Here are some questions we frequently get from newcomers.
I’m nervous about sketching with a group and drawing in public. Should I be?
Urban Sketchers Palm Springs (UskPS) welcomes all levels of sketchers. The point of the sketch meetups is to get out in the world to practice seeing and drawing. There is no expectation of masterpieces or even finished pieces. At any location you get to decide what to draw and it can be anything you see, one leaf, a door, one person’s face, to a whole panoramic scene. If you are nervous about people watching you draw you can find a wall and sit against it so no one can come up behind you. If you are totally absorbed in drawing it is rare for anyone to approach. You can wear earbuds visibly to discourage interaction. Our experience is that people who do come up and look at drawings are very encouraging and usually say “I wish I could do that.” Other sketchers will encourage you. We go to meetups because we love to draw and are happy to be with people who like to draw. If you are nervous about coming to a meetup you are welcome to come check it out without drawing if you want to see how it works.
What should I expect at sketch meetups.
We meet at the start time and the meeting location is noted in the event listing. We take about 10 minutes for introductions and chatting. If you are more than 10 minutes late you will have to find us by looking for someone sketching. After introductions we decide on a time and place to meet back up at the end. Everyone goes off on their own to do their sketches. At the agreed upon time we meet back and show our sketches and talk about what we’ve done. This is a great opportunity to see what others are doing and learn from them.
What materials and equipment do I need?
At the simplest a pencil and some paper will do. A sketchbook or pad of paper with a hard backing is recommended so you have a rigid surface to draw on. A clipboard and sheets of paper also work. Most of our sketchers use sketchbooks. Some sketchers use markers, fineliners, colored pencils, or fountain pens. If you want to use color, crayons, markers, or watercolors will work. One of the fun things about the sketch meetups is that you get to see what other sketchers are using for materials. If you are new to sketching on location you may want to use what you already have and wait to buy any materials until you have seen what other media and materials other sketchers use.
Other things you will need are drinking water, a hat, and something to carry your art materials in. A hat is very necessary as you may be sitting in the sun for two hours. Some places we go have benches or low walls to sit on, however a small portable stool is really handy for finding a good vantage point and finding shade. Again, if you come to some meetups you can see the different stools sketchers are using.
What else do I need to know?
Just some points of etiquette. Set yourself up for drawing so you are not impeding walkways or blocking doorways. Pick up all your stuff when you leave. We have a chance to talk and get to know each other before and after the drawing time but during the drawing time we tend to be silent and absorbed in drawing. Be sensitive to those who need silence during the drawing time. If we are meeting in a food and drink business, please be prepared to buy something. Be nice and have fun.