Urban Sketchers Hamburg is a growing movement of artists who gather to sketch the vibrant cityscapes, daily life, and historic charm of Hamburg.

Rooted in the global Urban Sketchers manifesto — “We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation”. This community combines creativity with connection, offering a space where locals and visitors alike can engage with the city through art.

What Is Urban Sketching?

Urban sketching is a style of art that emphasizes drawing on location in real time. Unlike studio illustrations or digitally edited work, urban sketching values authenticity, spontaneity, and the artist’s personal view of the world.

With sketchbooks in hand, Hamburg artists capture moments at bustling markets, the picturesque harbor, serene parks, and historic streets.

Urban Sketching Hamburg Kurs: Learn and Draw

For those looking to hone their skills, the urban sketching Hamburg kurs (course) is a fantastic starting point.

Offered through local art studios and sometimes in collaboration with institutions like the Hamburg Volkshochschule, these courses teach essential techniques like perspective, ink-and-wash, and quick capture sketching.

The community encourages beginners, hobbyists, and professionals to join in — fostering a sense of inclusivity and artistic growth.

Where Urban Sketchers Hamburg Meets

The Urban Sketcher Hamburg community frequently meets in public spaces throughout the city. From sketching the Elbphilharmonie at sunset to documenting the hustle of Sternschanze, each session offers artists the chance to see Hamburg through fresh eyes.

hese gatherings are often posted in dedicated groups or social media pages, helping new members stay connected and inspired.

A Global Movement with a Local Flair

While Urban Sketchers Hamburg is part of the global movement founded by journalist Gabriel Campanario in 2007, it maintains its own local personality.

The city’s maritime character, red-brick architecture, and multicultural vibrancy provide a dynamic backdrop for sketchers.

Furthermore, Urban Sketchers Hamburg participates in international sketchcrawls and exhibitions, allowing artists to showcase their work and connect across borders.

Recent Trends: Digital Sharing & Sustainability

Thanks to social media platforms like Instagram and urban sketching blogs, artists in Hamburg are now sharing their work more than ever.

There’s a growing trend of eco-conscious sketchers using sustainable materials — such as refillable ink pens, handmade sketchbooks, and plant-based watercolors. These are making the movement not just creative, but environmentally mindful.

What Do Urban Sketchers Do?

Urban Sketchers are artists who draw the world around them from direct observation, often in public places like streets, parks, cafés, and markets. They carry sketchbooks and art supplies to capture real-life scenes on location, rather than working from memory or photos.

Their work documents everyday life — people commuting, city architecture, historic buildings, and fleeting moments — in a style that is both expressive and authentic.

Importantly, they share their sketches online with captions, giving context and a personal narrative to each drawing.

Where Did the Urban Sketchers Come From?

The Urban Sketchers movement began in 2007, founded by Gabriel Campanario, a Seattle-based journalist and illustrator originally from Spain.

He started a Flickr group and later launched the Urban Sketchers blog, where artists from around the world could post their location-based drawings.

The movement quickly grew into a global community, with local chapters now thriving in over 60 countries, including major cities like Berlin, Tokyo, and of course, Hamburg.

How Do I Join Urban Sketchers?

Joining Urban Sketchers is simple and open to all skill levels. You can start by:

• Following your local Urban Sketchers group on platforms like Instagram or Facebook — for example, search for “Urban Sketchers Hamburg” or “Urban Sketchers Berlin.”
• Participating in sketchcrawls (group sketching events), which are usually free and inclusive.
• Sharing your location-based sketches online using the hashtag #urbansketchers or #usk[YourCity].

You don’t need to be a professional artist — just a willingness to sketch on location and tell stories visually.

Which Artists Are Urban Sketchers?

Urban Sketchers include a wide range of artists — from architects and illustrators to hobbyists and students. Notable figures in the community include:

• Lapin, a French illustrator known for sketching vintage cars and old cityscapes in his tiny sketchbooks.
• Liz Steel, an Australian architect-turned-urban-sketcher who teaches online courses and writes about watercolors.
• Nina Johansson, a Swedish artist known for her expressive ink-and-wash city scenes.

In Hamburg and other parts of Germany, many local artists share their work through groups like Urban Sketchers and Urban Sketchers München, often hosting workshops, gallery events, and live demos.