Sketchcrawl Links
A sketchcrawl is a way to create art while observing the world around you.
The art is usually something representative of the sights you see as you sketch. It’s like a travel journal, but the “travel” is often something local to where you live.
Most sketchcrawls involve a full day of sketching, usually as you tour a particular area. Typical art supplies include a pencil and something to sketch on. Some people bring just those art supplies to the sketchcrawl. Others include more elaborate art supplies, such as colored pencils, watercolors, a camera, and so on.
Some sketchcrawls are formal, organized activities. On a certain day and time, people meet at announced locations to stroll or travel together while creating art.
Summer is an ideal time for sketchcrawls. Here are a few links to inspire your travel journals and sketching in general.
Bibliophilia: Sketchcrawl the Tron
Meliors Simms’ first sketchcrawl notes and sketches.
Urban Sketchers: Bozeman Sketchcrawl
Photos and sketches from a sketchcrawl in Montana. I almost didn’t include this one because the art is intimidatingly good. Also see their sketchcrawl post from the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and — my favorite at their website, so far — early sketchcrawl in Mauritania.
Idle Minutes: Make a Mini Watercolor Palette
This concept is so brilliant, I can hardly wait to try it.
Sketching in Nature: Sketchcrawl in Excelsior Springs
Gorgeous and inspiring sketches, exactly what you’d expect from this brilliant group of artists! (Also at that same site: Wildflowers – Waterfall. Those links are the tip of the iceberg. Stay and browse that blog. You’ll be impressed.)
Chicken Pot Society: First monthly sketchcrawl
Sketches with lots of brilliant colors. Wonderful!
“Thumbs” O’Neill: sketchcrawl boston
Another example of vivid colors, though I’d describe my own sketchcrawls a little differently.
vicky’s journal: sketch crawl, 16 may
Wow! Another lovely sketch from someone who enjoys nature.
SketchCrawl Bologna: 18.04.2009
Be sure to look at the thumbnail sketches, too. The approach is dramatic and a good choice for this kind of art-on-the-go.
Zooman’s Sketchblog: June Sketchcrawl
I’m amazed at the number of artists who take the time to include so much color in their work. These are two-page sketches with considerable color and detail.
Journey Juju: Denver Sketch Crawl – July 11th
I’m including this one not because of the art (it’s a photo of someone sketching) but because the description of the process is so nice. (There are many lovely sketches at this blog.)
Jana’s Journal & Sketchblog – Monday night sketchcrawl: Shattuck and Vine
Great line drawings, showing a wonderful sense of style.
Improvising versatility: Sketchcrawl on The Times of India
Click the newspaper image to see it larger. It’s a good idea for additional publicity for this wonderful art activity.
References
See the schedule to join an organized sketchcrawl, or announce your own!
Sketchcrawls – how to by Danny Gregory