Notes from my sketchbook

A practical look at the Fuumuui watercolour easel palette — what comes with it, how I’ve adapted it to suit my own sketching set up and the features that have surprised me.

I tested six Hahnemühle papers with my usual pen and watercolour approach to see how they handled line work, washes, lifting and layering and to find out which ones I would happily use again.

Meet artist Liz Steele, whose work ranges from lively architectural sketches to her much-loved tea cup sketches. Based in Australia, Liz is known internationally for her location sketching, teaching and thoughtful approach to observing the world around her.

Meet Darman Angir, an Indonesian architect, urban sketcher and teacher based in Surabaya. Darman began urban sketching in 2011 and went on to co-found Urban Sketchers Surabaya. His work has been featured in a number of sketching books, and he has taught at Urban Sketching events around the world.

My first impressions of Fuumuui double-ended travel watercolour brushes — six synthetic squirrel brush heads, three compact handles, and how they’ve performed in my sketching kit.

What started as simply something I wanted to try — a miniature painting of a toadstool — quickly became a new obsession. Here’s how it all started….

Meet Jim Richards, an internationally renowned urban sketcher, architect, author and teacher. Jim has written two books on travel and urban sketching, teaches online through Skillshare and leads workshops and retreats around the world — even crossing oceans in super yachts!

Meet Stephanie Bower an internationally recognised architectural illustrator, urban sketcher, author and teacher, known for her beautifully observed drawings and distinctive use of perspective, line and watercolour. Based in Seattle, Stephanie has taught sketchers around the world and is the author of several highly regarded books on drawing, perspective and travel sketching.

Can a few pencil lines actually make your line work looser? A quick look at when simple pencil structure can help you relax, simplify a complicated scene and draw with more confidence.

Meet Czech Republic-based architect, artist and educator David Drazil, known for his energetic architectural sketches, clear teaching style and love of drawing buildings by hand.