Life in lines and paint

While strolling along Jalan Sultan in Kuala Lumpur one fine morning in 2014, Andrew Siew chanced upon a man who was sketching in the company of three like-minded tourists. Impressed with the skill of the artist, he asked, “Sifu (master), do you teach people to sketch?”

This simple question directed to the artist, K C Lee, provided the catalyst for his establishment of the KL chapter of Urban Sketchers (KLUSk) some 12 months later. Launched in 2008 by Seattle-based journalist and illustrator, Gabriel Campanario, Urban Sketchers is a non-profit organisation which describes itself as a global community of artists who practise “on-location” drawing in the cities they live in and visit. Siew, meanwhile, was one of the first members to sign up with KLUSk.

“I wanted to provide a platform for people of all ages and credentials to come together to participate in a shared hobby. We draw on location and not by memory or by copying a photograph, so members must be physically present to capture the image from direct observation. In this way, we hope to encourage people, especially the younger generation, to take the time to observe and record the beauty in their surroundings and share it with others through on-location sketches,” explains Lee.

With a degree in fine arts and decades of experience in the field of applied arts, Lee is a dab hand at capturing stunning renditions of “life in the moment”. Interestingly, however, it is only an inclination towards sketching rather than artistic aptitude or experience, which qualifies you for participation in this lively and inclusive group.

“You don’t need a background in art. We share our experiences, support and learn from each other,” confides Andrew Choa, who has been part of the group for almost two years now. “K C is very generous with sharing his tips and knowledge, so you can always improve. Sketching is a way for me to express myself and document my memories instead of just snapping photos, especially during my travels. I experience a place more fully by capturing its essence through sketches,” he adds.

For all the pleasure they derive from engaging in this convivial activity, Urban Sketchers not only plays an important role in immortalising the beauty of our surroundings in these charming vignettes of city life but also in creating a pictorial record of the evolving urban landscape. So, the next time you sneak a peek over the shoulder of one of these artists at work, take the opportunity to admire not only their skill but also their role in recording the essence of urban life through the time-honoured tradition of live sketching.

Urban Sketchers:

• There are five chapters in Malaysia – Penang, Kuching, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Batu Pahat.
• Each chapter aims to raise the artistic, storytelling and educational value of on-location drawing, by educating members and promoting its practices.
• The KL chapter was founded by K C Lee in November 2015.
• Live sketch sessions take place every Sunday between 9am and 12pm.
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KLUrbanSketchers
• Instagram: @KualaLumpurUrbanSketchers

This story first appeared in EdgeProp.my live! magazine. Download a FREE copy of live! magazine here.