Urban Sketching has official rules. One of those rules is that you must sketch onsite from direct observation.
Great rule…but what about reference photos?
Does Using Reference Photos Make You a Rebel Urban Sketcher?
There are 3 times that reference photos and urban sketching are perfect companions, in my opinion.
1. When Travelling. Reference photos are a “no-no” for official urban sketchers, but they are your best friend if you are a rebel urban sketcher! They are ideal when you can’t stay on location long enough to do a sketch…like when you are travelling.
It is so easy to capture a great digital photo and use it as reference later.
You still have the experience of being there, of seeing it firsthand, of experiencing the sounds, smells, and sights that go along with the photo. I try to capture all of that when I create my sketch from my reference photo.
2. Reference photos make great learning tools. They are an amazing way to practice, learn, and observe how others are doing it.
I love nothing more than attending a workshop and seeing how 12 different people rendered the exact same reference photo.
They never look anything alike!
That’s because every person brings their own lens and experience to the reference. The focal point they chose, the colors they use, what they decide to include/exclude from the finished sketch. It’s all so personal!
3. Commissions. I will take commissions of family homes, cottages, workplaces, and other special places as a way to earn money from my artwork. These are often surprise gifts. My clients will email me some photos and I work from the reference.
Having a complete stranger sit outside your house for 3 hours would probably let the cat out of the bag and ruin the surprise!
The Irony…
On balance, I complete many more sketches with reference photos than without. I am okay with my no rules urban sketching that puts me firmly in the “unofficial” category most of the time. I’ve made my peace.
The irony is that I often work on my sketches in a coffee shop, at a picnic table, at a library, at a laundromat or some other public place. So I’m often “on location”, but not the location that I am sketching!
Stay Sketchy,
