movement make humans somewhat difficult subjects, it's true. In fact, there are a couple of easy to do tricks you can follow. Sketching someone without them noticing is a skill that can be mastered just as much as the drawing itself. But how can you draw strangers without making them uncomfortable? ![]() Drawing people as part of your daily urban sketching practice is a lot of fun and excellent to enhance your skill. ![]()
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