SKETCHING IS FUN.  Often quick but sometimes, depending upon the weather and if there is somewhere to lean or sit, longer.  

Its best point is it makes you look and see more than if just passing.  My quick sketches catch a freer atmosphere but longer studies as with the Great Court, British Museum (below) require careful observation.  These can become tight so one is fighting against that too.

Next best is it is a record of lots of places gone to, things done and has a character or grain better than any digital photo.  You can edit as you draw, then again when you add paint.  If you don’t like something in the view – leave it out.  If Turner did so can I.  It is said that in watercolour you cannot correct mistakes – you can!  Not always but mostly.

My sketch books are like a random diary; lots of happy memories and ‘happen chances’; not what I intended but got lucky.

Sketching can be social too.  I work with several groups or with a friend to sketch together and have a beer after.  You meet others, see different styles and invariably learn something.

​Three particular groups are Sketchmob, London Urban Sketchers and The Fountain Gallery.

sketchbooks selection

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