I've learned some things about Urban Sketching in the past few days. I thought it just meant you sketched things in an urban setting and thought that the artists mainly sketched from photographs. Ah...how wrong I was! It seems that it began as a movement whose manifesto was to only sketch "in situ". This group was founded by Gabriel Campanario in 2007.
There are now groups doing virtual urban sketching but are making a point not to call themselves "urban sketchers". One is #Virtual Travel Sketch and their guidelines state:
"Please do NOT share your sketches in Urban Sketchers groups. Sketches that are not drawn on location and in reality are against the Urban Sketchers manifesto, so please do not share them in these groups."
Initially I wondered about making the distinction and didn't think it really mattered but after thinking about it I think it is important and does make some sense. But I'm glad there are lots of virtual groups drawing from photographs (and giving credit to the photographer, of course) as it seems like a total win-win.
- We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation.
- Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live and where we travel.
- Our drawings are a record of time and place.
- We are truthful to the scenes we witness.
- We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles.
- We support each other and draw together.
- We share our drawings online.
- We show the world, one drawing at a time.
