The Essentials of Everyday Sketching Architecture

Learn to sketch architecture by drawing big shapes, then breaking them into smaller ones, with an easy approach to windows, doors, columns, and the anatomy of a true arch.

Learn to draw columns by starting with a large frontal shape, divide into eight columns across the Pantheon front, add capitals, shafts, bases, and study perspective and rhythm.

Master true arches versus distorted shapes, study arch anatomy from spring line to keystone, and sketch arches in perspective using vanishing points and ellipses.

Learn to convey brick, stone, and wood in architectural sketches by using line quality and thickness to imply material, scale, and ornament, without detailing every brick.

Learn to find vanishing points and eye level lines for sloped surfaces, use the wedge of cheese approach for stairs, and render tile roofs with expressive edge lines.

Discover how diagonals reveal the center of a building face and its perspective, using vanishing points, eye level lines, and two-point perspective to sketch roof edges and form.

Explore techniques to add life and energy to architectural sketches, including composition tips for setting up your view and mark making with upside down l for windows, color, and line.

Explore composition tricks for architectural sketching, from alternating lights and darks to guide the viewer through a space, using off-center corners and contrasting angles for a dynamic, zigzag flow.

Demonstrates using the upside-down l to make windows recede and pop in perspective, with dark behind edges and shadows to enhance space, tone, and color in sketches.

Add energy to architectural sketches with straight-down reflections, three orange eye-level spots, and quick, wiggly lines that convey motion and guide the eye through perspective.

Apply a three-step process to architectural sketching: block big shapes, establish eye-level and vanishing points, explore one- and two-point perspective, then add color with watercolor.