Loose Impressionistic Urban Sketching

Allan Kirk

This is a structured course guided by a curriculum that is broken down into 4 classes. Designed and taught by artist Allan Kirk, delve into the art of loose impressionistic sketching for urban scenes. Master fundamental sketching techniques and materials honed over Allan's two decades as a dedicated artist.

This course is suitable for intermediate artists.

In this course, Allan will show you his techniques and materials best suited to meet 5 key challenges:

Materials and technique - What techniques should I use and how can I find the right materials to help me achieve this?
Approach to sketching - How do I achieve a free impressionistic approach (not a photographic representation) yet still represent the feel and place I sketch?
Composition - What shall I sketch?
How will I get energy, mood and atmosphere in my work?
What is the underlying role of tonal value and colour in this process?

All of this is underpinned by a sense of joy in doing the sketch, which is far more valuable than any outcome.

COURSE CURRICULUM

Session 1: Drawing with Tonal Values

Learn how drawing with tonal values can establish depth and contrast in your piece. Learn the basic concepts of suggesting impressionistic style in your work through the materials you use, how they interact with one another, and how you can use them to your advantage.

Session 2: “Contre Jour” and the Value of Contrasts

Learn how to use the concept of “contre jour” to bring colour to your piece, while still establishing enough contrast using the language of colours. Allan will also show you how to evoke mood and atmosphere in your pieces effectively with watercolours.

Session 3: Composition and Balance

Learn how to move the position of objects in a composition to help you create a sketch that meets this balance as Allan takes you to a beautiful scene in Soual.

Session 4: Bringing it Altogether

Bring all the concepts of tonal values, colours, contrasts, and composition together in one detailed urban scene. From here you can be the master of your own craft, draw and paint anything while creating that impressionistic mood and atmosphere in your piece.

REFERENCE PHOTOS