Disneyland California is full of rides and attractions. For me it was also a perfect place to open my sketchbook. I spent a day there and found small moments between the rides to stop, look around, and sketch different scenes. This time I wanted my sketches to feel very quick and loose. So instead of bringing many art supplies, I chose only 3 brush pens: black, brown, and red. This small setup made it easy to carry everything around the park and start sketching whenever something caught my attention. I did not try to capture every detail or make perfect drawings. I simply wanted to save the atmosphere of Disneyland through 5 little moments in my sketchbook.
If you missed my previous post about sketching Sequoias you can see it here.
See my brush pen set here.
Walt and Mickey
My first sketching stop was near the statue of Walt and Mickey, with the castle appearing in the background. I chose this view because it is such an iconic Disneyland scene, and I knew this sketch would immediately bring me back to this moment in the future. I started with quick black brush pen lines, focusing on Walt, Mickey, and the recognizable shapes of the castle behind them. Then I added brown color to make the sketch more expressive without losing its loose feeling. Sometimes the most famous locations are worth sketching because your own drawing becomes a much more personal souvenir than another photo.
Boat Before the Ride
Waiting in a long line for a ride can feel like lost time, but if you have a small sketchbook with you, it suddenly becomes a great sketching opportunity. While waiting, I noticed this boat and decided to try capturing it before the line started moving again. The composition and perspective were tricky, especially because I was looking at the boat from above and at an angle. It was really challenging for me, and I could immediately see that this is something I need to practice more. Still, for a first attempt I think it turned out okay. I like that the sketch reminds me of the actual experience of waiting for the ride, not just the attraction itself.
Cinema Building
I love buildings with brick facades, interesting signs, and historic architectural details, so this cinema immediately caught my attention. I had so much joy making this quick sketch because the building already had everything I like to draw: texture, decorative elements, strong shapes, and a lot of character. First, I sketched the main structure with my black brush pen and tried not to become too focused on small details. After that, I added brown for the brick and small touches of red to bring more life into the drawing. Using only three brush pens made the whole process fast and simple, which was perfect for sketching while spending a busy day at Disneyland.
Red Car
When I saw this beautiful red car, I knew I had to sketch it quickly because it could move at any moment. I usually am not a big fan of sketching cars, so this became another small challenge for me during the day. Instead of trying to draw every mechanical detail, I concentrated on the essential features that made the car recognizable, especially its shape, wheels, and bright red color. Once I captured the car, I started adding the buildings and street elements behind it to complete the scene. I actually liked the result, and this sketch reminded me that sometimes having very little time forces you to simplify a subject in a good way.
People
A busy place like Disneyland is also a great place to practice sketching people. Because they are everywhere and they rarely stay still for very long. I noticed a small group standing together and decided to use the opportunity to quickly capture their poses and the general feeling of the scene. I did not try to draw faces or clothing in detail, but instead focused on the essential shapes that made the group look natural. After sketching the people, I continued with the buildings, trees, streetlights, and other elements around them. Sketching moving people is always challenging, but it is also fun because their imperfect and spontaneous shapes make an urban sketch feel much more alive.
If you are planning a busy sightseeing day or a theme park visit, try taking a small sketchbook and a few brush pens instead of a complete art kit. You may be surprised by how many sketching opportunities appear between the main attractions. Sometimes all you need is a few minutes, a comfortable place to stand or sit, and the willingness to capture the moment before it changes.
