Design and Expression: The Art of Line in Urban Sketching By Raro de Oliveira

As an illustrator and urban sketcher, I discovered that the essence of my art lies in capturing the poetry of everyday life. My name is Raro de Oliveira, and today I will share with you some tips about the materials I use to create my graphic chronicles. Each tool plays a unique role in the journey of drawing, and exploring them is part of the magic of artistic creation.

Papers: The Foundation of Everything
In my work, I use papers of various shades, mainly over 180 grams, both in loose sheets and in sketchbooks. In the course I teach, I often use gray and kraft papers. Remember: the weight of the paper in sketchbooks is usually lower due to the binding. If you prefer thicker papers, opt for loose sheets or pads.

Pencils: The Beginning of the Journey
The pencil is the starting point for many artists. I personally like to use a black colored pencil, exploring variations in pressure and angle. This gives personality to the line. In addition to black, I also use white pencils and other shades like blue and sepia.

6B Pencil and Derwent Colorsoft Colored Pencils
The 6B pencil, with its soft graphite, is ideal for sketches. The black Derwent Colorsoft colored pencil, with its oily texture, offers an interesting contrast and is less reflective than graphite. It is harder to erase, so I recommend light strokes if you are unsure at the beginning.

Pens: Precision and Variation
Fine and chisel-tipped pens are excellent for adding details. The white Posca, for example, is great for tracing and creating light areas. I use disposable India ink pens, preferably waterproof, so I can apply watercolor over them without smudging.

Nibs: Texture and Personality
Bamboo and metal nibs add a unique texture to the drawing. With them, the line becomes more dynamic and varies more, giving a more organic aspect. I use Platinum Carbon Ink, which has excellent coverage and is suitable for both nibs and fountain pens. There are many inks from different brands that I also use, just be mindful of the drying time of each to avoid smudging if you want to apply watercolor.

Brushes and Watercolor: Bringing Life to Colors
Brushes are essential for bringing color and life to drawings. I use a watercolor set with 15 colors, and sometimes individual colors. The watercolor in urban sketching is not just secondary to the drawing, it can complement the lines and also take on the task of coloring. Medium and fine brushes are fundamental for different techniques and details.

Exploring the Line
To delve deeper into exploring the line and its nuances, I encourage you to let go, experiment with different tools by drawing a simple object. The key is to vary the pressure, speed, and angle, discovering the unique expressiveness of each line.

I hope these tips inspire you to experiment and explore your own techniques. And for those interested in going deeper, I invite everyone to check out my course on Domestika, where I will share in detail my techniques and approaches in the wonderful world of urban sketching.