Travel sketching is something I am trying to practice more. In this video you can see how I did a bit of travel sketching in Panama on my way to the canopy access course. What canopy access course? You did see the videos where I was nature journaling and sketching in the rainforest canopy right? If you haven’t you can check them out here.
Travel sketching is a form of visual documentation that involves capturing the experiences and memories of a trip or journey through the creation of sketches and illustrations. It is a way for travelers to document and reflect on their experiences, and to preserve the memories of a trip in a unique and personal way.
Benefits
Travel sketching offers many benefits to travelers, including:
- Capturing memories: Sketching provides a visual record of a trip, preserving memories in a way that photographs and notes alone cannot.
- Enhancing observation skills: Travel sketching requires the observer to slow down and pay attention to the details of their surroundings, helping to improve observation skills and deepen understanding of the environment.
- Encouraging creativity: Sketching allows travelers to express their personal perspectives. Instead of just taking photos you are actually employing a creative way to document a trip.
- Encouraging mindfulness: Travel sketching requires focus and presence in the moment, helping to promote mindfulness and reduce stress.
- Meeting People: Whether you want to or not people will talk to you. Seeing someone sketching is unique and people will undoubtedly come up to watch, ask questions, or make comments. This can be a good way to meet people in a new area.
Techniques
Travel sketching can be done in many different styles. Each person will find their own unique approach. However, there are some general tips and techniques that can be helpful for anyone starting out with travel sketching:
- Initially, start with basic shapes. Simplifying the structures of the environment can help to build a foundation for the final illustration.
- Use a small sketchbook. Sometimes a small sketchbook is less intimidating. In addition it is easy to carry. Make it easy to start.
- Go with other people or join a meetup in a new town. You will learn faster and have more fun with others. There are urban sketching meetups in surprising places. Urban Sketchers: https://www.urbansketchers.org/ Or you might meet someone who sketches randomly.
- Practice regularly. Regular practice can help to improve sketching skills and build confidence. Once you get in the habit it will become easier to start each time. The hardest part is starting.
- Start early in the trip because the longer you wait the less likely you will sketch.
Media to try
Travelers can use a variety of media in their sketchbooks, including:
- Pencils: First, try pencils for a flexible and cheap option for sketching on the go. Make quick sketches or build up more detailed illustrations with shading and texture. You can find them anywhere too.
- Pens: Use ink specifically if you are afraid of it. The permanence and immediacy are good things. Pens provide a clean and clear line too. Be careful that some may leak ink on airplanes!
- Watercolors: Watercolors are a popular choice, as they are portable, and dry quickly (compared to other paint). However, they also add unpredictability which some people love and some people hate. It may take a while to get use to.
- Gouache: Gouache is similar to watercolors, but is thicker and more opaque, making it ideal for creating more detailed and textured illustrations.
- Lastly are Colored pencils: Colored pencils are another popular option for travel sketching, providing a convenient and portable way to add color to sketches. Despite this I am personally not a fan.
- For more on art supplies check this post out.
Travel sketching can take many different forms. For example, quick sketches can be captured on the go. Finally, more detailed illustrations can be created back at home from photos. The following are examples.
- Urban sketches: Urban sketching involves capturing the hustle and bustle of city life, including the architecture, people, and street scenes of a city. See more at Urban Sketchers: https://www.urbansketchers.org/
- Landscape sketches: Capturing the context of the place. See more about landscape drawing here.
- People sketches or gesture drawings.
- Sketching at events.
- You can even make comics of your trip!
But what if I’m completely new to sketching and nature journaling?
Regardless of your experience, we got you right here. Below are links to some super resources for beginner nature journalers.
