Winter may not seem like the ideal time for sketching, but with the right approach, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. I spent 2 months in Europe and I want to share with you some tips I used during my trip. Some of them seems very obvious, but I hope they help you and encourage you to sketch more in any weather conditions.
More about sketcher tips and my sketch trips you can find here.
Choose the Right Materials
Cold weather can impact your art supplies, so choosing the right materials is key. Some inks become sluggish in the cold, so opt for waterproof fine liners or alcohol-based markers, which perform better. Graphite and charcoal work well in winter, but be mindful that softer leads may become brittle. If sketching outdoors with watercolors, use a limited palette with more pigment to prevent excessive water use, which can freeze. Fingerless gloves or touchscreen-friendly gloves allow you to keep warm while maintaining dexterity. My discovery of this trip was Pentel brush sign pen. Even though it isn’t water soluble, I love it so much.
Take Advantage of Museums
Museums provide a fantastic indoor sketching opportunity, especially during colder months. Many allow sketching with pencils, so check the rules before you go. Focus on sculptures, exhibits, or architectural details to refine your observational skills while staying warm. I love to sketch sculptures in museums especially dated Roman or Greek periods. It helps me a lot with human proportions.
Master the Art of Quick Sketches
If you want to sketch outside, develop the habit of quick gestural drawings. Capture the essence of a scene in just a few minutes before your fingers start to freeze. Use Loose lines and expressive strokes to outline forms quickly. Also take with you minimal color palette to enhance your sketches without spending too much time. Important thing is take a sketchbook with thicker pages to prevent buckling in damp conditions, 140gsm should be enough.
Find Warmth in Cafés
Cafés are great and cozy retreat where you can sketch people, interior décor, or the view outside the window. Order a warm drink, find a comfortable seat, and sketch the lively atmosphere. This is also a great way to practice drawing figures in motion while staying comfortable. And off course its great to sketch your food.
Use Photography as a Backup
If the cold becomes unbearable, take quick reference photos to sketch from later. This allows you to capture interesting scenes without spending too long in freezing temperatures. You can use your photos to create more detailed sketches when you’re back in a warm environment. This is what I’ve done in Berlin and Frankfurt. Sometimes there was too windy to stand and sketch even for 10 minutes.
Winter sketching has its challenges, but it also a unique beauty and opportunities for creativity. With the right materials, indoor options, and quick sketching techniques, you can keep your artistic practice going all season long. So bundle up, grab your sketchbook, and try the magic of winter sketching!
