Outdoor and Urban Sketching: A Simple Kit and How to Start

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-18

On 2026-10-18

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Sketching on location, whether in a busy town, a temple, a beach or your own garden, is one of the most enjoyable ways to draw. You learn to see quickly and capture the feel of a place. This guide to urban sketching and outdoor sketching explains how to pack a light kit, choose a scene, and complete a quick sketch step by step.

Urban sketching kit essentials

Keep it small enough to carry all day:

Sketchbook or pad: an A5 pad such as the Art Nation Watercolour Pad A5 if you will add colour, or the Mont Marte Sketch Book A5 for pencil and pen.
Board: the Sketch Tote Board 35 × 44cm has a carrying handle and clips, so paper stays put in the wind.
Pens and pencils: a waterproof fineliner such as the Sakura Pigma Micron 05, and a Pentel 0.5mm mechanical pencil that never needs sharpening.
Colour: a compact pan set such as Art Nation Solid Watercolour 12 and a Sakura Water Brush, which holds water in the handle.
Extras: a small eraser, a cloth or tissue, a bulldog clip and a bottle of water.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. Our water brush guide and pen and wash guide explain these tools in detail.

Choosing what to sketch

Start with something simple: a doorway, a parked tuk-tuk, a street stall, a tree or a cup at a café.
Find a comfortable, shaded spot where you can sit or stand without blocking anyone.
Look for a strong shape or interesting light, such as a shadow across a wall.
Be respectful: ask before sketching people closely, and follow the rules at temples and private places.

Outdoor sketching, step by step

Look for a few minutes before drawing. Decide what interests you most.
Lightly mark the big shapes and where the horizon or eye level is. See our perspective drawing basics.
Draw the main lines in pen, confidently. Small wobbles add character.
Add a few darks and shadows with hatching.
Add simple washes of colour with the water brush, leaving some paper white.
Write the place and date on the page.

Simple exercises for your first outings

Five-minute sketches: set a timer and draw one object, such as a bicycle or a bench, in five minutes. Do three in a row.
Shapes only: draw a street scene using only boxes and simple outlines, with no detail.
One colour: add a single wash of one colour to show light and shadow.
People as quick marks: draw passers-by as simple shapes with a head, body and legs, in a few seconds each.
Same spot, different times: sketch one view in the morning and again in the evening to see how the light changes.

Tips for sketching in Sri Lanka’s weather

Sketch in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest midday heat, and stay in the shade.
Watercolour dries fast in heat; work in small areas and keep the water brush handy.
Carry a small plastic bag to protect your sketchbook from sudden rain.
Keep pens out of hot cars and direct sun.
Bring a hat and drinking water.

Making it a habit

Try sketching for 15 minutes on your way somewhere once a week. Join or start a small group of friends who sketch together; it is motivating and fun. Over time, your sketchbook becomes a diary of places you have been.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to draw fast?

Not at first. Choose still subjects and take your time. Speed comes with practice.

What if people watch me?

Many sketchers find people are friendly and curious. Wearing headphones or sitting slightly aside can help you focus.

Pencil or pen for urban sketching?

Pen encourages confident lines and works well with watercolour. Pencil is fine if you prefer to start lightly.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you put together a portable sketching kit.

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