I have to admit when the lockdown was first announced I did think I will use all my free time to sketch. I had grand plans to sketch all the items in my home, the rooms, use google maps and even take a course (hah!). The reality is I've done nothing and in fact spent... Continue Reading →
Sketching during lockdown
It feels like a lifetime ago since my last post in February - life feels so different. In the UK, we are staying at home to help stop the virus infecting more people which for some are sadly losing their lives. I'm a homely type of girl and so staying indoors is not a challenge,... Continue Reading →
Goodbye 2019
2019 honestly felt like the fastest year on record ever. Perhaps it's a symptom of ageing that years begin to pass by quickly, or the fact it was just a crazy busy year. There was so much we packed in: renovating our home (still ongoing!), family holidays, going back to work full time and generally... Continue Reading →
Sketching People
This month was the, 'One Week, 100 people' challenge, unfortunately, similar to previous years I didn't take part. This is because this week coincided with school holidays and I couldn't find the time in between laundry and entertaining (shouting at) my lovely children! I promise next year I will take part! However, I did spend... Continue Reading →
De-cluttering sketching pens and pencils
Christmas is over and 2019 is almost here, so what better way to bring in the New Year by decluttering my sketching kit! In my quest to find the 'magic' pen or pencil I have acquired so many that I can now open a stationary shop! However, what I have noticed is having so many... Continue Reading →
Sketching to Breathe
For me, sketching is more than capturing a realistic or pretty picture or something for others to enjoy and comment. It’s a series of moments where so many things unfold. I slow down and I really notice the world in front of me - the shadows, bright spots, colours, shapes, rooftops, the arched windows and alongside... Continue Reading →
Sketching from Photos
I love Urban Sketching because being outside in the environment and capturing scenes in your sketchbook is a sensory heaven. But this also means I have millions of excuses not to sketch such as having the kids around me (they never let me sketch!), not having the time and as this excuse list is never-ending... Continue Reading →
Sketching Small
February has been pretty cold here in London and so I've not really ventured out to sketch. Instead, I have embraced sketching small and the everyday items around me. This month, I have also been reading some fantastic books by established and amazing Urban Sketchers. If you are new to Urban Sketching or want to... Continue Reading →
Sketching in Coffee Shops
This month I've been hiding away from the cold and keeping warm by sketching people in coffee shops. I also attempted a self- portrait in my hat and scarf! I've particularly enjoyed sketching with my new Lamy Joy pen which is the closest fountain pen to a dip pen. The Lamy Joy pen has great... Continue Reading →
Draw London
September has been a very busy month and my sketching has been gathering some serious amount of dust. But, this month has ended on a sketching high with Francine Lawrence and Susi Hoyle on their amazing course, ‘Draw London’ with City Academy. We gathered in the morning at Tate Modern in London and sketched our... Continue Reading →