A Beginner's Checklist for Sketching on Location

Sketching on location sounds romantic, and it can be, but the first few attempts often feel awkward. The wind rustles the pages, people wander into view and you cannot decide what to draw. A little preparation removes most of those worries. Here is a practical checklist to help you enjoy your first outdoor sessions and come home with something worth keeping.

Pack light

The aim is to carry enough to be comfortable but not so much that you never leave the house. A basic kit might include:

• A small sketchbook, A5 or smaller, with a firm cover or a board to lean on.
• Two pencils, a soft one and a harder one, plus a sharpener and an eraser.
• A fineliner or two, if you like to draw in ink.
• A compact travel watercolour set, a water brush and a rag or paper towel, if you want colour.
• A bulldog clip or elastic band to keep pages from flapping.
• A folding stool or a cushion for damp benches.
• A bag that you can wear on your back, leaving your hands free.

Dress for the weather, and remember that you will be sitting still for longer than you would if you were walking.

Choose where to sit

Pick a spot with shelter from the wind, shade or sun that suits you, and a view that is interesting but not overwhelming. A bench in a park, a cafe window or a quiet corner of a street all work well. Think about practical matters, too. Make sure you are not blocking a path, and keep your belongings close if you are in a public place.

Pick a simple subject

A wide landscape can be intimidating. Narrow it down. Look for one building, one tree or one group of objects, and decide that this is your picture. If you are unsure, hold up your hands to make a small frame, and move it until the view feels balanced. Remember, too, that the scene will change as the light moves, so make decisions early and stick to them.

A simple method for the first sketch

1. Spend a minute simply looking, noticing the largest shapes and where the darkest and lightest areas lie.
2. Draw the biggest shapes lightly, checking proportions by comparing heights and widths.
3. Add the main details, such as windows, branches or signs, without trying to be exhaustive.
4. Add tone or colour in broad areas, starting with the lightest.
5. Finish with a few darker accents and a note of the date, place and weather.

A time limit of twenty to thirty minutes helps you avoid over-fussing.

Dealing with onlookers

People are often curious, and most are friendly. A brief smile and a polite word usually satisfies them. If you feel self-conscious, choose quieter locations at first, or sit with your back to a wall. Over time, you will probably find that the attention fades into the background, or becomes part of the enjoyment.

Build the habit

Outdoor sketching is a good partner to a regular home routine. A short daily session, as described in our guide to a ten-minute daily sketch, keeps your eye and hand loose, so that a weekend trip feels natural. And if you ever freeze in front of a fresh page on location, the tips in blank page fear apply just as well outdoors.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to finish every sketch? No. A quick, incomplete sketch still trains your eye. You can add notes about colours and light to remember what you saw.

What if the weather turns bad? Sketch from a cafe or a car, or take photographs for reference, though remember that nothing replaces drawing from life.

Is it safe to sketch alone? Use common sense, as you would with any outing. Choose well-frequented places, tell someone where you are going and stay aware of your surroundings.