In September 2026 I’ll be coming to Oslo for something I’m genuinely excited about: a two-day urban sketching workshop in cooperation with Urban Sketchers Oslo.
We’ll spend Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September sketching together, and we’ll start the weekend with a relaxed meet & greet on Friday evening prior to the workshop.
The workshop Confident Urban Sketching with Watercolor and Ink says it all. Over the years I’ve noticed that confidence is often the missing ingredient in urban sketching — far more than talent, materials, or technique.
Why this workshop?
Many sketchers tell me the same things, again and again.
They hesitate before putting the first line on paper. They overthink color choices. They worry about getting things “right”. And often, that doubt slows everything down.
This workshop is built around letting go of that hesitation.
I’ll show you practical, straightforward techniques that help you work faster and more intuitively. Not tricks, not shortcuts — but ways of looking, choosing, and simplifying that make sketching feel lighter and more enjoyable.
We’ll focus on:
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Starting a sketch with confidence
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Making clear choices in composition
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Using contrast and focus to guide the viewer’s eye
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Combining ink and watercolor in a loose, transparent way
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Trusting what you see and what you do on paper
The goal isn’t to copy my style. The goal is to help you strengthen your own.
How we’ll work together
The workshop takes place at Sentralen, right in the heart of Oslo — an inspiring location with plenty of urban subjects nearby.
I will take the time and space to really look at your sketches and give personal feedback. You’ll sketch a lot, experiment, make mistakes, and discover what works for you.
I strongly believe that learning happens by doing. I’ll demonstrate, explain, and guide — but most of the time you’ll be sketching yourself, with me walking around, answering questions and giving individual tips.
- Me sketching on Hovedøya in the Oslofjord in 2019 -
The rhythm of the weekend
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Friday 11 September 2026 – Meet & Greet (from 18:00)
An informal moment to meet each other, have a drink, and ease into the weekend. No drawing required. -
Saturday 12 September – Workshop day (10:00–17:00)
A full day of sketching, instruction, and exploration. -
Sunday 13 September – Workshop day (10:00–17:00)
We build further on what we started, with more depth, focus, and confidence.
Lunch is not included, but we’ll take a proper break each day. On Saturday evening there’s an optional group dinner (pay your own expenses).
What you’ll take home
Besides a stack of sketches and new insights, your ticket also includes a mini palette with my own handmade watercolor paints. These are the same vegan, handmade paints I use myself, and you’ll be able to keep the palette as a reminder of the weekend.
More importantly, you’ll leave with:
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A clearer way of starting and building a sketch
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More confidence in your lines and color choices
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A mini palette with my handmade watercolor paints
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Fresh inspiration and renewed energy to keep sketching
A bit about me
I’m a Dutch urban sketcher, also known as Ruudsketcher. I’ve been teaching urban sketching many years, with a strong focus on loose, fast, and expressive sketching.
In 2013 I founded Urban Sketchers Netherlands. In 2019 I co-organized the 10th International Urban Sketchers Symposium in Amsterdam, with over 1,200 sketchers from 47 countries. Since 2020 I’ve been running The Sketch Co., where my work as a sketching tutor comes together with making my own handmade watercolor paints.
What drives me most is helping people feel more at ease with their sketchbook — because once confidence grows, everything else follows.
Is this workshop for you?
This workshop is for you if you:
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Already sketch on location and want to grow more confident
- Are a beginner or more experienced sketcher
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Want to loosen up and sketch with more freedom
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Are curious about developing your own sketching language
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Enjoy learning in a small, supportive group
You don’t need to be an expert. You do need curiosity and the willingness to try.
Practical info & registration
Registration is open now and closes on Tuesday, 1 September at 12:00 (CET).
👉 Details and registration are here
I’m really looking forward to this weekend in Oslo — sketching together, sharing ideas, and building confidence, one line and one wash at a time.