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Line and Wash in the
Urban Landscape

Capture the energy and architecture of the places you love using expressive line and wash. Learn to sketch in a loose, rhythmic style and use vibrant watercolours to create unique urban masterpieces.

Whether you are a complete beginner looking to take the plunge into drawing outdoors, or a more experienced urban sketcher looking to loosen up your style and use watercolour paints in a whole new way, renowned urban landscape artist Neil Whitehead will help you to bring your favourite places to life on paper.

Packed with inspirational paintings, plein air demonstrations, practical exercises to help you loosen up and let go, plus lots of handy tips, Line & Wash in the Urban Landscape is a comprehensive, visually inspiring guide to this popular artform.

The book outlines:

  • What you need to get started: all the necessary tools and equipment

  • Choosing a scene and working outdoors: how to choose a location and then select an area of interest

  • Capturing character: sketching fast, simplifying and working with freedom

  • Continuous line drawing and prioritising rhythm over perfection

  • Using watercolour for drama, depth and energy

  • Understanding composition and perspective

  • Working from reference pictures: for when you can’t get outside.

 

Urban sketching communities and groups are on the rise worldwide, so there's never been a better time to get outdoors and sketch!

Available to buy across in bookstores online at:

 

Amazon

Penguin

Search Press

Book cover
sketching on location
“What we love about Neils approach is the way he combines line drawing with colour, bringing a freedom of expression and creativity and illustrating how to infuse drawings with energy and imagination."
"If youre an urban sketcher, Neil presents you with a powerful tool for your armoury that I hope youll exploit and love.."

Heart of the tribe gallery

“A collection of informative and beautiful photographs of Neils work accompanied by detailed guidelines demonstrating his practice.”
“Line & Wash in the Urban Landscape is a comprehensive, visually inspiring guide to this popular artform"

University of Portsmouth

"Neil shares tips on materials and techniques that will help build your confidence and skills.."
“a genuinely novel approach in a medium that readily simplifies an often complex subject.”
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