The Urban Sketching Handbook Color First, Ink Later: A Dynamic Approach to Drawing and Painting on Location (Urban Sketching Handbooks, #15)

by Mike Yoshiaki Daikubara

Discover a unique approach to creating art on location: start with a loose, colorful watercolor sketch, let that layer dry, then add details in ink.

The result? Sketches that are more vibrant, dynamic, and fun! 

Designer, urban sketcher, and author of The Urban Sketching Handbook: Sketch Now, Think Later, Mike Daikubara is your guide to this exciting method in The Urban Sketching Handbook: Color First, Ink Later:

• Start with a detailed overview of the process, from optional light pencil sketch to finishing touches
• Follow along several step-by-step demonstrations that apply the approach to a range of subjects, from still life to figures to architecture
• Get inspired by an extensive gallery of on-location sketches 

You’ll learn how to let watercolor do the hard work of urban sketching and enjoy the spontaneous effects and delightful surprises you’ll see in your artwork. 

The Urban Sketching Handbooks series offers location artists expert instruction on creative techniques, on-location tips and advice, and an abundance of visual inspiration. These handy references come in a compact, easy-to-carry format—perfect to toss in your backpack or artist’s tote.

Also available from the Urban Sketching Handbooks series: Understanding Light; Panoramas and Vertical Vistas; Drawing Expressive People; Techniques for Beginners; Complete Urban Sketching Companion; Drawing with a Tablet; 101 Sketching Tips; Working with Color; Sketch Now, Think Later; Understanding Perspective; People and Motion; and Architecture and Cityscapes.

• ISBN13: 9780760373033
• Publish Date: 18 January 2022 (first published 4 January 2022)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Quarry Books
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 112
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Urban Sketching Handbook Color First, Ink Later is a tutorial method guide for sketching on the go. Due out 4th Jan 2022 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 112 pages and available in flexibound and ebook formats. This is one of several books and the second book by this author in the Urban Sketching series.

This is a well written, accessible, and useful book for intermediate to advanced artists who are looking for guidance to improve their technique. The book begins with a very short introduction. Tools and specific methods and use of color and negative space aren't covered (but this information is easily accessible with the briefest online search). Instead, the page content is densely filled with good 'bite sized' tips which cover dynamic sketching by coloring basic shapes first, and filling in detail work and inking later.

The author's entire process is well documented with photo and drawn illustrations. Basic techniques are briefly covered, followed by more specific in-depth overviews, and lesson tutorials of step-by-step processes. The book also contains a useful tutorial and tips collection as well as a gallery of works for inspiration and practice.

Five stars. Definitely a worthwhile addition to the artist's reference library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.