Ribble Urban Sketchers visit Preston virtually to create lockdown works of art

Cheapside, Preston, UK — Cheapside, Preston by David Higtgen, Seattle Washington State

Ribble Urban Sketchers is a group from across Lancashire and beyond who meet once a month to sketch outdoors.

They follow the directions from the Urban Sketching manifesto, where all sketches must be from direct observation, using any medium.

The sketchers usually meet in the area of Ribble, from Colne to the Estuary, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic they have been unable to meet face-to-face.

Preston Docks — The city skyline behind the Docks by Pauline Warrener, Blackburn

The burger van at PNE by Loz Lomax, Preston

Sketch of Market Street — Market Street by Evelyn Becker, Vancouver, Washington

Sketch of Bistrot Pierre — Bistrot Pierre by Pat Southern-Pearce, Blackburn

This has not deterred the avid sketchers though, as they have been ‘meeting up’ virtually and have carried on making art from the comfort of their homes.

Find support groups in your area below

Each week, a theme is selected, and Google Earth and other reference points are consulted to accurately sketch places of interest. Last week the theme was Preston, with locations such as the Docks and the city centre being recreated.

Sketch of Old Dock House — Old Dock House by Ian McKay, Blackpool

Sketch of St Joseph's Orphanage — St Joseph’s Orphanage by Rodney Walmsley, Preston

A sketch of the Harris — The Harris by Ed Isaacs, Birmingham

Sketchers from all over the world are able to join in now, and the Ribble Urban Sketchers Facebook Page is regularly updated with current works. You can also join in at VirtualRibble.

Have you been making art during lockdown? Let us know in the comments below.