Quick & Lively Urban Sketching

I am just now exploring Urban Sketching and this was helpful to me at this time. It is only 64 pages. Like all other 'Urban Sketching 'books this has pictures of the writers sketches, however he included exercises and actually showed how to sketch some things. He covers different aspects of composition. I was not aware of spatial depth and dynamism. I was able to see examples of how to build a scene - starting with basic shapes using single lines (always start with a frame) then use additional lines to create depth and shading. Make the images closer to you darker and more detailed. The four boxes he used to show the steps for each scene made it look so simple -this was most useful to me.

While this is quick overview on urban sketching the author's words can be applied to landscapes, objects, pretty much anything. The sketches are very loose. It's a basically get to the point style of drawing, which suits me fine. My only complaint is I wish it was twice the length, not so much for the text but for the drawings.

Pencil oriented rather than pen oriented by has some good ideas.

I found this book to be very helpful! I liked his style and found the book to be encouraging! No pressure, just enjoy what your doing and learn as you go!

Well organized for beginners. Haven't completed all the suggestions yet.

Too many contradictions, no idea about the elements of art, plus his sket he's are horrendous. Save your money.

great urban sketching ideas and techniques! i teach a walk-about town art class. this book inspired me and i recommend it to my students.

If you are looking for an instructional book, then this is not the one to buy. It contains lots of rough sketches and a brief description of the sketch. For example "A view through an avenue of trees. Pencil 3b, coloured pencils and white chalk on brown cardboard. The dark chestnut trees provide an exciting contrast with the historical facades." Other comments by the artist "On the Campo San Giacomo Dell'Orio - fountain pen, black ink. The people in this Venetian scene play a crucial role in generating its lively effect. Details such as the well, the awning and the benches also contribute to the overall impression". This is accompanied by a quick sketch of the shapes of people sitting and walking in an area. There are also shapes of buildings and what could pass as trees. On its own without the description, it would just be a scribble or doodle.Many of the sketches are just scribbles or doodles showing shapes of people or objects, this makes me wonder if the artist has just sent his whole sketchbook to print and added a description as an afterthought.I did not find the book inspirational (as some of the reviewers have written in their feedback). I did find the book to be a waste of money. It will end up on the bookshelf for a while before finding its way into a charity bag.

As a new artist I want to try a few styles before settling on a preference. I like the approach of this book in guiding me to be able to capture a variety of urban scenes.

Meh, it's okay, not great, just a book of pictures really, not very instructional.

A great book with lots of helpful hints. I just found a lot of it is beyond my skills at the moment.

Arrived very quickly. Just what I needed for sketching buildings and people with some helpful tips.