Every month, Raabe Rocha and I partner with Women in Design (WiD) and host a sketch incubator event. These outings are meant to be fun, informal and open to everyone regardless of skill level! We like to pick interesting and lively sites with an abundance of opportunities to sketch. At past events, we have ventured to Post Office Square, the Harborwalk and other spots in downtown Boston.
Sometimes we have the group focus on drawing a particular element, but the type of drawing is left up to the individual. It is always interesting to see the different ways people interpret the same element through a variety of drawings – elevations, perspectives, even axonometrics. Other times, we choose to leave the session more open-ended, and people are free to sketch whatever piques their interest. We tried this technique at the most recent event at the Harborwalk. Some chose to sketch the urban skyline while others focused on smaller details of the Children’s Museum façade. At the end of every session, we share our sketchbooks and share a few thoughts about our drawings.
People are welcome to bring their lunch and whatever medium they would prefer to sketch with – colored pencils, watercolors, etc. are highly encouraged! Personally, I prefer to use micron pens. Given the unforgiving nature of the pens, it makes me think more carefully about each line I draw. These events are a great excuse to get outside, mingle with other staff members and practice the invaluable skill of sketching.
