There's something magical about capturing the character of local buildings with pen and ink. As someone who's spent years sketching the charm of neighborhood storefronts and historic architecture, I want to share some beginner-friendly tips to help you start your own architectural drawing journey.
Essential Materials
You don't need much to begin! Here's my recommended starter kit:
- A fine-point waterproof pen (I suggest starting with a 0.3mm Micron)
- A mechanical pencil for initial sketches. One of my favorites is this one: Pentel Graph 0.7mm
- A small sketchbook (A5 size works well for urban sketching)
- An eraser
- Optional: A broader pen (0.5mm or 0.8mm) for darker accents
(Note: I have included links to my favorite products from Blick's art supplies, one of my favorite places to get supplies online. I am not an affiliate, I don't get any commission from them, I just really like their philosophy and prices!)
Starting Simple
Begin with a single building rather than trying to capture an entire street scene. Look for structures with:
- Clear, defined shapes
- Interesting architectural details
- Good visibility from your sketching spot
- Personal meaning to you- this may or may not work for you...if you are easily discouraged, pick a building you have no attachment to, it will help you learn the skill without getting emotionally involved. You're the best judge of yourself and your reactions, so choose wisely!
Basic Process
Find Your Perspective
Position yourself where you can see your subject clearly. Don't worry about capturing everything - focus on what catches your eye. I often sit at a café across the street or find a quiet bench nearby.
I was seated in the Uffizi Gallery cafe in Florence, Italy, and this was my view from the window!
Tip: If you are nervous about drawing in public, you're in good company. I still get a little self-conscious when I pull out my supplies! However, once you get started, that feeling will slide away as you get absorbed in what you are doing.
Start with Structure
Begin with very light pencil lines to establish the basic shape of the building, the main horizontal and vertical lines, the roof angle, and any key features like windows and doors.
Adding Details
Once your basic structure is in place, start adding details with your pen. Work from large shapes to small details.
Pay attention to unique architectural features, and add texture gradually - don't feel pressured to fill every space. For example, if your building has a brick facade, try drawing just a few of the bricks, scattered here and there.
For my sketch of the Duomo, I chose to represent the brick dome with a few bricks clustered together in intermittent patches.
Remember: imperfect lines add character!
If you feel overwhelmed, focus on one section at a time.
Ready to get started? Start with a simple building near you. Give yourself 30 minutes to:
1. Spend 5 minutes just observing
2. Take 10 minutes for your basic pencil sketch
3. Use 15 minutes to add ink details
Don't worry about perfection - you are starting to develop your eye and hand coordination.
And finally, remember that every artist started as a beginner. Your first sketches might not look exactly how you want them to, but each drawing teaches you something new. Focus on enjoying the process of observing and recording the architecture around you.
Next week, I'll share specific techniques for adding texture and depth to your architectural drawings. Until then, happy sketching!