Selective Colouring - Where to leave white space in your Urban Sketching?

Welcome to this urban sketching demo where I explore the magic of selective colouring and the art of leaving white space to enhance your sketches. If you love capturing old buildings, rustic charm, and romantic, slightly abandoned scenes, this video will inspire you to experiment with minimal colour and thoughtful composition. Watch as I bring a vintage truck and its surroundings to life with careful washes of colour on pure cotton watercolor paper.

In this video, I dive into:

Choosing where to add pops of colour while letting white space do the heavy lifting.

Using a limited palette to create subtle texture and mood.

How to handle perspective and details on a small scale.

The benefits of using quality watercolour paper like 100% cotton, 300 GSM, and how it affects your work.

Techniques to apply selective colouring with small brushes and layering washes.

Adding finishing touches like white gel pen highlights for contrast and interest.

I also talk about the tools I use, including my favourite fountain pen and watercolour brushes, as well as how I prepare my sketches for sale through my YouTube shop.
Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Scene Description
Discover the romantic, old urban scene that inspired this sketch and the initial ideas about colour placement.

00:21 - Introducing the Paper & Materials
Learn about the Hong Kong pure cotton watercolour paper and why it’s a great choice for urban sketches.

01:01 - Drawing & Composition Setup
Watch as the initial linework and perspective are laid out using a fountain pen.

01:49 - Adding Line Details & Texture
Details about foliage, the truck, and architectural elements come to life with careful ink strokes.

02:34 - Using Watercolour Washes
Starting with a light wash, see how I use a small brush to build up colour selectively.

03:19 - Mixing Colours & Applying Patina
Watch colour mixing in action to create natural rust and patina effects on the truck.

04:44 - Applying Highlights & Shadows
How to add depth with contrasting darks and bright spots, including layering washes.

05:23 - Adding Colour Pops & Fine Details
Focus on placing small dots of bright colours for visual interest and balance.

06:16 - Final Touches & Drying Process
See how a hairdryer speeds drying and allows for additional layers without muddying colours.

06:48 - White Gel Pen Highlights
Learn why white highlights are essential to make selective colouring pop against the white paper.

07:40 - Finished Artwork & Sale Info
Final thoughts, mounting the piece, and how to purchase the original through my YouTube shop.

08:14 - Wrap Up & Thanks
Thanks to viewers and patrons, plus encouragement to like, subscribe, and support.

#urbansketch #selectivecolour #beginnerarttips

If you enjoy urban sketching or want to explore selective colouring techniques, this video will give you practical tips and inspiration. Feel free to comment below with your thoughts or questions — I love hearing from fellow artists!

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