Sketching and doodling can be one of the best ways to relax in the Summer and a wonderful family activity. It’s a low cost activity that can be done anywhere and is great for all ages and skill levels. You can draw local landmarks, trees, rocks, or even cartoons. If you enjoy drawing people heading off to the local park will give you plenty of subject matter to work from. Two things to remember about the activity especially if doing it with family members of various skill levels; one remember your sketch doesn’t have to be perfect or even finished. Two, draw what interests you, it can be a plain old rock. Rocks can be really interesting by the way. You can also take it to the next level by using paints, crayons, and more. It’s a great way to improve your art. I talk more about it in the video below
How to Choose a Spot
When I head out on a sketch trip which I call “sketch walks” I like to sketch old buildings. I have been doing that since my days on the road driving truck and love the details in old architecture. Many of my friends like to draw people so they head to coffee shops a lot. Find a place that you like and subject that is interesting. You don’t have to draw the whole building or subject, for me it is more about being outdoors and relaxing. I like to draw using just a pen and the average drawing will take me about two hours to complete on site. That being said if I am short on time I will take a picture of the subject, block in the main elements and you can finish the picture at a later date. I have drawn boats, people, landscapes, and more. Visit my Youtube channel to see some of the great conservation areas in Ontario. Zoos are also great places to sketch if you enjoy animals.
Wondering how to prepare for a sketch trip?
I explain how to prepare for a day out sketching, remember to take care of yourself. Watch the video below for more information.
Remember to have fun and don’t judge your art. It is more about enjoying the outdoors. Your art will improve just by getting out and doing it. The fun is in the process. Below are some images from a recent sketch walk in Hamilton. Visit Bruce Outridge Productions to view more sketch walks and art tips to help improve your drawing. If you want to challenge yourself look up a group on Instagram called Urbansketchers. They challenge you to draw your subject, take a picture of it on location and post it. It adds a little more challenge to the trip. #urbansketchers
About the Artist
Bruce Outridge is a professional cartoonist and caricature artist from Burlington Ontario Canada. One of his passions is sketching old buildings on what he calls sketch walks. You can learn tips, see sketch walks, and learn more about Bruce and his art at www.bruceoutridgeproductions.com
