USk Workshop – Ferrari on Paper

About the workshop:

Ferrari on Paper introduces a fast, spontaneous approach to urban sketching, focusing on drawing directly from observation with confidence and clarity. The session explores how speed, intention, and simplicity can transform everyday moments into lively sketches.

Participants will complete four rapid observational sketches and two small watercolour studies within the 3.5‑hour session. Although the pace is energetic, this format has been successfully delivered by Brinda at the Swiss USK Symposiums in 2021, 2022, and 2024, consistently receiving highly positive feedback. The structure is designed to support sketchers who wish to develop quicker decision‑making, stronger visual prioritisation, and efficient watercolour techniques.

This workshop is shaped by the realities of sketching with limited time — capturing scenes between commitments, during short pauses in daily life, or in those unexpected pockets of waiting. It offers strategies for making the most of 10–15 minutes on a commute, a brief moment in a waiting room, or the gap before collecting a child from an activity.
Participants will learn how to work with speed, intention, and clarity, becoming more agile and confident when sketching on the go — a true “Ferrari on paper.”

Learning Goals

• How to find focal points and draw with 4 speed sketches in 4 directions
• How to work with a charcoal pencil to accentuate a view point.
• Paint fast with two complimentary colours in big shapes.
• Loosen up, and see the beauty in your ‘half-finished’ sketches.

Timetable
3.5 hours of instruction on either date:
28th November or 5th December 2026; 14.00-17.30hrs at Zurich Bahnhof

Workshop Part 1: A5 papers with pencil

1. How to find focal points and draw with 4 speed sketches in 4 directions.
2. How to work with a charcoal pencil or 6B to accentuate a view point.
3. Paint fast with two complimentary colours in big shapes.
4. Loosen up, and see the beauty in your ‘half-finished’ sketches.

Workshop Part 2: A4 paper or your USK diary with watercolours or brushpens

With loose watercolours, and strategic use of ‘paper-whites’, you will colour big shapes with warm and cold colours.

With a busy place like Zurich Bahnhof, with movement, colours, people, stalls, and the Christmas market, you will find enough subjects, learn to skim through them, filter out one subject with which you connect the most.

Workshop Fee
Per participant: 90 CHF;
Participants can book through Eventbrite:

November: 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/urbansketching-with-brinda-in-zurich-bahnhof-tickets-2003071813716?aff=28NovUSKZH

December:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-urbansketching-with-brinda-in-zurich-bahnhof-tickets-2003073422528?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cancellation:
Cancellation is free up to 5 days in advance.

Language
The workshop will be held in English/German.

Suggested Materials:

• Pencils (4B, 6B)
• Watercolours and brushes
• Watercolour paper or sketching diary.
• A comfortable sitting stool, and weather appropriate clothing.