Learn From Cincinnatian and Children’s Book Illustrator Christina Wald the Skill of Urban Sketching
Whether you’re an amateur artist or an expert, this workshop could be a fun activity for a Saturday afternoon. The Plaza Artist Materials and Picture Framing presents a sketching workshop and book signing with artist and author Christina Wald on February 24 at 2 p.m.
Christina Wald, an illustrator for over three decades, shares her knowledge and expertise in urban sketching in the Cincinnati community.
While growing up in Cincinnati, it wasn’t until high school that Wald found that she was very passionate about drawing. From reading comics to drawing all the time, she eventually wanted to pursue art as a career.
After graduating in industrial design from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design and Architecture in ’91, the sky was the limit. Since then, she has illustrated over 60 children’s books, started a comics publishing company called Blue Wald Press and started the Urban Sketchers Cincinnati chapter.
According to Wald, there are Urban Sketchers chapters across the Globe. “The thing that’s cool about Urban Sketchers is you can go anywhere in the world, and if the chapter in your city is having an outing, you can sketch with them, and it’s a great way to meet people in other cities,” she said.
Wald attended the International Urban Sketchers Symposium in Auckland, New Zealand, last year and will be attending their symposium again this year in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
With a diverse range of sketching experience, Wald has various tips and pointers for her sketching workshop at the Plaza Artist Materials and Picture Framing in the Kenwood Galleria, 8118 Montgomery Road.
This hour-and-a-half workshop and book signing will include sketching exercises and a quick urban sketching demonstration.
“The big thing with urban sketching is, a lot of times, you don’t have a lot of time to do a sketch,” she said.
Wald explained how sketchers might have small kits that contain sketchbooks and a ballpoint pen to do a quick 5–10-minute sketch.
Although a short amount of time to sketch can seem challenging, Wald has seen people produce amazing sketches within the 5–10-minute time frame.
“I think it’s because they’re not obsessing over it,” said Wald.
Sometimes artists will have an overwhelming feeling when there’s huge architecture sitting in front of them, she explained.
In the workshop, Wald will use the sketching exercises to help participants figure out where to start and what to draw.
Wald will also discuss and sign copies of her recently published book called, “Sketching Here and Everywhere: My Sketching Obsession.” Books can be purchased online or at the workshop for $30.00.
If this event sounds like something you are interested in, register here. Tickets are $35.00. Supplies are not included in the ticket purchase. Participants should bring watercolors, black sketching pens, a water brush and a watercolor journal.
