What you'll learn
- How to choose a color scheme based on simple color theory
- How to sketch a simple scene with a minimalist art supply kit
- How to use just a few strokes of watercolor to create a clean, vibrant sketch
- How to start with abstract watercolor to create a whimsical, off-kilter drawing
Requirements
- Beginner drawing and watercolor painting skills
Description
Travel sketching is a great way to observe the new places you’re exploring and capture memories in a way that no snapshot ever could.
But do you have trouble finding time to sketch when you’re on vacation?
Are your art supplies just too much to lug around everywhere you go?
Do you struggle to capture a scene in a way that reflects your own personality and your own style?
In this class, I’ll demonstrate an approach that anyone can do on the go.
Travel kit: Take a look inside my ultra-light travel kit, and adapt it to your own style.
Drawing: Learn my tricks for getting an accurate drawing down quickly, using just one pen.
Watercolor: Try a simplified approach that uses a few strokes of vibrant, creative color and lots of white space.
Details: Add details when you have time, and use a couple markers for highlights and shadows.
I think you’ll be surprised at how lively and vibrant your artwork can be, even when you have less than half an hour to sketch!
The result is a sketchbook that feels bright and inviting, and I’m sure you’ll have fun doing it.
If you’re a beginner, this class is a great place to start. For more experienced artists, this class is a fun way to loosen up and try a different approach to travel sketching.
No previous coursework is necessary to take this class, but if you’re interested in diving into some of the ideas I mention, I teach a couple of other classes you might find useful:
For help with drawing street scenes in perspective: Sketching Street Scenes in Ink and Watercolor
For more on the idea of a CMYK color palette: Improve Your Paintings with Color and Value
Who this course is for:
- Both beginners and more experienced artists who want to create quick travel sketches
Instructor
- 4.7 Instructor Rating
- 398 Reviews
- 1,464 Students
- 20 Courses
I'm the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen books, including The Drunken Botanist, Wicked Plants, and Girl Waits with Gun. I've been a full-time author for twenty years, and in that time my books have sold over a million copies worldwide and been translated into 17 languages.
I love talking to writers and artists, and bonding over the creative process. I started teaching so that I can inspire others to take the leap.
I believe that writing, drawing, and painting are all teachable skills. Forget about talent--it doesn't exist, and you don't need it. With some quality instruction and lots of practice, any of us can make meaningful, honest, and unique art and literature.
When I'm not writing or traveling on book tour, I'm painting and drawing in ink, watercolor, gouache, and oil. Come find me on my website or on Instagram to stay connected.