During my one day trip to Big Bear Lake, I decided to continue testing my acrylic markers in real landscape conditions. I packed a small pocket sketchbook, a pen, and around fourteen markers to see how they would perform outdoors. Mountain trails always have surprises, and this time I learned a practical tip that will help every sketcher who loves nature. Acrylic markers can leak at higher altitudes, so keeping a small piece of paper towel in your kit truly saves the day. Here are my impressions and what I loved about sketching these five scenes from the trail.
If you asking yourself: “Can I do quick sketches with acrylic markers?” You’re very welcome to read my recent post about quick sketches with acrylic markers here.
See my acrylic markers set here.
Pine sketch
I started my warm up with a tall pine that caught my attention right at the beginning of the trail. To build more depth, I used a dark blue acrylic marker for quick shadow placement and added finer details with a pen. This combination worked amazingly well and brought immediate contrast into the sketch. The more I work with acrylic markers, the more I enjoy their speed and the way they help me simplify complex shapes. Even this quick pine study reminded me that you can capture a strong impression in just a few minutes if you focus on color and silhouette instead of perfection.
Snowy trail
The snowy area of the trail felt too beautiful to skip. So I stopped to sketch the mix of light, cold patches of snow, and warm earth tones. I worked fast to keep the sketch loose and expressive, and I think that quick energy is exactly what makes it charming. If I revisit this page later, I might add more shadows to enhance the winter feeling. Still, the spontaneous brush strokes made with acrylic markers created a lovely rhythm on the page. It proves that outdoor sketching rewards those who embrace speed and trust their hand.
Lake view 1
Halfway up the trail, I found a quiet bench with a stunning view of the lake. There was no chance I would pass this vista without sketching it. While I worked on capturing the trees, the distant mountains, and the blue water, I noticed some markers leaking. This is where that paper towel tip becomes essential. Despite the little mess, the sketch captured the layered depth of the landscape and the bold contrast of colors. Moments like this remind me why acrylic markers are so fun outdoors. They allow you to translate your excitement directly onto the page.
Lake view 2
At another viewpoint, I wanted to capture the sparkle of the sun on Big Bear Lake and the warm mood of the day. This sketch became more about the atmosphere than the details. I layered different greens for the trees and added blue and white accents for the water reflections. Acrylic markers helped me move quickly while switching between values and tones. This scene felt very peaceful, and sketching it helped me slow down and appreciate the beauty of the area before continuing along the trail.
Forest trail
This final sketch shows another part of the hike where the snow had already melted. It gave me a chance to focus on the tall pines, dense bushes, and the long path leading forward. I enjoyed using acrylic markers here because they naturally create vibrant shapes with simple strokes. The shadows on the trail and the movement of the branches came together nicely, and I loved how alive the whole page felt. Acrylic markers are perfect for capturing movement and sunlight. Especially when you do not want to spend too long in one spot.
Sketching with acrylic markers at Big Bear Lake turned my short hike into a full creative adventure. These markers bring speed, bold color, and expressive energy to every page. Which makes them perfect for landscape sketching on the go. If you enjoy fast art tools that help you capture the moment before it slips away, acrylic markers are a great choice for outdoor sketching.
