Intro to Urban Sketching- Wicker Park

This class is an introduction to urban sketching; the practice of on-site observational, idiosyncratic, or impressionistic drawing and painting, usually in the form of sketchbook pages, using portable art media. In short, it's drawing what's around you, and using your direct experience to create a (usually) small artwork on-site, in the moment.

This class is an introduction to urban sketching--the first in my three-part urban sketching series (or a standalone class if you prefer). This workshop is offered usually one week before the second two workshops, which usually occur on the same day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon on that day. You may be interested in signing up for this, and then the following week's double-header urban sketching classes. See Urban Sketching People, and Urban Sketching Architecture for more info on those classes.

We will be focusing on the Wicker Park neighborhood, in and around instructor Laura Noble's art studio in the historic Flatiron Arts Building. We will learn some basics about on-site sketching and observational drawing, including art supply tips, basic drawing principles for handling things like linear perspective, light and shadow, color, and drawing people, and suggested subject matter. We will gather at the studio at the start of class, and then venture out nearby to enjoy and sketch indoors and outside, as you like. We may explore local coffee shops, bookstores, rooftops, parks, architectural views, nature trails, and other unique spaces and views. We will compile portable artworks that can be a collection in themselves or fodder for future studio paintings. Sign up for just one session, or get a deal when you sign up for more sessions (see schedule).

Note: some extra spending money (maybe $15-$20)may be useful, in case you'd like to sit and sketch in a cafe or restaurant. It's good manners, and there are some lovely places whose food and beverage is worth trying! (must be 21+ to buy alcohol, of course). You are not required to sketch indoors, and there are many wonderful outdoor locations we'll visit, in addition to the established businesses, such as bookstores and cafes. And always make sure your supplies and gear is easily portable, and appropriate for outdoor weather.

An image looking across the street from our homebase at Flatiron Arts' Studio Laura Mae Noble

a in-progress sketch during a recent urban sketching session

a plein air painting of another painter during a painting session outdoors

a view of the Flatiron Arts Building, where our class will be based. This is a view from the other, taller flatiron building accross the intersection, where we may base a sketching session during our class series.

a sketchbook "plopdown" (from another Chicago-based urban sketch group)

from one of Laura's workshops at the Lincoln Park Conservatory

a happy sketcher after some quality sketchbook time at the Cabana Club in Wicker Park

detail of a student's stillife with wine bottles, pencils, and glasses

Host or Publisher Figure Ground Arts at Flatiron