Water Tower Street Scene:
Urban Sketching Made Simple
A step-by-step Urban Sketching Lesson with Color First then Ink
Course Description:
I love water towers—especially when they rise above a busy city scene. In this course, we’ll sketch the iconic water tower at Camp North End in Charlotte, NC. Once a Ford assembly plant, this space has transformed into a thriving creative hub—making it the perfect setting for on-location sketching.
In this course, you will find the lessons filmed both on-site and in the studio, sketching the scene using my Color First method—starting with broad watercolor washes before adding ink. It’s a fun, freeing way to dive in without overthinking or hesitating on a blank page.
Let's take a look at what's covered in this class.
What you'll learn:
How to simplify a complex looking scene using bold color washes
Techniques to loosen up and sketch with more freedom
The benefits of sketching COLOR FIRST before adding lines
A complete, repeatable process to sketch on-location with confidence
Course Outline
Step 0: Pencil Underlay
- Step 1: Color First
- Step 2: Let it Drip
- Step 3: Ink
- Step 4: Extra Color
- Step 5: Finishing Touches
Step 0: Pencil Underlay
(Optional Step)
Step 1: Color First
Broad Color Washes
Step 2: Let it Drip
Embrace happy accidents!
Step 3: Ink
Add structure and definition
Step 4: Extra Color
Layering in the color details
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Tie it all together
What's Included
- 9 Video Lessons
- 3 Quick Start PDF files
- Materials List
- Color List
- Color First: 5 Step Process
- 6 Downloadable reference images
Meet your instructor
Hi, I’m Mike Daikubara,
Author of Sketch Now, Think Later and Color First, Ink Later. I’ve sketched daily life for years—from coffee shops to crowded streets—and taught workshops around the world.
My mission is to help people overcome hesitation and enjoy sketching. This class blends two of my favorite approaches so you can sketch anywhere, anytime, and in your own style.
“Helping you sketch now and think later… or splash on color and then think!”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Wondering if this program is the right fit for you? Here are some quick answers to common questions.
- Do I need to know how to draw?Not at all! This course is beginner-friendly and designed to build confidence.
- Do I need to take the 'Ink First' class before taking a 'Color First' class?Not at all!
If you have always drawn with ink first, then starting out a sketch with water color first might feel a little unnatural. But once you give it a try, you'll quickly learn that either approach provides different ways of starting a drawing an can be done interchangeably both ways. - What supplies do I need?A pen, a brush, a small watercolor set, and a sketchbook. I’ll show you my exact kit inside.
- Can I do this at my own pace?Yes! All lessons are self-paced and available anytime.
- Is 'Color First' more difficult than 'Ink First'?Not at all! Actually in many situations, I've found students finding this approach easier to do.
The initial splash of watercolors to kick off a drawing is a fun relaxing way without the hesitation of getting the details accurate in the beginning. This also creates a colorful and Vibrant sketch with energy too.