It is the Best of Times, It is the...

Let’s Sketch!

Best of Covidtine

Sunday, March 14

12 PM - 3 PM CST

Hosted by 

 Evelyn Brody and Urban Sketchers Chicago

USk Chicago marked the last Ides of March with our first USk Chicago at Home virtual meet-up, and we haven’t missed a themed week since. (Many thanks, admins and guest hosts!) 

As the vaccine rollout brings the promise of a return to normalcy, let’s take the opportunity to reflect on what we’ve accomplished over this crazy year.

Details:

This Sunday, we would like everyone to post their favorite sketch(es?) from the last twelve months. Perhaps staring into your closet early on in the lockdown brought you peace. Perhaps you want to commemorate the summer struggles of a local business. Or did you find solace this fall or winter sketching with a few (masked and socially distanced) friends? Let’s share those masterpieces!

Of course, with this week’s glorious weather, it’s a pleasure to be sketching outside. As always, feel free to also post new work!

And don’t forget to set your clocks ahead this weekend. Yay, later sunsets!

The banner image is a crop of a collage of Evelyn Brody's 2020 Procreate sketches for USk Chicago virtual meetups.

Share your Urban Sketches with us from 12 noon to 3pm on Sunday. Please include #uskchicago and #uskathome on your posts to Facebook and Instagram.

Want to keep up to date by email? Fill in your email address in the place provided in the upper right corner under the banner. We look forward to hearing from you.

... Can Spring Be Far Behind?

 

Let’s Sketch!

Thinking Green

Sunday, March 7

12 PM - 3 PM CST

Hosted by 

Paul Ingold and Urban Sketchers Chicago

Spring isn't here yet, but it's just around the corner, and I think we're all ready to start seeing some green. 

DETAILS:

For this week, "Green" will be our primary focus.

This can mean 

• either your subject is green
• or sketch in a green monochromatic look and feel. 

Any type of medium can be used (example: watercolor, water-soluble ink, color pencils, etc.) We can sketch views from our homes, out the window, or out and about.

There are no rules other than our Urban Sketching guidelines, be creative.A reminder that we are following USK Global's posting guidelines of sketching live on location and not from reference photos.

Share your Urban Sketches with us from 12 noon to 3pm on Sunday. Please include #uskchicago and #uskathome on your posts to Facebook and Instagram.

Looking forward to seeing your sketches! 

Cover sketch by Mary Jo Ernst. 

Want to keep up to date by email? Fill in your email address in the place provided in the upper right corner under the banner. We look forward to hearing from you.

Seeing the Light

 Let’s Sketch!

Winter Light

Sunday, February 28

12 PM - 3 PM CST

Hosted by  Brian Wright, and Urban Sketchers Chicago

As we begin to thaw out and start thinking of the spring weather that will soon be here, we want to take an opportunity to celebrate the Winter Light, the long shadow, the cool pale blue light, the bright white reflection, the red of dawn or dusk, as inspired by T.S. Eliot in “Little Gidding”.

“Midwinter spring has its’ own season,
When the short day is brightest, with frost and fire,
The brief sun flames on the ice, on pond and ditches,
In windless cold that is the heart’s heat,
Reflecting in a watery mirror,
A glare that is blindness in the early afternoon.
And a glow more intense than blaze of branch.”

Come on, how good is that?!

The days are growing longer and while we look forward to the time when we can all be together again sketching, until then, let’s enjoy the season we’re in. So, grab a hat, fingerless gloves, frozen watercolor pans, and take that walk, and share your art! And if you're so inclined a winter light poem or haiku.

This week’s banner sketch is graciously provided by the talented Joan Szalay Tavolott, with whom I had pleasure of sketching with in Amsterdam at the USK Symposium. Her painting from her window so beautifully captures that winter scene, and I love how the footprints in the snow draw you in. We thank you for agreeing to let us use your photo and for visually taking us on that walk in the woods.

Share your Urban Sketches with us from 12 noon to 3pm on Sunday
Please include #uskchicago and #uskathome on your posts to Facebook and Instagram.

A reminder that we are back to following USK Global's posting guidelines of sketching live on location and not from reference photos.

Want to keep up to date by email? Fill in your email address in the place provided in the upper right corner under the banner. We look forward to hearing from you.

What's Your Background?

Let’s Sketch!

Backgrounds

 

Sunday, February 14

12 PM - 3 PM CST

Hosted by 

Anna Rappaport,  Gail Dokucu, and Urban Sketchers Chicago

This week’s theme is brought to us by Anna Rappaport, back for her second round of guest hosting! Thank you, Anna!

Here’s what Anna has written for us.

DETAILS

We get interesting drawings by using different papers or layers under our drawings. 

These may include: 

• a light wash of ink or watercolor, 
• collage, use of colored drawing paper, 
• drawing on a page from a book, 
• drawing on ledger paper, etc. 

I particularly like using water soluble ink for the wash.

One of the things I enjoy with using different backgrounds is that it is unpredictable what will happen. Choose a different background or two and experiment. I encourage you to use something different from what you normally use. 

Some hints:

• If you use a wash, a light wash is better.
• If you use collage, you can put clear watercolor ground on top of it and then draw or paint easily on the wash.
• If you want white on colored paper or over a collage or wash, you can use an opaque white (like Daler Rowney PROWHITE) or gouache.
• Drawing on black or dark paper works well if you draw with white or a light color.
• Torn newspaper and security envelopes are good collage materials.

Select a subject that fits USk rules. Share your work Sunday, February 21. Please include #uskchicago and #uskathome  on your posts to Facebook and Instagram.

Banner Sketch by Anna Rappaport

A reminder that we are back to following USK Global's posting guidelines of sketching live on location and not from reference photos

Want to keep up to date by email? Fill in your email address in the place provided in the upper right corner under the banner. We look forward to hearing from you.

Strut Your Stuff

Let’s Sketch!

Choose an Artist Style

 

Sunday, February 7

12 PM - 3 PM CST

Hosted by Gail Dokucu, Carla Milano Nelson and Urban Sketchers Chicago

Details:

Have you ever wanted to experiment with sketching, using a style of one of the masters? Well, now you have an opportunity!

• Choose your subject to sketch.

• Select a style you like or are curious about and incorporate it into your sketch. 

Do you like Impressionism? Abstract art? Modernism? Now’s your chance to play around with a style you normally wouldn’t use. 

For some ideas of different styles to choose from, check out:

https://www.thoughtco.com/art-styles-explained-realism-to...

or

https://www.kokuyocamlin.com/blog/world-art-day-understanding-different-painting-styles-part-1.html

These articles show different painting styles. However, you don’t have to use paint for your drawing. Use your favorite media and have some fun experimenting.

See you at our virtual throwdown! Be sure to explain the style you chose in your post.

Banner sketch by Carla Nelson in the pointillism style of Georges Seurat.

Post your sketches from 12:00 noon and until whenever!

Please include #uskchicago and #uskathome  on your posts to Facebook and Instagram.

A reminder that we are back to following USK Global's posting guidelines of sketching live on location and not from reference photos

Want to keep up to date by email? Fill in your email address in the place provided in the upper right corner under the banner. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Cozy Up and Sketch!

                                                              

Let’s Sketch

Hygge

Sunday, January 17

12 PM - 3 PM

 Hosted by

 Gail Dokucu, Urban Sketchers Chicago

and Guest Host Rachel Grossman,

Details:

Hygge is a Danish word with no direct translation into English (so what better idea for a USk Chicago prompt?) It’s pronounced “hue-gah” according to Visit Denmark’s website. 

Hygge is similar to our idea of coziness, but with overlaid ideas of contentment, well-being, and living in the moment. Hygge is important in Danish culture as a way of staying happy in the face of long dark winters. And since Denmark always ranks at or near the top in happiness-by-country ratings, they may be onto something.

Scenes of hygge include glowing fires in the fireplace, candles on the coffee table, cups of steaming tea and cocoa, fluffy slippers. But they can equally include taking a long walk in the woods and, in olden times, having a casual dinner party with a small circle of friends.

This week, let’s draw a small everyday moment of contentment and coziness.

Is yours  

• a good book and a mug of mulled wine

• an oversize hand-knit sweater and woolly socks

• a walk through a snowy forest preserve (wear long underwear!)

• a plate of tea cakes

• a board game played with the family

• something cozy that brings a sigh of contentment and warms up our cold and dreary winter?

Banner Sketch by Rachel Grossman

Please include #uskchicago and #uskathome on your posts to Facebook and Instagram. Remember, we are back to following USk Global’s posting guidelines of sketching live on location and not from reference photos.

Want to keep up to date by email? Fill in your email address in the place provided in the upper right corner under the banner. We look forward to hearing from you.

Do You Hear What I See?

 

Let’s Sketch

Music to My Eyes

Sunday, January 10

12 PM - 3 PM

 Hosted by

Jason McInnes, Gail Dokucu, and Urban Sketchers Chicago

Details

While it’s a disappointment not to be able to attend and perform our typical music during the pandemic, there’s still plenty of music in the air!

Let your ears be your guide.

• Sketch musical instruments or people playing music.

• Sketch things that are music to you, like chirping birds on a wire, the rumble of the El past your window, or the joyful noise of a full sledding hill.

Include a bit of onomatopoeia if you’re so inspired. Feel free to interpret music as you hear it.

Please include #uskchicago and #uskathome on your posts to Facebook and Instagram.

A reminder that we are back to following USk Global’s posting guidelines of sketching live on location and not from reference photos.

Banner sketch by Jason McInnes

Want to keep up to date by email? Fill in your email address in the place provided in the upper right corner under the banner. We look forward to hearing from you.

Let's Get the Party Started!

Let’s Sketch

Inspiration Collection

Sunday, January 3

12 PM - 3 PM

 Hosted by Joann Harling, Gail Dokucu, and Urban Sketchers Chicago

Details

Tour your home or environs and find a grouping of things that are meaningful in some way to you. A little space somewhere in your daily wanderings that inspires you.

• You may just be drawn to this little area and not really know why. 

• You don’t need to explain unless you want to. 

• Visually describe and share your post for this week’s “Top of the Year” prompt.

Please include #uskchicago and #uskathome on your posts to Facebook and Instagram. A reminder that we are back to following USk Global’s posting guidelines of sketching live on location and not from reference photos.

Banner sketch by Joann Harling

Want to keep up to date by email? Fill in your email address in the place provided in the upper right corner under the banner. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Out with the Old and In with the New?

Let’s Sketch

Old and New

Sunday, December 27

12 PM - 3 PM

 Hosted by Kris Van Stockum, Gail Dokucu, and Urban Sketchers Chicago

Details

When a new year approaches, we often reflect on the year as it comes to a close and look forward to new possibilities ahead. 

• Let’s draw something we’re leaving behind –something old, and something we’re looking forward to in the new year – something new. 
• Or maybe it’s a juxtaposition of old and new. 
• Is there something you’re letting go of to make room for the new?
• Maybe you have something new you’ve been waiting to try – a new art supply, a new gift you received, a new skill you want to learn.

However you want to interpret “Old and New” . . . it’s up to you!

Please include #uskchicago and #uskathome on your posts to Facebook and Instagram. A reminder that we are back to following USk Global’s posting guidelines of sketching live on location and not from reference photos.

Our Sponsor Spotlight this week is Hahnemühle.

They have generously offered five 9”x12” watercolor paper blocks of their new The Collection fine art paper. Anyone who posts on the USk Chicago group Facebook page from Wed. 23- Wed. 29th 5 p.m. deadline will be entered to win 1 of the 5 raffle items. Winners will be chosen at random Dec. 31st and announced on our Facebook page in addition to receiving a message via FB Messenger. **

Banner sketch by Kris Van Stockum

Want to keep up to date by email? Fill in your email address in the place provided in the upper right corner under the banner. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Fa La La La La!

 

Let’s Sketch -

Getting Ready for the Holidays!

Sunday, December 20

12 PM CST – 3 PM  CST

Hosted by Anna Rapport, Gail Dokucu, and Urban Sketchers Chicago

Welcome to our first week of guest hosting, with volunteer host Anna Rappaport! 

Details

Here's the theme Anna has chosen for us:

Often the winter holidays mean going to religious services, decorating inside or outside our homes, going to look at the decorations in our communities, cooking special foods, making cookies to send as gifts, shopping, writing greeting cards, connecting with friends and family and maybe traveling. They may include visiting Zoolights, a Christmas market, etc. They may include providing toys or clothing to a drive for the needy. 

2020 is a challenging year and many of us will be doing something different than usual. Some will be staying at home and thinking of different times.

Please share something you are doing connected to getting ready for and celebrating the holidays in 2020.

Be sure to include #uskchicago and #uskathome on your posts to Facebook and Instagram. A reminder that we are back to following USk Global’s posting guidelines of sketching live on location and not from reference photos.

Banner sketch by Anna Rappaport

Want to keep up to date by email? Fill in your email address in the place provided in the upper right corner under the banner. We look forward to hearing from you.

Yum!

Let’s Sketch!

 FOOD

Sunday, December 13

12 PM CST – 3 PM  CST

Hosted by Alex Zonis and Urban Sketchers Chicago

Details:

 If this was a normal year, we would have had our Holiday Potluck Party this Sunday.

But this is 2020, so things are different. So...

Let’s sketch our food this Sunday and share it with each other through our drawings. 

Show us what you are cooking or eating

• ingredients that you are planning to cook
•  your prep area
• people with whom you are cooking or eating. 
• If you were too hungry and ate it before sketching, show us the leftovers or the crumbs, just tell us what it was - we’ll understand!

Let’s make a virtual potluck!

See you at our virtual throwdown! Please post your foodie sketches from 12 noon and until whenever!

Please include #uskchicago and #uskathome on your posts to Facebook and Instagram. A reminder that we are back to following USk Global’s posting guidelines of sketching live on location and not from reference photos.

The banner sketch by Barbara Weeks shows chef Rick Bayless giving a demo at at the Good Foods Festival.

Want to keep up to date by email? Fill in your email address in the place provided in the upper right corner under the banner. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

On Notice

                                   

Let’s Sketch!

Stop, Look, and See

Sunday, December 6

12 PM - 3 PM

Hosted by Barbara Weeks and Urban Sketchers Chicago

One of my favorite books The Art of Noticing  by Rob Walker. It’s a study in seeing not just looking. There is a difference.

Details:

Find a place inside or out and for 5-10 minutes just observe your surroundings.

No sketching, just seeing! Time it.

The first minute or two you’ll probably see what you usually do. 

Indoors:

• Maybe in a room there’s the bookcase in the room. It’s dusty.
• Observing longer you may notice the upright and tilted books, or the colors, or photos,  etc. 
• Eventually you may discover what makes that bookcase unique, a bowed shelf or a chip on the edge.

Outdoors:

• Buildings (windows- clean, dirty? signs)
• Streets (curbs, litter, sidewalk cracks)
•  Cars (license plates, tail lights)
• You may notice the lamposts.                                                 (This was inspired by a game my grandsons play “I spy with my little eye something...”.I said, “Is it the lampost?” Hudson asked, “The black one or the silver? But the lamposts are silver, no wait the one on the corner is black! Now I notice not only the color of Chicago lamposts but the incredible variety of designs.)

Ten minutes are up!

Now sketch what you SEE.

See you at the virtual throwdown!

Please include #uskchicago and #uskathome on your posts to Facebook and Instagram. A reminder that we are back to following USk Global’s posting guidelines of sketching live on location and not from reference photos.

The Banner Sketch was done by Barbara Weeks at the very first USk Chicago sketch meet.

Want to keep up to date by email? Fill in your email address in the place provided in the upper right corner under the banner. We look forward to hearing from you.