As an artist, I’ve always believed that the best way to truly see a place is to sketch it. Something magical happens when you sit down with a pencil and a blank page and start observing. I’ve discovered that some places practically beg to be drawn. The textures, shapes, and atmospheres they offer are more than just visual—they evoke a mood, a memory. Here are five spots across the U.S. that inspired me to stop, sit, and sketch, and each one left a unique imprint on both my page and my heart.
Philadelphia – Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
When I stood in front of the Cathedral Basilica in Philly, I was struck by its powerful symmetry and warm, red-brown stone. The neoclassical façade is packed with fine details—the columns, the carvings, the statues that seem to stand guard over the city’s spiritual history. I sketched it on a sunny day with pen and little touch of water-soluble pastel, Caran D’ache Neocolor 2. It’s a true architectural gem, and I found myself lost in its rhythm and balance. More about my sketch trip in Philly you can find here.
New York City – Little Island
Little Island is like stepping into a dreamscape tucked right inside Manhattan. The floating park’s unique structure—those tulip-shaped concrete pods rising from the Hudson—makes for such a fun and challenging subject. As I sketched, I found myself switching between wide, sweeping shapes and tiny, intricate details of the greenery. The energy of NYC is all around you, yet Little Island feels like a quiet escape hovering just above the water. Also I have a post about my sketch adventures in NYC here.
Tampa – Ybor City
Ybor City, with its brick streets and vintage charm, immediately captured my imagination. Sketching here felt like sketching in another era. The historic buildings, iron balconies, cigar shops, and roosters wandering the sidewalks all added character to the scene. I loved the textures—aged bricks, wooden shutters, colorful signs—and how they told stories of Tampa’s past. It’s a place where the old and the vibrant new coexist in the most inspiring way. More about my Tampa sketch trip find here.
Boston – Public Garden
Boston’s Public Garden was where I felt completely in sync with my sketchbook. I chose a spot near the blooming tulips, surrounded by vibrant green grass, with the city’s buildings rising gently in the background. The mix of natural beauty and urban architecture made for a perfect composition. As I sketched, the colors and lines flowed effortlessly—it was one of those rare moments where everything just clicked thank to rainbow pencil. Advantages of sketching with rainbow pencil I mention in one of my blog posts here.
Chicago – Field Museum
The Field Museum in Chicago is monumental—both in size and in design. As I sat across the lawn to sketch its façade, I couldn’t help but feel small, but in the best way. The building has a stately presence, with its massive columns and grand staircase drawing your eye upward. It challenged me to really focus on proportion and light, especially as the shadows shifted across the stone. The museum itself holds wonders inside, but the outside is just as worthy of your attention. All about my Chicago sketch trip already here.
Every city has its own soul, and sometimes that soul is best discovered through a quiet moment with a pencil. These five places gave me that pause—a reason to sit, look, and appreciate. Sketching them helped me see more than just sights. I saw stories, structure, and spirit. If you ever travel through these cities, I highly recommend bringing your sketchbook—you won’t regret it.
