Sketching in the City: Tools and Techniques for the Urban Artist

by Toby Haseler

Be More Creative and Discover the Art of Urban Sketching


features an introductory section to show the basic techniques and guide to finding inspiration for your work.detailed architectural skylines, bridges, drain covers, street furniture and diverse crowd scenes offer a new perspective on this traditional art form.experimental section prompts research and discovery of new materialsExplore your street with Sketching in the City to create stunning, relevant and highly original work.

Genres: Art

120 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[M Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Toby's videos on YT for a few years now and he is without doubt one of the very best urban sketching teachers out there. This book takes things to the next level and is full of totally new sketches, different techniques and ideas, but all in Toby's loose and expressive style. I have read it from cover to cover several times already and will continue to refer to it for as long as I keep sketching - it's a must for any USK enthusiast. highly recommended.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Having watched many you tube tutorials and attended several courses with Toby I found the book builds on the skills learnt and it is the ideal reference book for Urban Sketching. I would recommend the book for anybody who wants to expand their knowledge and skills.

[Dan Kehlenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I posted a review on Amazon, but wanted to share the word here too. I've taken a number of Toby's online sketching courses and viewed quite a few of his YouTube tutorials. Toby's style strikes a strong visceral chord with me and I have been learning quite a bit from his lessons. This book is a wonderful overview of his process and there were elements of the book differ from his video resources, so it is a great compliment to his other tutorials.
What sets Toby's approach apart (at least for me) is his calm, gentle approaches to sketching and his emphasis on working in a style that is pleasing and comfortable, and brings you joy. We've had lots of interesting conversations on his course platforms and the book's conversational style definitely mimics his online feedback.
I am also interested in nature sketching, and I believe that there are a lot of lessons from this book, which focuses primarily on urban environments, to be applied in the landscape or with traditional nature journaling. Thanks for a wonderful resource Toby!

[Kelly Yiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby Haseler’s Sketching in the City is his latest achievement to make the art of drawing and painting accessible. The book encourages the mind to observe, focuses on the subject of interest, ignores the non-essentials, then to express it by putting on paper with ink and watercolour or other chosen media, in minutes, not hours or days. Techniques are indispensable but techniques can only be acquired by you actually putting on paper with ink or other painting media. So the first two sections of the book blend practical guidelines and explanations on every page to show how this can be done immediately rather than waiting for skill perfection.

The later three sections are his road map on what could be achieved further should the readers have spent adequate efforts on actual drawing and painting. Tutoring in person on site or online is good. Passive Youtube watching with this book as a companion, though without the benefit of Toby’s feedback, is the next best.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

No doubt about it, this book and the author’s positive approach and many skills have been very helpful on my journey as a novice urban sketcher as well as a quilter who enjoys free motion quilting. The layout of the chapters and the index allow the reader to go directly to the tools or techniques that are needed in the moment. Especially freeing has been the respect for individual style as well as for sketching as a legitimate creative expression. Included are projects that address every interest and are inspiring for those who travel and would like to incorporate on the spot ink and watercolor drawings. Frankly, I wish I had purchased two copies of this because, being realistic, it will likely become well worn very soon.

[Alan Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Toby for several months now, and love his style. His free course got me started in sketching and I purchased the hard copy of his book from Amazon USA. It arrived yesterday, 10/24/2025, and I spent the night reading through it. Very well done!
As expected, each chapter explores different aspects of sketching and takes you step by step with an excellent tutorial. It is full color, and the quality of the book itself is top notch.

Well done and highly recommend this book. Buy it now!

[Anna Trigell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great either as a standalone resource or as an accompaniment to Toby’s fantastic online courses.
Toby’s relaxed, no pressure teaching style is reflected in this book with the emphasis on enjoying the process without fear of failure.
He is incredibly skilled with ink and watercolours and the book is full of fun vibrant images, techniques and projects that are easily accessible to the non artist beginner (me!).
I would definitely recommend this book and Toby’s online courses also.

[Chris Ramsbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have reference for the aspiring urban sketcher! Easy to read and beautifully illustrated in Toby's unique style. The insightful breakdown of Toby's process, and the detailed step by step projects, really unlock the secrets of his art and make it accessible to artists of all abilities. The book is packed with essential skills, tips and ideas that will take your art to the next level in no time at all. This book is the perfect accompaniment to Toby's online courses and YouTube channel, a sure fire way to make your art come to life in a stress free and enjoyable way!

[John Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've taken almost all of Toby's online courses on his Sketchloose platform as well as followed numerous Youtube and Skillshare tutorials and have been constantly amazed at his dedication to helping folks at all skill levels become better sketchers/painters/artists. He always provides honest and constructive feedback to his students to help them make solid progress with their art and develop their own style. If you want to learn fun and creative ways to become a proficient sketcher using ink and watercolor, or just improve your current skills, definitely get this wonderful book.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby, it was good to meet you and Tash at the formal launch of your new book. I have been eagerly awaiting this day!
So eager, I read you book cover to cover on the train back to London. It is awesome. A brilliant and simple summary of everything that defines you as an artist and teacher. I could hear you narrating each section as I was reading.
Well done! An awesome achievement to publish such a wonderful book

[Holly Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like everything Toby does, this book is first class. The chapters are clear and concise. The illustrations are beautiful. In addition to the basic sketching skills, there are expanded lessons such as collage and the use of unconventional tools. Both beginners and advanced sketchers will find this book useful. Thank you Toby for bringing us a terrific urban sketching book that is fun to read and that inspires us to broaden our skills.

[Margaret S. Pavlinic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for anyone interested in sketching…urban or otherwise. I’m a beginning sketcher who wants to do more than take photos of places that interest me…I want to capture my impressions through art. Toby teaches how to simplify and create memorable sketches. There are so many ideas packed in this book that I know I will refer to it again and again.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been taking Toby’s online classes for 4 months and they have brought me SO much joy! When I heard he had a book coming out, I had to get it! Received it this week and I have been through it twice already. So much inspiration and good, practical, accessible Toby advice and instruction. He’s the best teacher! I highly recommend!

[JoJo the magic cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great. Toby’s step-by-step approach to tackling even really complicated scenes is very approachable and straightforward. There is a delightful emphasis on enjoyment of sketching, and there are plenty of suggestions of different techniques and subjects to tackle. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to have fun and improve their art.

[Wendy Bakel · Rating 5 out of 5]

After many hours on you tube watching him draw I get to read Toby’s fabulous book. So much detail well written and super easy to follow. A perfect coffee table book to inspire people to pick up a pen/pencil. Thanks Toby

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve learned so much from Toby on You Tube, not least letting go of perfection. Thanks to Toby I feel much more comfortable with drawing and painting. This book is everything I hoped it would be, without the need to pause and rewind. Thank you Toby.

[Margaret Hersch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toby's book is just great - many of us familiar with his online tutorials and sketching have been waiting anxiously for his book. So worth the wait!