What is Urban Sketching, and How It Changed the Way I See the World
The first time I heard of “urban sketching” was in a class I took during my master's degree. I’ve considered myself an observant person, but now that I’ve practiced urban sketching for a few years, I realize that I see my environment differently. Sure, I noticed interesting patterns, popping colors in the streets, different architecture, and the people, but I didn’t pause long enough to study something and TRULY observe it. I cannot measure how much urban sketching has helped me observe better when I’m drawing on location.
Sketch of Peña Blanca at Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. April 2025.
So… What Is Urban Sketching?
Urban sketching is the art of drawing from direct observation, on location (indoor or outdoor), capturing the essence of real places, people, or events. Urban sketching comes from a global community of artists who document the world around them through sketches, whether it’s the place they live in or where they travel. These sketches can also be created using any medium, although a lot of urban sketchers stick to mixed media techniques like ink pens and watercolors, but you can use whatever you feel comfortable with. The only thing you need to start doing urban sketching is a piece of paper and a pencil!
How It Changed the Way I See the World
I started doing urban sketching in 2020, and it was truly intimidating for me. As an introvert, I found sketching in public spaces a challenge. I cared too much about being seen and about not liking my final result, and through time, I have learned that urban sketching is not about making a perfect artwork; it’s about capturing the essence of a place and enjoying the process. Every time I go out, I see things I used to overlook: the textures of a door, the posture of a couple sitting on a bench, the colors of the shadow of the trees at the park.
Drawing slowed me down in the best way possible. When I’m sketching, I become one with the place and my surroundings, whether I’m sketching my snacks at a local coffee shop, the birds that visit my garden in the afternoon, or the beach while my friends are enjoying the sun. I am so focused and connected to where I am that I forget everything else. It taught me to observe, to enjoy my environment, and to appreciate the things that life offers us every day.
You Don’t Have to Be “Good at Art”
I truly believe that anyone can do urban sketching, and urban sketching is for everyone. You don't need to have studied art or know how to draw perfectly to do this. All you need is a willingness and curiosity to learn, observe, and create.
If you’ve ever been tempted to draw or do urban sketching, this is your signal! Start small, don’t overwhelm yourself and be patient. Bring a sketchbook and a pencil or pen everywhere you go and make a quick 10-minute sketch to loosen up and get on track. Don’t feel pressure to show anyone if you don’t want to. To me, urban sketching is like therapy or meditation, and I believe it can help other people slow down in this fast-paced life. Urban sketching changed how I see life, and I hope it can do the same for you.
If you’re in Puerto Rico and want to sketch together, I can host urban sketching classes or workshops around the island. Check out my Instagram to look out for my urban sketching journey and updates!
