Dibuja primero, piensa después: Lánzate a dibujar aunque te falte tiempo, técnica o herramientas

by Mike Yoshiaki Daikubara

Rare book

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Drawing, Reference, Ebooks, Architecture, Design

112 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2018

About the author

Mike Daikubara began carrying a sketchbook in 2000 to be able to communicate better and faster at his design day job. Now he sketches daily to see, understand and enjoy!
A Japanese-American, Mike grew up between Tokyo and New York City attending an International school with kids from over 100+ countries.
He currently lives in Charlotte North Carolina with his wife and two Bengal cats, TenTen and Totora.

Reviews

[Elizabeth A · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is a Boston based artist, and someone I once met at a local urban sketchers meetup. This book is great for beginner urban sketchers, but I'd also recommend it to more experienced sketchers who like to look at what other people use for their kit, and enjoy looking through someone else's sketchbook. There are some very basic suggestions for how to get started in here, but also little nuggets that I found really useful. I really like his sketching style and really enjoyed flipping through the gallery of art collected here.

[David Lor · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a couple tips that I find refreshing: 1.) never abandon a sketch because it may develop into something actually worthwhile, and 2.) use discomfort (standing while sketching, cold weather, etc.) and time constraints ("I don't have that much time to sketch") as motivators to focus on the sketch. I find these to be very Zen perspectives that give me that extra nudge when I don't feel like the sketch is in me.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the author's emphasis on making it simple: minimal tools, minimal time, minimal thought. Just DO it.

[Alison Stegert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a little treasure this book is. I appreciate the no-nonsense approach and the simple explanations. I’m keen to try Mike’s approach, which is basically to draw in ink without preliminary pencil lines and add the detail with watercolour. It’s a bit scary, like pantsing (writing without an outline). I will try it with the hope that I’ll learn to be more spontaneous.

I borrowed this one from the library but there’s enough good stuff in there to merit buying a copy so I can return to it. On the other hand, not having a copy means I won’t be tempted to compare my fledgling attempts to Mike’s expert work...

The tools list is definitely a keeper.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this little book up after spotting it on Elizabeth A's feed. I'm one of those intermittent sketchers in a stuck place :) mostly procrastinating by getting over prepared and indulging in the right tools, but never quite finding the right balance of enough energy and time to make it happen lately.
This little book did provide some inspiration to not overthink and just do it!
Here's to a clear head and putting pen to paper sooner than later!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daikubara gives enthusiastic and very practical advice about sketching quickly on location, especially when you're with non-sketchers who don't want to wait around for you: use a water brush; draw in ink so you can't waste time erasing; use a pen that lets you draw both fat and skinny lines (fude fountain pen); only draw one side of a symmetrical subject like a truck or car; don't waste time crosshatching when you can use watercolor to add shadows; don't mix colors, either paint straight from the pan or mix on the page; don't draw everything; start with the main subject in case you run out of time; always take your sketching bag with you so you can grab it and start drawing when the opportunity strikes. He's a charming and knowledgeable instructor. I especially like his use of the term "reinstated lines," in other words, marks drawn over the first ones that were in the wrong place.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book for perfectionists like myself. It is full of examples and has a few basic pointers that are really all you need to get started.

1. Don't sketch or paint all the details - the eye can fill in what's missing.
2. Start with the object of interest closest to you.
3. Finish every sketch. Don't start over if you mess up.
4. Stand and work quickly!
5. Don't spend a lot of time mixing colors.
6. Five minutes a day is better than an hour once a week.

[Afra Anan Anan Saba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good tips to put into practice.

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this a 3.5, so I rounded it up to 4. This is not a how-to, it is more a why-not. The book showcases the author's sketches and he talks about his process and tools rather than technique (how to actually do it). It assumes competence or a willingness to be a beginner and roll with it. The tone is encouraging and the drawings are inspiring. Keep in mind that the author has been doing this for nearly 2 decades...so beginners like me need to fight the impulse to be intimidated. Urban sketching is a different drawing form than I currently do. Pen and watercolor seem so permanent and a little scary compared to the 5-minute pencil drawings that I do when I travel. Also, my preferred subject is wildlife, not people or buildings. But I am willing to try. Ready to move beyond intimidation and toward inspiration.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful little book to inspire anyone to draw. Mike's infectious enthusiasm for sketching shows through in every one of his lively lines, and in his words, which make you want to run out and start drawing. I was especially inspired by his urging you to draw directly with pen to paper--no preliminary pencil work allowed. This really does seem to engage the brain and the hand in a very different way, and instills confidence and liveliness in your line work.

A very inspiring book for anyone new to, or even exploring the idea of, urban sketching.

[Dee Renee Chesnut · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book on the recommendation of a review by Marc Taro Holmes, who is an instructor with Craftsy.com.
This book covers the subject of limited time, tools, and techniques. One piece of advice that stuck with this beginner is "Always finish a sketch" and his 4 bullet points that explain this advice.
I recommend it to all readers interested in Daikubara's art and this hobby of sketching.

[Toni Tassani · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author explains his tools, techniques and preferences for Urbansketching, trying to coin the the name "Sketch Now" as a brand. It's good to see the options an artist takes, how is he combining it with interactions with friends and partner and some examples of results.
The most interesting part for me was results when in a hurry and the Fude pen.

[Marc Rabell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introducció al mundillo aquest, a veure que passa 😅 Sembla que dóna tot el necessari per començar, així que sembla una bona guia per total n00bs.
Això sí, penso que millor complementar amb llibres addicionals.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

great reference!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic advice but offered honestly and succinctly. Nice drawings to accompany the text.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, great introduction for a hose starting Plei air watercolor painting. The illustrations are solid, and easy to read. Definitely not Ford season.

[Ruth M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun with really awesome guidance and cool pics. I have the sketchbook and the paints but can't seem to remember to draw and paint stuff when I'm out, but that's on me;P

[Janmi Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dibuja primero, piensa después" de Mike Yoshiaki Daikubara ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ es un libro imprescindible para las personas a las que les guste dibujar, quieran probar con las acuarelas y no quieran ceñirse a técnicas concretas o tengan poco tiempo.

👨‍🎨 El libro te explica el estilod el autor, llamado "Urban sketcher", que básicamente consiste en hacer bocetos de paisajes urbanos.

📐 La técnica no persigue la exactitud sino captar los sentimientos que una escena muestra para el autor.

🖌 Al principio del libro se nos explica el kit básico que maneja el autor, que va desde una paleta de acuarelas, una pluma o rotuladores específicos (esto uso yo), un cuaderno para acuarelas, un pincel de agua (muy práctico) y un estuche de transporte (opcional).

🖼 El libro está lleno de ilustraciones del autor. A través de estas podemos vivir desde su óptica lugares en los que ha estado. Los dibujos van acompañados de comentarios que nos hacen entender ciertas decisiones (como empezar a colorear con los colores claros para evitar problemas de mezclas, por ejemplo).

🎨 Es ideal para principiantes. Quizás sea bueno haber prácticado antes con las acuarelas, los colores, sus mezclas y el secado.

🏙 El autor sugiere cómo hacer las cosas de forma sencilla. De hecho, el título del libro es una declaración de intenciones.

✨ Si quieres empezar con las acuarelas y te gusta esta técnica, el libro es una gran fuente de inspiración y motivación.

CONCLUSIÓN: el libro me ha sido muy útil y me ha encantado. He aprendido algunos trucos muy útiles que aún tengo que mejorar y seguir practicando. Recomendado para quienes quieran empezar a crear con esta técnica tan relajante.

[Timothy Neesam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Mike Doikubara’s Sketch Now provides a simple thesis: sketching your environment helps make you more aware and enhances your experience of your environment.

Mike (the book is so personable that you can’t help but regard the author on a first name basis) provides information about how he goes about sketching,, starting with why he uses particular pens, types of paper and ink as well as his methods for working quickly.

Most suggestions include visual examples from his sketchbooks and the result is an inspirational tutorial on getting the most out of a scene quickly and effectively.

Part of the joy of this book is the sense that you’re engaged in a conversation with someone who’s incredibly enthusiastic about what they do (sketch scenes, especially when traveling). It’s all in there: the logic of using a fude pen, the advantage of standing, how to keep your bag safe and why it’s not a great idea to wear headphones while working on a scene.

I benefited from advice such as deliberately excluding details that the viewer’s mind will add itself. Sketch Now is a great read, inspirational, filled with solid advice told in a personable style and accompanied with interesting drawings. Two thumbs up from this sketching beginner. Oh, and I discovered that Mike has a travel/sketching blog, Sketch Mike Sketch, which is a wonderful companion to this book. Bonus! Thanks, Mike!

[Ellen Odonohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been fortunate to discover a live demo on Etchr by Mike and he has become one of my favorite urban sketcher mentors. I am new to urban sketching. The suggestions Mike makes are definitely useful as he posts amazing creations online and now has inserted some of his methodology into a compact and delightful book. He also has a second book coming to which I look forward! My favorite part is about how he paces himself when in a situation of sketching food in a cafe. The sketches and the commentary are dynamic and whimsical as he takes the reader to various locations around the world. As a professional who spends work hours in front of multiple computer screens, I don't pick up many books anymore but Mike has given us a very pleasurable and informative tome which has already become my go-to favorite art book. Check out his work and you'll see on instagram @mikedaikubara and you will be glad you did.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mike's sketch of a famous North Carolina barbecue joint showed up in my Instagram feed. I was already interested in this type of sketching because I follow a couple of Disney artists that also do it. After following Mike, I discovered he was based in Charlotte, NC. Then, he posted about the pre-sale of his new book that features the historic courthouse from my little hometown on the cover. I had to have it. Inktober was coming soon so I figured I'd also buy "Sketch Now, Think Later" for inspiration.

Oh, the review. This is a small book. He's tried hard to tell you everything you need to know to get started with urban sketching. There's not a lot of filler. I finished it in an hour. If you enjoy Mike's work just you'll find inspiration on almost every page. I'm looking forward to getting the new book in a few months.

[Danae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains excellent advice for sketching on the go. Meticulous details about method and supplies. The author explains what he does, makes suggestions and backs them up with the reasons for them. Provides many examples of his sketches and a chart to show his methodology for choosing when to sketch and what method he chooses under what circumstances. Visual examples of all tools included as well. An excellent reference book to get started drawing outside. From an artist’s point of view, it is also fun to learn about how other artists approach making their art.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope to go with an urban sketching group later this month and draw onsite. The Urban Sketching Handbook is the perfect introduction to urban sketching. It suggests the tools needed: pad, fountain pen, water colors, brush, mister. It offers a simple technique: pick a scene that interests you, draw your chief interest first, add background, suggest texture, add color.

I'm eager to try this out in the field.

[Derek Sears · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did exactly what it was supposed to do: I'm drawing more and feel more confident with my sketching. In the last few days after I finished the book I've sketched every day. This was a quick read, and there wasn't much I didn't already know; however, how simple Mike Daikubara makes the process is really encouraging. Worth the read!

[Nominzul BatUlzii · Rating 5 out of 5]

Зүгээр л өөрт байгаа бал цаасаа аваад гудамжинд гараад харагдсан зүйлээ л зур. Сайхан муухай хэнд ч хамаагүй. Мэдээж ойлгохгүй дүрсэлж чадахгүй зүйлүүд их тулгарна. Гэхдээ тус ном нь хариулт нэхсэн асуултад их энгийнээр хариулах болно. Хүн бүрд зурах чадвар байгаа гэхдээ айдсад дарагдсан байдаг. Угаасаа авьяасгүй гэх утгагүй шалтгаар өөрийгөө бүү нөөгөөрэй

[Agnès · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sencillo, directo y rápido de leer. Te explica el modus operandi del autor para hacer sus dibujos de urban sketching. Más que sus técnicas (que también se mencionan) habla de su filosofía y su método para dibujar rápido. También recomienda materiales y da consejos. No aprenderás a dibujar con este libro, pero quizá te anime a simplemente intentarlo.

[TM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reference book got me into urban sketching. It's easy to follow, encourages you to explore different sketching techniques and to be kind to yourself in the face of mistakes, and it's the combination of these things that helped me let loose and just start drawing. Heavily recommended for beginners. :)

[Henrique Vogado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este livro não ensina a desenhar. Dá dicas muito boas para quem gosta de desenhar no exterior. A experiência do autor é a mais-valia desta obra.
Um bom motivo para saír com um caderno, uma caneta e desenhar. O tempo nunca é pouco para desenhar. Peguem nos cadernos!

[Sngsweelian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with many practical tips to help you get started on your sketching journey without being intimidated by others' expectations of what a sketcher should or should not do. I've learned some useful tips from Mike and am glad I picked up the book at the library.

[Andi A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute and nice book!
This book is about learning to relax and sketch quickly everyday. It has some tips to draw faster, the materials one can use and wonderful illustrations by the artist.