How to Start Fountain Pen Urban Sketching - Step by Step for Beginners

In this fountain pen urban sketching tutorial I'll show you how I use my LAMY fountain pen to create a simple but effective urban sketch in just three simple steps.

I'll break down each step for beginners, so that you can understand what we're doing and why, and sketch along with me at the same time if you like.

This fountain pen urban sketching tutorial shows step by step techniques for beginner sketchers that you could use inside doing virtual urban sketching, but easily take outside as well if you want!

This scene is Eilean Donan castle - not the most urban sketch, but you voted for it ;)

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00:00 Introduction
00:58 Our scene
01:39 Supplies
01:55 Step one - Shapes
06:13 Step two - Value
12:41 Step three - Details
16:54 Finishing now
#urbansketch #howtosketch #tobyurbansketch

[krrangarajan]

I had a fountain lying around not knowing what to do with it, This video has brought me soo much joy in trying to replicate/learn drawing thrrough fountain pens, Instead of mindlessly consuming youtube for an hour I have spent my free time actually making a product, im a student so this is all I can afford right now, but thank you so much.

[DanGleebowls]

Loosening up has helped me enjoy drawing, sketching, painting and just plain old doodling again, I spent so long trying to make everything perfect like I do with photography it sucked the joy right out of the whole endeavour.

Being more loosey-goosey with it all has helped me get stuff done instead of being stuck hovering pen over paper, paralysed with the fear that what I'm about to mark will be less than perfect.

[steadihut]

Wonderful! I do appreciate your calm, thoughtful way of presenting your process. It really helps me drop my guard and all the past perfectionism that has all but crippled any pleasure I would have gotten from creating art. Please keep doing these. I hope you get as much out of this as we all do!!!

[TobySketchLoose]

Join me on sketchloose.co.uk for my in depth course, 'developing line work and mark making', join the waiting list for the May opening!


Find my supplies listed on my website urbansketch.co.uk/supplies-1

[vanessanash]

Brilliant thank you. When I see these types of picutres it looks o hard, but you have made it easy THANKYOU!

[philshepherd]

Thanks for your great videos. I am now on my walks with my sketch pad and pens. Really enjoy the style of loose drawing, the last time I used a sketch pad was when I was 15 years old. I am now 69. Phil. S 🇬🇧

[rosskey]

Your videos and tips have revolutionised my drawing style.
I am getting so much more enjoyment from art now.
I'm sorry to hear you have had negative commitments about your art. You certainly don't deserve them.
You are definitely great at what you do.

[endthepatriarchy]

For someone whose drawing skills are like 5 years old, I’m glad that I found your channel. Please make more simple drawings in the future ❤️

[SharonFoster]

Very inspiring, i will definitely try this! Ill probably go ahead and add color, too, because i cant resist.

[arnavdurani]

watching you draw and using your insights, pieces of advice, and point of view has made me fall in love with my own lines, which I used to hate

[RichardASlack]

I’m just about to start your Beginners’ course having done the draw in a week course. Jackson’s may become my new favourite shop having just picked up art at the age of 53!! I happen just to have done a quick thumbnail of this exact castle from a slightly different angle. I will go back and add some colour to mine just as a key for a larger sketch later on. Love your work and your teaching style! Thanks!

[janetpeck]

Loved your calm unfussy style of sketching. When I found you were in Stamford I was even more interested. It is such a busy place with many nooks and crannies and wobbly buildings, I have no excuse now not to take my kit next time we’re there. I’ll abandon hubby and our collie in a cafe whilst I be brave and have a go. Thank you. ☺🤗

[hattis]

Great tutorial - thanks for demystifying the process so clearly and simply. Loved the helpful voiceovers.

[newearthman]

Thank you so much for all your great videos. I love your work, it makes me really really happy. You have completely sold me on this whole urban sketching thing. I've started putting together my kit and I'm looking forward to getting out and about. Wish me luck. Thanks again. Steve

[bonnieh]

I find your uTubes so relaxing. Your voice and your art talent helps me to sit back, take a breath and feel calmer and perhaps, one day, try to sketch. Thank you!

[cucofiatpunto]

Thank you for your "yes, we can" style.
I hope you will forgive me: after many to count years using fountain pen for everything I have made this exercise with a pen. And, honestly, I think that for really beginers it is a valid option.

[turtlesilk]

I love the way that the detail and bolder lines pulled it all together.

[UJB]

Awesomeness! Drawing the simple shapes has been key for me … thank you for the understanding.

[andyspeakman]

I really enjoy your approach to sketching and find your videos really confidence inspiring. Regarding hatching, I find another way to depict different levels of darkness is to cross-hatch the darkest areas. I'm returning to sketching after many years. Your videos have enthused me to get sufficiently confident and competent to start "sketch note-booking" to record trips and holidays.

[iamhuman]

I enjoy your loose way of sketching so much, it helps me to get over any perfectionism at all. 👍