Quick Landscape Sketches

Here in Britain we do know how to appreciate sunshine. At the first sign of sun, we rush outside to enjoy it… While it lasts!

I took advantage a family walk to make quick landscape sketches. After long winter months it is lovely to sketch outside without freezing. I used my Inktense water soluble pencils, a pen, a water brush and watercolour. I spent 15 to 30 minutes on each sketch.

Landscape sketches on the go

I have broken down how I approached those landscape sketches, so you can get an insight into my though process. It is quick – just imagine you are out with family or friends. You don’t want them to wait ages until you’ve finished sketching.

1. Block main shapes – Outline of the main shapes with an Inktense pencil. I picked a brown or ochre yellow pencil that will blend into the finished sketch. Exaggerate shapes a little to add drama.
2. Add colour and tone – With a small range of Inktense pencils, lay down areas of tone and shade. The pencil strokes will remain visible on your finished sketch so you can use those to indicate texture too. I do exaggerate colours. A hint of red or purple might become a bright colour in my sketch.
3. Draw a pen outline – Correct any changes to your super fast pencil  sketch and add detail and texture in your focus area with a waterproof pen.
4. Watercolour – Colour the sketch with a water brush and watercolour. I work quickly on top of the Inktense pencils. The pencils dissolve and blend in with the watercolours.