Unfortunately, I have anxiety and I get nervous when I sketch outside. I've only done a couple of times in my life. However, I feel like I should do it more often and make it a habit. Thanks for your advice and thanks for making this video Teoh!! You've definitely inspired me and gave me some courage now.

Wearing headphones will generally drive strangers away, or at least keep them from talking to you. They don't have to be turned on or even plugged into anything.

If you sit or stand against something like a wall, you can't have people looking over your shoulder.

I started outdoor sketching almost 60 years ago. Usually, I picked a spot where there were no people in the area. My sketching was not very good and I was a bit self-conscience about it. After about three or four years of this I dared to sketch with people near by. Sketches were getting better. Then, due to school and other issues, I stopped nearly completely for several years, only doing one or two a year. No one bothered me. Now, I can sketch most anywhere whether or not people are nearby. I can easily ignore them and my work keeps getting better with practice (IMHO). I’ve gotten comfortable enough to actually bring my field palette of watercolors with me all packed in an over the shoulder kit bag, (Nothing inconspicuous about that.) You are correct. As time progresses you get better at what you are doing and people are no longer an issue. In fact, there are times I welcome the watchers, their comments, and their questions. It has become fun to sketch in public. Thanks Teoh. I still enjoy what you have to offer and I learn from most every video you post.

I'm intimidated when sketching outdoors, so I usually do it from my parked car when in view of a nice scene. I don't have a sketchers group in my town (that I know of), but after watching this video I think I may try to start one. Great video Teoh. It's helped a lot.

The soft drink thing nearly made me cry. Any little good deed, even a story of it makes me cry these days. So much shit in the world other wise

Some of my favourite memories are from sketching places outdoors. It really is worth pushing yourself to try it - you'll be amazed by how much it locks a memory in, regardless of how your sketch turns out.

Sketching on location is really really fun. I find most people are nice and are just curious about what I'm doing.

A popular saying that may help people is...”your opinion of me is none of my business.” I have not done much public sketching. The video Teoh mentions is really worth watching. Thank you!

I so enjoy your videos. And your English is excellent. Just starting to learn to do drawing, painting, etc. start a real class next week. Very excited. I’m 65 and have never done anything with art but my grandchildren are helping me. They have no fear expressing themselves in art. Oh, to be a child again.

"Focus on being in the present (and) enjoying the moment." ABSOLUTELY right, the PERFECT advice not only for sketchers but for ANY of us deep in the frenzy of urban life (even a gorgeous cityscape such as found in Singapore).

When I draw outside, I notice that people are approaching timidly and do not dare to "disturb » me, if they do they are rather positive and kind in their comments or say nothing, just a little smile; only the kids do not hesitate to come see what we do... and then all depends on the countries in which you draw...

I’m just starting to think about sketching outdoors, in public. This is a good lesson on remembering that other people’s opinions are none of my business. Great tutorial, thank you!

I love sketching in public areas, either indoors or out. As noted in several comments below, folks are generally positive or uninterested. Nobody has ever been rude or condescending and I often draw enjoying a frosty beverage at my local watering hole. Which could be inflammatory! But no... Once a big ol' burly, loud guy noticed me drawing and approached. He was first curious, and then surprised it was a drawing of him! "Used to draw..." and a nice conversation ensued. I offered him the sketch. He accepted happily. Seen him a couple of times since, and he said his wife keeps it in her cubicle. Moral of the story? Sketch away, most folks are envious and sometimes interest is rekindled. Thanks as always Teoh. Cheers.

I use to sketch outdoors alone but was always too self conscious so I quit for a while and just sketched indoors. Went to my first sketch walk event a year later and felt much better. Also as a side note: a sketch, unlike a photograph, captures the character of the scene. You put down your interpretation of what u see and nothing captures it better than the 'Real Thing Man' :)

Here's a trick that worked for me... find some place with street performers, buskers, acrobats, dancers, chalk artists. Sit on your stool out of the way of the performance and draw whatever you like for as long as you like. As long as someone is performing in your vicinity, you're basically invisible. I learned this in Trafalgar Square in London where there are so, so, so many people all the time. I spent several hours several days in a row drawing the British Museum, Canada house, the pools under Nelson's column, penny farthing riders in the traffic circle and exactly one small child noticed me because I was at eye level

"Go with friends" - too bad that my friends live far away. :'D I've been wanting to try urban sketching for ages, but due to my social anxiety I haven't gotten around to do that yet (I only once dared to paint in a forest nearby my house). That being said, I do appreciate your advices though, thank you for the video ♥

I used to sketch on the tram to work - it meant that I would draw something almost every single day, I had to work fast, and I was drawing actual people instead of models.

Thank you for sharing this tips. One of my new years resolution is to sketch outside, I've been postponing it. this helps :D

I love this advice! I was really worried about sketching outdoors at first, so much so that I hid myself in my backyard. It sounds weird but the real thing that got me outdoors to sketch was just trying it out in my neighbourhood and realizing that no one was really watching me. I can sketch in crowds now, but it's still a bit weird!

As a writer/poet, I write in public all the time. However, I find that I am nervous about sketching out in the wild. I am determined to give it a try this year. I liked your tip about head movement. I will keep that in mind when I finally find the courage to go out and do this. :)

I recognize one of those buildings! It was on a postcard my daughter sent me when she was in Singapore.

I think people tend to place you in the catagory of " street performer " providing entertainment. Though a lot also simply love to see someone paint and can't wait to get their own paints and try too. I'd love to try outdoors here in Dublin but the city has become....well lets say " Gotham city " haha....even just walking around you need to be constantly aware of who and what's going on around you. I'd find it practically impossible to concentrate / paint like that. What I usually do is take a quick snapshot if I see a nice setting or interesting light, and work at home using the photo and memory of the atmosphere. I tried painting in the country a few times... it's a lot safer and you get good at mixing greens but it's not great if you like painting people....I usually add them in myself ( artistic licence 😊 )

I bring my sketching things with me, but then I chicken out!!! 😂 I am working on it!!

I've shetched outdoors once - In the middle of the winter. My tip for outdoor sketching? Don't do it when it's -10 degrees, unless you are good at drawing with thick gloves on.

Thank you for the great video! Sometimes I feel like I am in other people's way, for example, when drawing a small statue or gate at a garden. People stop for a few seconds, then move on. I want to fade into the background when drawing.

Hi! Thanks about the tip on the head movement, I’ll definitely try that. I haven’t ventured outside yet; but I’ve been wanting to for a while now. :)

Great video as usual!! Keep it up!! I never really have fear of sketching outdoor. As a child I always joined school drawing competitions that requires us to spread out within event area and draw the view around. It eventually become my habit to sketch or doodle silly stuff whenever I go to kopitiam or sitting in public places. Those drawing in sketchbooks over the years somehow act like my personal life journey diary. 😇

Because of you, I became interested in urban sketching and I even joined a group around my area but Ive never gone to an event yet because I'm always too shy to sketch outdoors so I usually just google street view where they are going and do little sketches of the area around there in my own home however these tips are encouraging so hopefully I can join them soon, hahahaa

Great video, even as a stained glass artist I found people who stood behind me affected my work, now when I sketch outdoors I really don't mind, I just block them out...just the subject/ scene, my book and me. I'd love to experience an outdoor sketch club. ✌🏼️

I definitely need to go out and sketch outdoors more. I’ve done people sketching many times but only urban sketching a few. My perspective/background drawings need much more work than my characters so doing more urban sketching will probably help me improve with that. Thanks for the video, it inspired me to go out and draw!

Thank you so much for these videos! For a long time I was struggling with my art and feeling really self conscious about it to the point where I almost stopped entirely. Watching you sketch and create art has made me remember why I started in the first place: to have fun! I absolutely love your style and you've made me love mine again too!

I love how imperfect but still perfect a lot of you're drawings or like quick sketches are

This was much appreciated. Thanks for the good advice.

I am intimidated, but the few times I've done it alone, I enjoyed it, as I felt peaceful after some minutes, just absorbed in what I was doing and the surroudings... Some took nice pictures of me too and one kept coming back to watch me after a few days and talk a bit. It was distractful to talk though, but the interaction was fun. The hardest is to start going out, after, it's easy. I love your cute sketches there!

Timing of this video is perfect for me, thank you!

GREAT tips. Thank you

I've always been so nervous of sketching on location to the point that I'll have my sketchbook open then close it and put it away 😞. I've been overcoming this slowly, but it still is a mental challenge. This is a very approachable way of starting this. I'll keep these in mind the next time I try! Thank you for the tips!

Excellent! Thank you!

I didn't think I'd ever have the guts for this, but once the weather is warmer, I'm going for it! I just need a few more things, and my outdoor kit will be complete. Thank you so much!

Thank you Teoh for the tips (sketching outdoors) yes I do have fear sketching outdoor, what you mentioned is really helpful cause very few times I did sketch outdoor I was at a place all alone. Till now whenever I want to sketch am looking for a place where I will be alone. Many places I wish to sketch but I hold up myself coz of crowds.... Hopeful your tips will help me find strength and be confident in sketching outdoor. Keep it up great work Teoh 👍

Great video, thank you! ❤️

Great advice thanks for the information, I am starting to overcome the fear of sketching in public.

I love your videos they are really peaceful thank you!!!

It was your urban sketching videos that inspired me to bring my sketchbook with me when I go out. My town has a lot of cool buildings that inspire me to doodle. loosen up, as they say

thanks for the tips Teoh .

Great tips! I am fearless.. and sketching with other sis definitely the best! That is why I LOVE the USk Symposiums! I would say practice and ignore people if you don’t want to be bothered. I do like to talk to kids, they are very curious and I always ask them if they have their sketchbook with them. Sometimes I have a few small extras that I make and I give them one with a pencil! Eileen

Hello. I like your video because you are a great teacher for mi because you learn my not only draw but english too. Thanks

Like the previous person I also have anxiety but I'd like to give it a go when it warms up. It's still very cold here in the UK. It should help my social anxiety.

Great topic to do

It’s funny, I was debating this when I woke up this morning.

The advice is appreciated. 👍😃 It can still be a bit intimidating I think even if one's done it for a long time. There are just some situations where the fear rears its ugly head again.

I like to sketch the walking trails near my house. I stand to the side of the trail, most are quite broad. Once as I sketched the trees a man apologized for walking through and hoped he wasn't ruining my sketch, as if it was a photo 😁. Really, I'm not that fast at sketching!

I miss doing this outdoor due to the tough pandemics in town.

Great tips!! I am nowhere good enough to sketch outdoors though I am still aspiring to BE good enough to try it... I hope to do it one of these days in the next few years. LOL

Thank you📖

Great video! Thanks! I like sketching outdoors but I don’t like people watching. I need to get over that. You’re right, practice will help me reach a point where I’m not so concerned about onlookers. How are you filming your sketching while you’re outside. Go pro? How are you getting the down view? Thanks!

Ahh that sketchwalk at MOE Heritage Centre was my first one with USK Singapore! I tend to get distracted/self conscious when people are watching.. so I usually prefer to sketch in an inconspicuous corner, or against a pillar, or camouflaged among a large group of other sketchers. Elaborate set ups like easels, chairs, large watercolour palettes etc attract attention so if I'm sketching by myself in a crowded place, it's always a small sketchbook and a pen, and everything else stuffed in my nondescript tote bag :p

I try to go outside, to record video, take photos and bring my camera with me to record drawing, but i have one problem. When i do this everyone stares, thinks I'm strange, attempts to ask many questions or bother me/try to stop me from video recording, photographing or drawing. Then all they have to talk about is sports and pointless conversations of topics such as "the weather, sports,etc" nothing intellectually interesting. But the weather here in Ohio has 4 seasons. Winter, Corn Fields, Sports, Snow. Its not that some of us fear drawing outdoors, but maybe for some, like myself, we try to do so and we get bothered by people who only do so because they have nothing better to do with their time. Maybe its the environment where you live, but where i live, when i draw in public, people do/ask the following. 1. criticize my drawing out of jealousy 2. aren't happy with themselves so they bother others 3. have nothing of interest to talk about when they do approach me which leads to them talking about the same topics (sports, the weather) 4. why are you drawing by yourself? are you lonely? Does anyone else have these happen to them? Haha, this is why i draw indoors and one main reason being that 95% of the time here its either, to cold (-20 to 20 Fahrenheit), snowing, windy or raining. But if i lived in a different environment with warmer weather, id spend most of my time drawing outdoors. As i'm typing this its snowing, my car is covered in ice, the roads are covered in ice & snow. I'm looking forward to summer so i can get my 10 days of sunshine for the year without rain or overcast, hahaha!

I think I would be bolder about sketching outdoors if I lived in a nice climate like yours. I live in the Seattle, USA area where it is cold and rainy from autumn to spring. After that it's iffy! I will take your advice when the weather is better this summer. :)

I love sketching outdoors because I just like being outdoors. I’m usually more open to what’s going on around me and I (usually) don’t mind if people have questions.

I wear at least one clothing items in the color orange when sketching whether the location is an urban area, park or cafe. I carry my supplies in a small orange backpack. I live in the USA Midwest orange is a "safety" color that hunters wear.

strange question but how do you find places to sit where you can be comfortable enough to draw something? say theres no bench around, or the bench is wet..

You mentioned a link to a video about sketching people on the train, I think. Do You have that link? Thanks for these videos. Lovin’ them.

I only sketch outdoors when there are no people around, but hope to be able to do urban sketching as well.

Twice this happened to me, at the beach a girl came from behind to see what I was doing and she scared the heck out of me, another time I joined a plein air group and i was so nervous i froze up and couldnt do anything, it's like stage fright lol. I'm more relaxed at home. I wonder if there's something I can focus on to help loosen up hmm

Thanks brother for making this video I am from India and people ask me what will you do of this all drawing I tell them it's my practice

Helpful. I am in more rural area - so not many folks :)

can you talk about how to manage urban scketch group .. if i want to start one in my city ..!

I wish all of us here in the comments could get together and sketch! Wouldn’t that be wonderful!! 😊

Great tips Teoh thanks, i hope to lose my fear some day soon. Hey it is me or your drawing skills are noticeable better than some years ago? Do you notice you made a "click" this last months or maybe are just the years of drawing building up slowly? Cheers.

great information, thanks for posting! If I'm drawing in a busy area, I usually bring my ipod. I found that when people see the earphones, they're less likely to ask me questions -- and if I play music, I can't hear any negative comments, lol! can you tell what type of fountain pens you used in the video? I noticed the one in the cafe had a black body and the one you used outdoors had a different color body. What brands are they? Do you prefer them to fineliners?

I've only sketched outdoors once for a school project and I loved it, so I stayed outside in the freezing cold because I just HAD to finish that drawing. And now I've chosen to do a very big urban sketching by night project for school but I still haven't started yet, I'm not very comfortable with people around me looking at my mediocre art but eventually I'll have to go outside and JUST DO IT. XD Oh and by the way, do you maybe have some tips for drawing night sceneries? Like, how can I draw by night when everything's dark? Should I go to that place and sketch when there's still light and then add the colors when the sun is down and I can see the real night scenery? Ps, thanks for all the advices you give us through your videos and everything :)

Mr. Chie have you or will you make a video on what Samsung galaxy tablet is the best for drawing? I'm debating on either the Ipad air 10.5 or the I pad generation 7 or one of the Samsung Tablets. I am a tattoo artist and I want to go digital with my art this is my first time attempting any thing like this so I'm trying to make sure I'm buying the right product for what I do the first time. Can you help thanks?

I work at home from reference photos. And I mostly draw animals. I have not done urban sketching and am struggling with perspective in spite buying books on the subject. Any other advice would be appreciated as I would like to do this. Thanks for video 😊

2:07 Where can I find a community like this?? This seems so fun!

Hi! How do you set up a camera to record your sketching while urban sketching?

I don't have art friends here in my country nor art groups...i don't have a fear of drawing outdoors i just don't like ppl acting like it's the first time someone draws outdoors...i hate sharing my work.

I sketch under the bridge when i just started. Less people, more peaceful.

I watch this to learn to get the fear away of learning to skateboard outside.

Good tip if you have one is to sketch from your car if you are starting, and when you get more competent then sketch on foot. If you become good at what you are doing you don't often mind people looking at your work so much. But even then be prepared for children, drunks, nutters, and strangely sometimes attention from the police. I know two people who have been arrested for sketching children in the park and once I got told to stop when sketching St Pauls Cathedral from the Tate Modern side, weirdly because of anti-terrorism laws.

How did you record this video (recording when sketching outside)?

Thanks for tips-- try to get my back against a wall if I can, BUT IF I WAS READING A BOOK OR NEWSPAPER IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED RUDE TO LOOK OVER MY SHOULDER - Even look at my phone or tablet, Is there a law that if you have pen or brush in your hand your “ fair game” to joe public. I’m OAP and Thankfully haven’t had any rude comments, but friends have and this makes me nervous , and now just take photos To take home. Follow your videos thanks again

I live in Taiwan, and I would love to sketch and paint outside, however, as soon as I bring out the book, or sit down to draw or paint, it instantly draws a crowd (no pun). In a matter of minutes, there will be a crowd of at least 10 people getting uncomfortably close and just staring intently and again, closely. After suffering through an increasingly amount of anxiety, I will pack up and move on. The crowd will instantly disperse and they will go about their lives as if nothing happened. I have talked to others who have same experience in Taiwan and I have noticed that no one, no where does this here. I mean, you will not see locals drawing or painting plein air anywhere. Kids, sure, but no adults. It is just not a thing here and I think the people see it as abnormal when they see it and want it to go away, without saying such. So, they horde around who is doing the activity until it stops and order returns to their day.

It's not really about being embarassed or people looking, I'm just embarassed of being a shit artist. Unfortunately that keeps me from practicing at home, as well. Hopefully I'll get better in time.

So, sir, you play..... &, I learn to play with illusion

🐰

I normally just go outside and take some pictures as references so I don't need to draw outside

Sketching with pen seems brave... any reason you don’t use pencil

我喜欢户外写生，我不惧被围观，我喜欢在我户外写生的时候，有人和我聊天，这是很有趣的过程，我不介意这样的事情发生。正如你所说，你享受这个过程时，你就会专注于你所做的，

Tip for men. Wear a brimmed hat. Seriously. It changes peoples perspective of you. It's what artists look like.

Tip number 1 assumes that I have friends... 0/10