How to create an architectural illustration

The Artist

Caroline Smith

I have been sketching and painting all my life. A career in Interior Architecture has allowed my skills to develop and interest to grow. This combined with a love for cityscapes, plus a desire to travel are the main ingredients that have formed the brand ‘Urban Sketchliner’. This sketch is a favourite view of Porto. It has been wonderful to capture this scene in a free and loose style, with beautiful materials and colours

Step 1

I firstly sketch out the composition so that everything is in the correct proportion and I have my horizon line in place.

Step 2

Using a black W&N fineliner I start sketching the key buildings and rooftops to construct the piece of artwork.

Step 3

Continuing with the fineliner I work on shade and tone to give the piece depth so it becomes 3 dimentional.

Step 4

Then the fun begins... I really love being able to mix the Promarker watercolour with watercolour paint. The colours are really vibrant and I usually start with the sky using Turquoise.