Sketching doesn’t have to be time-consuming! If you have just 10 minutes, you can create a dynamic and expressive sketch by following these five simple steps. The key is to work fast, stay loose, and focus on capturing the essence of your scene rather than perfecting every detail. Whether you’re sketching a street scene, a landscape, or an abstract idea, this method will help you get something down on paper quickly and effectively. Grab your sketchbook, set a timer, and let’s get started!
Quick sketches is one of the ways to challenge yourself. If you looking for a challenge to grow the skill you are welcome to read my recent post.
Frame the Page
Before you start drawing, define the space where your sketch will exist. Lightly frame the borders of your page, deciding how much of the scene you want to include. This helps with composition and ensures that your elements stay balanced within the page. Think of this step as setting up the foundation for your artwork, much like a photographer framing a shot before taking a picture. Keep the marks light and flexible, so you can adjust if needed.
Start with Color Shapes
Instead of jumping straight into outlines, begin by blocking in the main shapes with color. This could be done with soft strokes of watercolor, pastels, or markers. Focus on the big areas of color rather than tiny details—this will help you establish depth and atmosphere quickly. Treat this step as if you’re painting with broad strokes, thinking about where the light and shadows will fall. Keep it loose and energetic, allowing your scene to take shape naturally. In this sketch I use Tombow dual brush pen set.
Add Lines
Now that you have your basic shapes, start adding lines to define the structure. Use a pen, marker, or dark pencil to outline key elements in your sketch. Don’t worry about making the lines perfect—let them be expressive and free-flowing. Overlapping lines and sketchy strokes can add movement and character to your drawing. Think about where to emphasize details and where to keep things minimal. At this stage, your sketch should start looking more structured while still maintaining a spontaneous feel. The lines I make with Sakura Micron 03.
Add Figures in the Foreground
To bring your sketch to life, introduce figures or objects in the foreground. These could be people, trees, cars, or anything that adds depth to the scene. Sketch them quickly using simple shapes and loose lines—no need to overcomplicate things! The foreground elements help establish scale and perspective, making your sketch feel more immersive. Think of them as storytelling elements that add context and movement to your drawing.
Add Details & Shadows
Finally, refine your sketch by adding small details and shadows. Use hatching, cross-hatching, or soft shading to create contrast and dimension. Shadows help to anchor objects and figures in space, making them feel more grounded. Be selective with details—focus on what enhances the composition rather than overloading it with unnecessary marks. A few well-placed highlights and darkened areas can make a huge difference in making your sketch feel finished.
Sketching in 10 minutes is all about speed, confidence, and capturing the essence rather than aiming for perfection. This method helps you train your eye, improve your technique, and develop a habit of sketching regularly. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at creating quick, expressive sketches that tell a story. So grab your sketchbook, try this 10-minute challenge, and see what you can create!
