How To Sketch People Quickly! (6 TIPS for sketching in PUBLIC)

Summary

In this tutorial, Scotty shares essential tips for confidently sketching people in public. He covers practical advice for beginners, including using a sketchbook, finding the right spots, sketching quickly and loosely, and embracing imperfection. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of capturing basic shapes and simplifying proportions for quick sketches. Scotty also provides a controlled exercise to practice these techniques within a set timeframe, helping viewers build confidence and speed. Overall, the focus is on enjoying the process of sketching rather than achieving perfection.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sketching people in public is a fun and exciting challenge that helps improve your artistic skills.
• 😀 Use a sketchbook with a hard cover to provide a firm surface for sketching while on the move.
• 😀 Find a spot where people are stationary, such as in a park or waiting for public transport, to sketch without disturbing them.
• 😀 Avoid sketching people up close at first to reduce the tension of being noticed.
• 😀 Keep your sketches small to make them quicker and less detailed, focusing on capturing the overall pose.
• 😀 Start with basic shapes—head, torso, and legs—to capture the figure quickly before focusing on details.
• 😀 Simplify proportions by considering the torso to be three heads high and the legs extending down to the ankles.
• 😀 Avoid perfectionism—embrace mistakes and unfinished sketches as part of the learning process.
• 😀 Sketching in public is more about the process than creating a perfect artwork, so enjoy the journey.
• 😀 Use timed exercises to practice quick sketches and build confidence under pressure.
• 😀 Join a community like Patreon for continued learning, access to tutorials, and opportunities to share your work.

Q & A

Why is it important to use a sketchbook for public sketching?

A sketchbook provides a firm surface for sketching, especially when standing or moving around in public. It makes it easier to sketch without worrying about the instability of a loose sheet of paper, offering better control and convenience.

What are some good locations for sketching people in public?

Good locations for sketching are places where people are stationary or distracted, such as parks, train stations, or areas where people are waiting or watching something like street performances. These spots offer the chance to sketch people without them noticing too much.

Why should you avoid sketching people too close up when starting out?

Sketching too close to someone can create tension, as they might notice you sketching them. Keeping a distance helps you observe without drawing attention, making the process more comfortable for both you and your subject.

What is the recommended size for sketches when starting out in public?

The sketches should be small, aiming for a 3 to 5-minute timeframe per sketch. This allows for quick, loose drawings without the pressure to capture fine details, focusing instead on the overall pose and movement.

What is the significance of starting with simple shapes when sketching?

Starting with simple shapes like the head, torso, and legs allows you to quickly capture the pose without getting caught up in details. This helps you maintain the flow of the sketch and complete it within a short time frame.

How do you simplify proportions for quick public sketches?

To simplify proportions, focus on basic guidelines, such as dividing the figure into two halves: from the shoulders to the crotch, and from the crotch to the ankles. For a bit more accuracy, you can divide the torso into three head-lengths, but the key is to avoid over-complicating things.

Why is it important to embrace mistakes and imperfections in public sketching?

Embracing mistakes and imperfections helps you avoid the trap of perfectionism. Public sketching is about capturing the moment, and often sketches will be unfinished or rough. This approach allows you to enjoy the process and learn from each attempt, rather than stressing over a perfect result.

What mindset should you have when sketching people in public?

The best mindset is to avoid being precious about your sketches. Embrace imperfection and focus on the process rather than the end result. Think of your sketches as a collection of practice pieces rather than completed works of art.

How can you build confidence in public sketching?

Building confidence comes with practice. Start with quick, simple sketches and gradually increase your comfort level. Using timed exercises and focusing on basic shapes first can help ease anxiety and improve speed.

What is the purpose of the timed exercise in the tutorial?

The timed exercise is designed to simulate the pressure of sketching in real-life situations. It encourages quick thinking and helps you focus on capturing the pose rather than details. It also serves as a way to practice maintaining speed and confidence while sketching under time constraints.