The Urban Sketching Handbook Color First, Ink Later

This is a thorough guide to watercolour and ink painting on location. The author promotes the idea of colour first, ink later. He explains the five step process in detail. There are four main sections: Essential Techniques; Approach and Overview; Step-by-Step Process, and Technique Tips and Gallery. I think it would suit an intermediate or more advanced artist. Thank you to Mike Yoshiaki Daikubara, Net Galley and Quarto for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Urban Sketching Handbook Color First, Ink Later is a tutorial method guide for sketching on the go. Due out 4th Jan 2022 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 112 pages and available in flexibound and ebook formats. This is one of several books and the second book by this author in the Urban Sketching series.

This is a well written, accessible, and useful book for intermediate to advanced artists who are looking for guidance to improve their technique. The book begins with a very short introduction. Tools and specific methods and use of color and negative space aren't covered (but this information is easily accessible with the briefest online search). Instead, the page content is densely filled with good 'bite sized' tips which cover dynamic sketching by coloring basic shapes first, and filling in detail work and inking later.

The author's entire process is well documented with photo and drawn illustrations. Basic techniques are briefly covered, followed by more specific in-depth overviews, and lesson tutorials of step-by-step processes. The book also contains a useful tutorial and tips collection as well as a gallery of works for inspiration and practice.

Five stars. Definitely a worthwhile addition to the artist's reference library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Urban Sketching Handbook Color First, Ink Later: A Dynamic Approach to Drawing and Painting on Location by Mike Yoshiaki Daikubara

Intriguing concept for sketching providing two options for quick en plein air urban sketching – one puts color in first while the other puts ink down first. I found the process of both interesting. I believe that this might be easier to see done in a workshop first with the instructor there to help out should questions arise. That said…I might be tempted to get out my pencils, pens, paper and paints to give this a try in the future…probably NOT while out and about where anybody could see me working but…who knows?

The book has many illustrations, lists of tools needed, illustrated examples of both techniques, colors used by the author and is easy to understand. I wouldn’t mind having this book in my library.

Thank you to Net Galley and Quarto Publishing Group-Quarry for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

This sketching guide is awesome! If you are newer to sketching / watercolor like I am, I'd recommend that you take a look at section 3 before trying the projects in section 2. It has more step by step details / tips and gives more information about paints, pens, brushes, etc. At first, I really thought I was in over my head with section 2 that has 5 different demonstrations in it, including one that compares coloring first vs sketching first. The pictures are a little bit small so sometimes it can be hard to follow exactly what is going on if these are some of your first drawings. The beautiful art projects in this handbook make me want to check out some of this author's other books so I can learn more. It's inspiring to see the different projects come together.

I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A guide that shows how simple water-colours and ink can be. The simplicity of the art and instruction, is inspirational when wanting to find a new art form to experiment with.

The Urban Sketching Handbook Color First, Ink Later will make you want to paint with watercolors and ink even if you have never tried it before! Although some experience might be preferred, author Mike Daikubara provides detailed instructions and illustrations. Begin with the last page. It’s a “Master List:Tools and Supplies” and everything you’ll need is listed. Then follow the artist as he shows how to quickly capture the essence of the subject. He begins with architecture followed by vehicles, outdoor structures and nature.

This is an in-depth, well planned guide to outdoor sketching and painting. All techniques are well explained from the initial pencil sketch to the final ink layering. Daikubara’s sketches are brilliant! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Books and Mike Yoshiaki Daikubara for this ARC.

The Urban Sketching Handbook Color First, Ink Later is an inventive and imaginative method of painting on location. The step by step instructions are very clear and the projects are delivered using a five step process. It has a contemporary feel and would best be suited to an intermediate artist. looking to widen and improve their techniques. The book is well illustrated and includes some tips and techniques at a refresher level. Overall a great well thought out book.

I love this series! Each additional volume just makes it more valuable and useful for the urban sketcher or art journaler.

This particular title was very well presented and written. I almost immediately did a colour first, ink later in my art journal and it looked good. More spontaneous somehow. I intend to use this technique more often, though I might be more picky when it comes to the dripping method which sometimes looks untidy to me.

Still, this is a highly recommended title for me. Mike Yoshiaki Daikubara is a highly experienced sketcher having filled his sketchbooks with impressive art for 15 years. In this series, you definitely learn from the best!

Awesome book. Gives a simple step by step approach to paint plein air. The simplicity in which it is written gives a confidence in taking up Plein air projects. Author also demonstrates in detailed illustrated steps his approach and the final painting. Would defenitely recommend to anyone interested in drawing building.

This is a fantastic en plein air urban sketching guide. I’ve already had some of my students try it out, and most of them loved the color first, ink later approach. I really appreciated the author making note of the difference between sketching in “theory” ( how you think you should sketch) and sketching in “practice” (how you actually sketch). It’s easy to have a premeditated fear of failure with art, and worry about what the end result is going to be before you’ve even started. Being confident in your sketching abilities is all about letting go of those doubts, and allowing the process to flow naturally. I think any artist would benefit from reading this book and trying out the suggestions.

I was happy to be approved to read this, having just gotten back in to art. The book is very well written and easy to follow. I am already enjoying this new technique

I am not an artist, but I am constantly learning how to paint and draw.

The Urban Sketching Handbook Color First, Ink Later is an excellent guide to visualising and sketching urban environments.

The concepts are broken down enough that even I can understand them, and the step by step processes guide the reader in how to use loose, drippy colours to block out the scene before adding the details afterwards. The end result is a dynamic illustration - the sort I aspire to one day be able to create.

There is a comparison between colour first ink later and sketch first colour later, and each method has it's benefits depending on the preferred outcome.

The author/artist includes a breakdown of his own sketch and paint kits, and I do like that most of the photographs are taken from a camera above his sketchbook as he is working. It;s an inspirational book, and one I will refer back to as I continue my own journey through art.

~Many thanks to NetGalley for a providing copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

Urban Sketching - Color First, Ink Later is a beautiful and interesting book on sketching and watercolor, with a decidedly different approach!

Mike is a master of his technique, and he explains to us that sometimes it is better to quickly color in the elements you see and do a light pencil sketch for a fast approach to urban sketching. Later on you can go back over the pencil sketch with ink and shade and darken areas for more definition.

I love that he detailed his layered approach and explained all of the materials that he uses on a regular basis, and why he likes them.

The beautiful illustrations are eye-catching, and Mike reviews many elements such as where the light is coming from and the sketch, perspective and vanishing points, guidelines, horizon lines, time breakdowns for his sketches and how to layer from lightest to darkest when using watercolor and glazes.

I would absolutely useless for any adult or child interested in art, sketching and especially for a walking, urban sketching class. Great material! I will be sure to check out Mike’s first book, Sketch Now- Think Later.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto publishing for this and free advanced reader’s copy for my honest opinion.

I quite enjoyed this book as there are clear guides and ideas on how to draw urban images plein air. It had a clear concept and even which colours to use. Very nice ideas of what to sketch and how to change the way in approaching subjects and timing.

This is a comprehensive and inspirational guide to creating colourful urban sketches, using unique and interesting techniques of colour first and ink to complete the design. Full of technical detail and examples of different methods, this book is suitable for artists of all levels. Highly recommended as a useful addition to every artist’s armoury.