Urban Sketching: Why Simplification Always Works - Painting Westminster Abbey

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Here is another of my landmarks and famous places series - please leave a comment if you've got another suggestion of where to sketch next!

One of the main reasons I wanted to do this mini-series of urban sketches was to show you that it's really ok to simplify even the most recognisable of places.

So yes I would say that simplification ALWAYS works in sketching, and whether you're a beginner or experienced sketcher it's worth remembering and practicing these types of skills!

It can feel, perhaps, that when you are near something very recognisable, our sketches and art needs to fully live up to the fame and beauty, to make a perfect sketch.

I promise you, this is NOT the case.

In fact, it's the opposite!

Because these landmarks are so famous, we can take our urban sketching skills and creativity to the max. As long as we get the basic shapes, we can actually have a lot of fun with simplification, manipulation, changes to colours, and whatever else you can think of.

All it needs, is a bit of confidence and a bit of creativity.

So, here is my sketch of Westminster Abbey, in London - simplified to the max, but still fun and recognisable!

Here is my reference -- https://www.instantstreetview.com/@51.498878,-0.125765,304.29h,12.38p,1z,MgYMnOqSlh2Zz4NR9Z05fQ

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Chapters
Introduction 00:00
Pen Sketch 01:24
Watercolours 09:18
Finished 14:28
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