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The World of Urban Sketching: Celebrating the Evolution of Drawing and Painting on Location Around the Globe - New Inspirations to See Your World One Sketch at a Time

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Award-winning urban sketcher and best-selling author Stephanie Bower presents a spectacular, all-new collection of sketchers and their art from 39 countries in a city-to-city tour around the world.

The remarkable work of the vibrant, international urban sketching community was first documented in The Art of Urban Sketching by Gabriel Campanario. In the ten years since its release, sketching on location has grown into nothing less than a worldwide phenomenon.

A visual feast of more than 700 images from over 150 sketchers, The World of Urban Sketching unveils the latest developments and innovations in the creative and rewarding pursuit of on-location drawing and painting. 
 
Whether you draw during your travels or in your own backyard, the beautiful work in  The World of Urban Sketching will expand your skills and inspire you to pick up a pencil and sketch your world!

240 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2022

63 people are currently reading
123 people want to read

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Stephanie Bower

20 books9 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,302 reviews3,463 followers
December 7, 2022
I don’t know how you do this, Quarto Publishing Group. But your team never fail to impress me. Most of the time surprise me with all the details and the presentation. The artwork. The information. The compilation. It’s like I just went for a world tour!

Thank you so much, Quarto Publishing Group- Quarry, for the advance reading copy.
Profile Image for Vivek KuRa.
279 reviews51 followers
June 11, 2023
Inspirational book for any aspiring urban sketcher with beautiful artwork from artists around the world.
Profile Image for Elizabeth A.
2,151 reviews119 followers
November 20, 2023
I tend to love books like these, and this was no exception. I choose to view books like these as inspirational as opposed to discouraging for a fledging artist.

The people showcased are primarily architects and artists, so don't get sucked into the comparison game. I treated this as a museum exhibit, and enjoyed seeing the world through sketches created by local artists.
Profile Image for James.
3,961 reviews32 followers
April 2, 2023
An excellent and diverse collection of Urban Sketches, both in artwork and in artists. If you have mastered the basics of drawing and painting watercolors on location, you may learn something from some of the tips offered by the various artist. A nice book to curl up with during winter storms.
Profile Image for Jeannie Holmes.
86 reviews6 followers
December 22, 2022
Title: The World of Urban Sketching
Author: Stephanie Bower
Genre: Art - Landscape - How-To
Publisher: Quarry Books - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: November 29, 2022
Read: December 20, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Award-winning urban sketcher and best-selling author Stephanie Bower presents a spectacular, all-new collection of sketchers and their art from 39 countries in a city-to-city tour around the world.

The remarkable work of the vibrant, international urban sketching community was first documented in The Art of Urban Sketching by Gabriel Campanario. In the ten years since its release, sketching on location has grown into nothing less than a worldwide phenomenon.

A visual feast of more than 700 images from over 150 sketchers, The World of Urban Sketching unveils the latest developments and innovations in the creative and rewarding pursuit of on-location drawing and painting.

New Artwork. Discover the stunning and informative work of both established and emerging urban sketchers, from Seattle to Santiago, from Singapore to Sydney.
New Techniques. Consider new styles and approaches in color and linework, including digital, through artists’ tips and step-by-step demonstrations.
New Stories. Learn what inspires sketchers, even during a pandemic, and get invaluable insights into creating artwork on location through artists’ observations and advice.
Whether you draw during your travels or in your own backyard, the beautiful work in The World of Urban Sketching will expand your skills and inspire you to pick up a pencil and sketch your world!

Review: My first love was--and always will be--art, and I studied studio art before making the switch as an undergraduate to English/Creative Writing. When I'm not reading, I'm usually parked in front of an easel or drawing table with paints, pencils, pens, and whatever else currently holds my attention. The World of Urban Sketching certainly held me attention with its vibrant representation of artists' work from around the globe and impressive array of tips and techniques.

Urban sketching is basically the art of capturing a snapshot of time from direct observation through the use of different media, whether is be pencil, ink, crayon, paint, or a blending of materials. No one style is dominant and all artistic forms of expression are welcomed. In the introduction of the book, Stephanie Bower lays out the "manifesto" of the urban sketchers, which simply says (in a nutshell) that the drawings/paintings are created on location, serve as a record of time and place, individual styles are cherished, supported, and shared online, but most importantly, urban sketchers "show the world one drawing at the time."

The wide variety of artists from around the world showcased in this book will certainly inspire anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge of landscape art. With tips and techniques shared from many of these same artists, even someone who is new to the art form will be impressed with the depth of knowledge found in these pages. The World of Urban Sketching has definitely earned a place on my art book shelf, and I'm sure I'll be referring to it often as I continue to hone my own style.
Profile Image for Courtney R..
106 reviews10 followers
November 4, 2023
"The World of Urban Sketching" by Stephanie Bower is a captivating celebration of the art form that brings cities and streetscapes to life through the eyes of talented sketch artists from around the world. This book is a visual feast, offering a rich tapestry of sketches, techniques, and stories that will inspire both seasoned artists and budding creatives.

Stephanie Bower's curation of urban sketches is a testament to her keen eye for detail and appreciation for the diverse perspectives of artists across the globe. The collection encompasses a wide range of styles and subjects, from bustling city squares to intimate alleyways, showcasing the beauty and vibrancy of urban life.

What sets this book apart is its ability to transcend the boundaries of traditional art instruction. While it provides valuable insights into techniques, tools, and approaches to urban sketching, it also serves as a window into the artistic journeys and experiences of the featured sketchers. Their personal anecdotes and reflections add a layer of depth and authenticity to the book.

Bower's writing is informative and engaging, providing clear explanations of various sketching techniques and concepts. Her passion for urban sketching shines through, and her guidance encourages readers to embark on their own creative explorations of the urban landscape.

The book's layout and design are thoughtfully executed, allowing the sketches to take center stage while providing informative captions and notes to enhance the reader's understanding. It's a visual and educational delight, inviting readers to linger over each page and soak in the artistry on display.

In conclusion, "The World of Urban Sketching" is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, urban explorers, and anyone with a love for capturing the essence of cities on paper. Stephanie Bower's expert curation and insightful commentary make this book a valuable addition to any artist's library. Whether you're a seasoned sketcher or a newcomer to urban art, this book will ignite your passion for capturing the beauty and energy of urban environments.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mechthild.
389 reviews7 followers
January 5, 2023
A great resource about Urban Sketching
Award-winning illustrator, teacher, architect, and traveling sketcher Stephanie Bower presents her book "The World of Urban Sketching. Celebrating the Evolution of Drawing and Painting on Location Around the Globe - New Inspirations to See Your World One Sketch at a Time", a title of the "The Urban Sketching Library", published by Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry. The book contains art from 39 countries around the world and presents over 150 Urban Sketchers and their art in this book and briefly introduces them in "Get to know" boxes. A map at the beginning of the book shows the locations where the sketches have been created. For some artists Bower also mentions their techniques or favorite tools. Furthermore, the book contains Spotlights, e.g. "Life in the Time of COVID" (which shows that sketching did not stop with Covid), "Urban Sketchers Symposium, Amsterdam", "Asia-Link Sketchwalk, Taichung", or "Food, Glorious Food". Bower includes "The Urban Sketchers Manifesto" in the introduction and defines Urban Sketching. According to her: "..., it’s recording moments of everyday life by drawing or painting from direct observation" (p. 8). Urban Sketchers are people who "across all ages, nationalities, and walks of life—sketch live and on-location, capturing their experiences in a sort of visual diary" (p. 8).
I highly appreciated the enormous variety of examples of Urban Sketching. There is also a list of the contributors and an index, divided into artist index and subject index, which is a big help when readers search for a specific artist or subject. Additionally the book also lists the titles of the "The Urban Sketching Library" and the "The Urban Sketching Handbook series". I highly recommend this book to beginner or advanced artists who are interested in Urban Sketching as well as to those artists who are generally searching for new creative ideas.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheWorldOfUrbanSketching #Netgalley
Profile Image for Jacqueline Nyathi.
903 reviews
March 10, 2023
I have various ~~obsessions~~ interests, some of which last as long as it takes to learn the basics. Sketching has stayed on the list because I always wish I could get better at it; I’m just okay at drawing (and self-taught), but I know that putting in time will make a difference. Anyway, one of the things I love about Edelweiss+ is that you get access to loads (and loads!) of art (and craft) DRCs, which is how I came across this one.

Urban Sketchers are a loose collective based all over the world, who post their work to Insta using the hashtags #urbansketchers (1.7M posts) and #usk (1M posts). There are as many ways to sketch as there are artists, and you can spend hours just browsing stunning work on IG; I have. This is one book in the series that has come out of the initiative, and it showcases work from a range of artists, giving a kind of overview of urban sketching around the world.

Check it out if you love visual art, or would like to start or learn, to see the techniques of other artists, and to be inspired. There are artists of all ages, from all sorts of backgrounds, working with all kinds of material, which is encouraging. This book shows you how accessible making visual art really is, and is a feast.

Thank you to Edelweiss and to Quarry Books for the DRC!
Profile Image for Caylee Grey.
Author 4 books33 followers
December 26, 2022
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

The Urban Sketching series never fails to amaze, and this book is no different. There is an insane amount of ideas and encouragement between the pages.

Organised by location, I enjoyed seeing bits of the homes I had lived in. As always, I wish there was more of a focus on Africa

Each spread features a location and an artist. A small description of the artist, a few works by them, insight into each piece, and the supplies used. There are also "Spotlights" which have a compilation of artists and illustrations according to a theme.

Favourite section: the spotlight on "Life in the time of Covid", and seeing how Urban Sketchers take on the less exotic location of home.

Favourite quote from Cathy Gatland, "I used to try to make everything 'perfect' which is neither possible nor interesting to my eye. I've learned to enjoy the mistakes".
Profile Image for Grace.
42 reviews
November 17, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book! Filled to the brim with such incredible collections of people and their everyday art, it was inspiring, and I already have a renewed enthusiasm for taking on Urban Sketching!

You get to see the artists and their favourite pieces, their advice on technique and equipment, their insider hacks for their medium, and their sheer enjoyment for what they do. Everyone's style is so unique, and through it we get to see the places and world they come from.
And their encouragement for those starting out was so heartwarming, they share without reserve all they know and have come to learn.
Absolutely incredible, I would recommend to anyone who aspires to capture their world around them, or who simply admires the beauty and architecture of our world told through art..
Profile Image for Flora.
563 reviews15 followers
November 14, 2022
The World of Urban Sketching is an excellent showcase of the works of sketchers from all over the world. Many of the artists are familiar to me and I even follow some of them on social media. I could spend hours just poring over the pages - so so much to look at and admire!

Though some tips, special subject focus and short step-by-step artist techniques are presented, this is not quite a how-to instructional book.. It will definitely come in handy when inspiration is needed or when you want to see the possibilities when rendering a certain setting. A terrific title to have if you want to level up your sketches as we can learn by examining and observing.

5 stars from me. A keeper to pull from the shelf to delight in again and again.
Profile Image for Sophie.
14 reviews12 followers
November 20, 2022
"Sketching is powerful because its not about creating a perfect piece of art, it's about documenting an experience...In sketching, you are creating a record of your life."

A beautifully curated book that would work equally well as a reference, artistic inspiration, or a coffee table book for the non-artistically inclined who like to look at pretty art. I particularly liked the inclusion of notes from the artists on the inspirations and process, as well as tips and progress photos. Showcases a good variety of mediums and art styles alongside the varied locations, which keeps things interesting, and I appreciated the index at the end. Will definitely be checking out the Urban Sketchers online presence, and looking into their other books, which are cross-referenced throughout.
Profile Image for Maike.
37 reviews
December 7, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley, Stephanie Bower, and Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry, Quarry Books for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!

Very impressive collection of urban sketchers and their work! Even if it is not an instructional book, it contains plenty of useful tips, subjects to focus on, and techniques to try. The book motivated and inspired me to try new mediums, develop my unique style, and integrate sketching into my everyday life. It showcases brilliantly how different artists approach urban sketching. The collection of sketches from all over the world is beautiful to look at and I enjoyed every single page. I would definitely recommend this book for (urban ) sketchers, aspiring artists who aim to integrate a (daily) sketching habit and art lovers in general.
Profile Image for Timothy Neesam.
533 reviews10 followers
August 6, 2023
Six stars out of five and one of my favourite books read in 2023.

The World of Urban Sketching contains a wealth of imagination and talent to behold, as well as a whirlwind tour of cities around the world. Stephanie Bower introduces us to dozens upon dozens of sketch artists living in different countries, who use different techniques to show the locations in which they live. It’s a remarkable book, filled with insight, not only into architecture but also into all the different ways people see their cities. I've been introduced to many artists whose work I am now able to follow on websites and in social media. I love, love love this book. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,847 reviews91 followers
October 3, 2022
This might be my favorite of all the Urban Sketching books. Even though it's not focused on a particular "skill," there is so much inspiration and so many different styles in this book that it reminds you again and again that there's no one way to be or do if you're interested in urban sketching. It also was interesting to see how many of the sketchers have architecture as their background. I loved the time I spent with this book and found it to be super inspiring.

with gratitude to quarry books and edelweiss for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
58 reviews11 followers
December 15, 2022
What a magical book. I was afforded the opportunity to read this at no cost from Netgalley and will be adding it to my wish list to purchase. I love urban sketching and urban sketchers and this book is an amazing collection of work from many artists, with beautiful and inspiring samples from each as well as some tips and ideas to use in your own work. Terrifically enjoyable to browse and learn from.
Profile Image for Patricia.
690 reviews44 followers
December 11, 2022
Wow, what a feast of color, technique, and culture! Bower takes us on an artistic tour around the world and includes tips on style, process steps, and several examples for each artist. This is a great way to explore different styles that you might like to follow.

Thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry, Quarry Books for a copy for preview.
Profile Image for Lynn.
12 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2023
Best Collection of Sketchers From Everywhere

Fabulous resource for sketchers of every level! I have the ebook version and love being able to enlarge and zoom in on the marvelous sketches this book contains. Stephanie has accomplished a masterful compilation of some of the best urban sketchers on the planet!
Profile Image for Chuck.
99 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2023
A Tremendous Collection

Stephanie Bower has created a monumental collection of material from the urban sketching community. Loaded with images, insights, and tips, the is something for everyone. The drawings are full of inspiration and the techniques and tools of various artists generate ideas as well. This is a celebration of Urban Sketching.
Profile Image for Sveta_orly.
47 reviews
November 24, 2024
Много, очень-очень много вдохновения - разные скетчеры со всего мира, с разными подходами, с разными бэкграундами, каждый рассказывает свою историю в картинках.
На каждого отведено от страницы до разворота.
Читала с телефоном в руке и гуглила авторов. Читалось долго, подходами по несколько страниц и перевариванием визуального ряда.
945 reviews4 followers
December 20, 2022
Great book, beautiful illustrations It’s way past my level of sketching, so I just had to appreciate it rather than learn from it.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for Abi Ghifari.
108 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2023
I love Stephanie Bower's selection in this book that showcase urban sketches from around the world and sketchers' wide breath of style. This book is a collective inspiration to sketch daily life and local environment and a celebration of urban sketching movement.
3 reviews
November 20, 2024
When I started the book I didn’t feel like I was the targeted market as most mentioned in this book are architects. I was looking for something that a complete novice could use.

As I continued to read the sketches started to look alike. Anyway I may keep the book to use a as reference.
6 reviews
March 1, 2025
This book is totally worthy 5 starts. You can see so many unique artistic style in one book and also learn the art techniques from the artists. I would love to recommend this book to people who love drawing, sketching and doodling. it won't fail you.
Profile Image for Jane.
1,266 reviews16 followers
November 26, 2022
A collection of art from sketchers all over the world. Very impressive sketches
Thank you Stephanie Bower, NetGalley and Quarry Books – Quarto Publishing Books for the arc of this book
Profile Image for S..
Author 8 books10 followers
March 3, 2023
This book should so have been a bound one and not a stupid gluebacked paperback that refuses to stay open! It really is a disservice to all the amazing art within.
Profile Image for Jenny.
44 reviews
June 18, 2023
Prachtig en interessant overzichtsboek.
Enig minpuntje voor mij is dat er naar mijn gevoel te weinig Europese urbansketchers aan bod komen in vergelijking met de rest vd wereld.
Profile Image for Anne Lydolf.
607 reviews7 followers
April 18, 2025
Fantastic collection of artist, with some beautiful sketches and really helpful tips. I feel so inspired after reading this and can't wait to get out with my sketchbook to draw the world around me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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