Urban Sketching Class with Kate Kern Mundie

Urban Sketching: Capturing the Streets of Philadelphia

A new, limited-run workshop running Saturday mornings from 9:30am-12:30pm starting September 27th and ending November 1st, 2025!

Pricing:

  • Members: single classes a la carte for each of the six weeks – $50;
  • Members: All six weeks discounted rate – $250; 
  • Non-Members: single classes a la carte for each of the six weeks – $60;
  • Non-Members: All six weeks discounted rate – $300.

Instructor Bio

Kate Kern Mundie is a fine artist working in painting and drawing media, known for paintings that reflect environmental change. Kate regularly exhibits her landscape paintings, teaches painting and drawing, and is a demonstrator for Winsor & Newton. She brings years of experience in plein air and observational work. Her teaching emphasizes clarity, strong foundations, and a practical, inclusive approach to materials and technique and a clear, approachable teaching style grounded in real-world practice. Look out for Kate’s work in the 161st Small Oils Exhibition opening Sep. 7th!

Class Description:

Explore Philadelphia s rich urban landscape through on-location sketching. This six- week class blends traditional drawing techniques with modern urban sketching practices. Each session includes a focused lesson on drawing the built environment, figures, light, and color. Students will work outdoors when weather permits and use the Philadelphia Sketch Club as a home base. The final class includes a group discussion and sketchbook review. Open to all skill levels. Students bring their own materials; thethe instructor will provide samples to try.

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Schedule & Syllabus:

Week 1 – Orientation at the Sketch Club

  • Urban sketching etiquette & safety
  • Quick figure sketching
  • Perspective basics
  • Materials demo and try-out

Week 2 – Line & Perspective on Camac Street

  • One-point and two-point perspective
  • Line-based sketches of architectural details
  • Emphasis on structural accuracy

Week 3 – Shadow Masses

  • Capturing light and shadow shapes
  • High-contrast value studies
  • Simplifying complex forms through tonal blocks

Week 4 – Watercolor & Gouache as Drawing Tools

  • Working with limited palettes
  • Using color expressively, not just descriptively
  • Demonstration and short studies with paint

Week 5 – Quick Study Day

  • 15–20 minute sketches at multiple spots
  • Focus on speed, clarity, and composition
  • Students use preferred drawing tools

Week 6 – Final Urban Sketch & Reflection

  • Complete urban sketch using line, shadow, and color
  • Group critique and discussion at the Sketch Club
  • Tips for continuing the sketchbook habit

Materials List

For Week 1 (Orientation):
Bring only the basics:

  • Sketchbook Suitable for Wet and Dry Media (mixed media or watercolor paper recommended) 8 x 8, 9 x 12, 8.5 x 11 or larger
  • Pencils, plastic eraser, pencil sharpener
  • Waterproof black pen (e.g., Micron, Fineliner, or similar)

Students will see and try a range of other drawing materials during the first class. After that, they can decide what to bring for future sessions based on their interests and budget.

For Future Weeks (Suggestions):

  • Additional pens, markers, brush pens, colored pencils
  • Portable watercolor or gouache set (limited palette)
  • Water brush or travel brushes
  • Clip board or portable drawing board
  • Small stool or portable seat (optional)
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle

The instructor will continue to bring extra materials to share and demonstrate.