Portugal
Alán Ramiro
Alán Ramiro is an urban sketching artist and educator with a background in architecture. His decade in the U.S. architecture industry and years of world travel have shaped his ability to simplify complex structures into expressive, dynamic sketches. Through his workshops and retreats, he teaches composition, perspective, and his favorite approach of sketching shadows first, a technique that brings energy and depth to architectural details.
Now based in Lisbon, Alán leads urban sketching retreats across Europe, Morocco, and Latin America. For him, sketching is a vehicle for travel, connection, and self-actualization. His teaching goes beyond technique, helping students reflect on their artistic journey, overcome creative blocks, and develop a personal connection to their sketches.
Shadows First: Sketch Faster, See Clearer
Workshop language: English
In this immersive workshop, Alán Ramiro will introduce a game-changing approach to urban sketching by using shadows as the foundation for form through a three-step framework: See, Shape, and Sharpen. Instead of getting lost in overwhelming details, participants will learn to block in shapes quickly by focusing on the shadows cast by architectural elements.
Starting with ink washes or watercolor, forms emerge naturally, simplifying complex scenes and making them easier to sketch with confidence. Once the foundation is set, selective ink lines refine and sharpen the composition. This method not only speeds up the sketching process but also enhances clarity, allowing sketchers to capture urban spaces with confidence and ease.
Suggested material:
- Small pocket sketchbook or scrap paper for quick practice drawings.
- Watercolor sketchbook or block (minimum A4 size)
- One dark blue color pencil (preferably ultramarine blue)
- Watercolors: add colors: ultramarine blue, yellow ochre, indian red, burnt sienna, lemon yellow, urban grey
- Brushes: (1) mop brush, (2) round brushes, (2) flat brushes
- Permanent ink pens: At least three different line sizes (fine, medium, bold) or a fude nib fountain pen (Platinum Carbon Black recommended), plus a black brush pen
- Water/ cup and towel
- Foldable stool or small camping chair
