Sketching Outside: An Illustrated Guide to Making Art on the Go

Discover a new way to engage with nature and travel in this beautiful, approachable guide to outdoor sketching for artists and journalers.

Step outside and record the world in your sketchbook. Capture the majesty of mountain landscapes, study the details of a blossoming tree, or record a fleeting city scene. Evocative watercolor and ink drawings created during the author's own wanderings, will inspire you to record your next hike, ramble, or excursion in this freeing and engaging medium.

Each chapter demystifies one aspect of making art outdoors and includes practical exercises that address such topics as:

• Drawing tools and watercolor techniques
• The freedom of color
• Effective ways to push past insecurities
• Where and when to sketch
• Adding ingredients such as people, birds, vehicles, and handwriting
• Digital sketching
• And much more

Whether you sketch close to home or during travels to distant places, all you need to refresh your creative pursuits are open eyes, a handful of materials, and a little guidance and practice.

SKETCH SURROUNDED BY NATURE: Sketching is a wonderful way to get outside and connect with nature. This user-friendly how-to handbook will help you combine art with exploring the natural world, whether in the wilderness or your local park.

PRACTICAL CONTENT: This portable guide covers a range of techniques--turning a landscape into a strong composition, capturing wind and weather patterns, using color--as well as useful tips for establishing a plein air drawing practice.

GREAT FOR TRAVEL JOURNALING: For those who want to capture their travel memories in illustrated journals and scrapbooks, this book offers ample advice and inspiration.

Perfect for:

• Artists and creatives of all kinds
• Art students
• Travel journalers and art journalers
• Fans of urban sketching
• Hikers and explorers
• Birthday, holiday, or bon voyage gift-giving

Author: Tilo Schneider
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Published: 04/07/2026
Pages: 248
Binding Type: Paperback
Size: 9.00h x 6.50w x 0.62d
ISBN13: 9781797241012
ISBN10: 179724101X
BISAC Categories:
- Art | Subjects & Themes | Landscapes & Seascapes
- Art | Techniques | Drawing | General

About the Author
Tilo Schneider is a designer, artist, and teacher who runs classes and workshops with various institutions. He lives in Germany and is the author of several books on drawing and sketching.