Rise of the #UrbanSketchers at #SalfordArtGallery

One interesting aspect of the art scene over the last few years has been the rise of the Urban sketcher movement.

One Drawing at a Time: Manchester and Salford.
A Temporary exhibition at Salford Art Gallery
Saturday 9 December 2017 to Sunday 10 June 2018

Their  Manifesto:
1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation. 
2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live and where we travel.
3. Our drawings are a record of time and place. 
4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness. 
5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles. 
6. We support each other and draw together. 
7. We share our drawings online. 
8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.

  The 7th Urban Sketchers Symposium was hosted in Manchester, England in 2016 and I was fascinated to see so many artists sat around the city doing their drawings. I had become aware of this movement through Facebook and one of the art club members, but had not realised how big it was.

Considering it was only started by it's founder Gabriel (Gabi) Campanario, who  is a Spanish journalist and illustrator living in Seattle, ten years ago; it is now a global phenomenon.

Although I am a member, I have not braved the elements to join the group yet on its  visits to local sites. I do go out on occasions with the art club and find that it is not the buildings that interest me but the people sketching them or the people passing by. This movement has also inspired me to keep a diary sketchbook of my travels, fortunately often in warmer climates, and I have posted some of these in previous blogs and have started a page for these on my website. http://www.philipwestcott.co.uk/sketches.html

Other members of the Salford Art club have joined the group and post their sketches on line.
​ I believe this is a superb movement and a great way for artists to come together with a shared goal and an excellent example of a modern movement where a shared goal is more important than ability. 

Having said that, the shear ability of some of these artists is now on show at Salford Art Gallery, where the local group are showing their sketches. I was impressed with how they manage to capture similar scenes in such a wide variety of styles. 

An exhibition that is well worth a visit.