Urban Sketching Using Fountain Pen and Watercolour

What I use and how I use it - and my new watercolours.

Totmes, South Devon, England

What I Use - Including my new watercolours

For years I have used coffee and red wine to add colour. But I have recently gone back to watercolours and I have bought some professional Winsor and Newton ones. They are in a travel pack that includes a small water bottle and water holder.

Winsor and Newton Professional Watercolours

I always Use a Thick Brush

Non of my watercolour is done in any details - I ensure this by always using a thick brush. It’s an impressionistic way rather than a realistic one. The one I am currently using is a Jacksons Art travel brush.

Jacksons Art Travel Brush Pen

Using a Fountain Pen

I have always used a fountain pen for ink sketching - I find they are more reliable and consistent than fine liners and I prefer to use things that are non disposable. The fountain pen I tend to use is a Lamy LX.

Lamy LX Fountain Pen

Sketching the unremarkable

I find that sketching the otherwise unremarkable is my favourite thing - we have all seen sketches of famous buildings and cities. But not everyone documents the overlooked high streets and houses - everything has a story to tell.

Modbury, South Devon, England

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What’s coming?

This Substack is intended to expand upon the ideas of Urban Sketch Club, the principals and to provide examples and inspiration.

It’s all about getting your thoughts and feelings out onto paper without too many rules to follow - this is sketching - not drawing.

Thanks for reading this and coming on the journey with me. Enjoy the journey and the destination can just look after itself.
All the best,
Peter