Sketching the Soul of the City

Stories from buildings — blending sketching, memory, and place into one powerful artistic practice.

Fineliners / Ink Pens ( .01-.03- .05 ) - Pencil - Yellow marker - A5 or A4 Sketchbook

When I create a storytelling urban sketch, I start by choosing a building or scene that holds meaning — either culturally or personally. I begin with a light pencil sketch to capture the main structure, then go over it with ink, using different line weights to show texture and depth. I add touches of color, usually just one or two tones, to highlight something important or to create a mood. Once the sketch is done, I hold it up in front of the actual building and align it with the background, then take a photo that blends the sketch with the real world. For me, it’s not just about drawing — it’s about preserving memory and telling the story of a place through lines and emotion.