Just before Christmas last year I completed the Paint Canada Challenge, painting my 52nd Canadian landscape in acrylics with artist Brian Buckrell. It was the third set of 52-week challenges (from Acrylic University) I have completed, so in November, when the Black Friday art specials come out, I conquered the urge to purchase another set of lessons telling myself, in 2026 I would go it alone.
Late in 2025 I found myself attracted to the fresh drawings and paintings of Matty Burnham and I began exploring pen and watercolour (aka line and wash) techniques. In early 2026 I discovered the art and lessons of urban sketcher Ian Fennelly. He has a quirky yet realistic style that looks like so much fun!
I gave in to temptation and downloaded his free tutorial and soon realized I had found a teacher that not only provides interesting subjects but can explain how to draw in perspective and encourages drawing the details!
So my resolve to go it alone perished in the first weeks of 2026. I am now almost finished Ian’s 4-lesson Urban Sketch for Beginners course and his Quick Sketching Course is waiting in the wings.
Here are three drawings from the Urban Sketch for Beginners Course that I’ve completed. They are challenging but loads of fun and I’m learning so much!
What new adventures are you off on these early days of 2026?
Violet Nesdoly 