Pencil Sketching Techniques with Mauricio Muñoz at the Princes’ Gates

This workshop focuses on the art of sketching with a graphite pencil. A graphite pencil is the basic tool, very affordable, and besides its simplicity, it is flexible. This workshop is designed for all ages and skill levels. This session will explore techniques for capturing the energy and character of urban environments. We will see how to handle the pencil, doing loosening-up exercises, choosing pencils, creating values and tones, creating forms and works in fundamental strokes. Also, we will see a little of the foundation of perspective. Focuses on capturing tonal values, simple shapes, starting with small thumbnail sketches to explore different angles and compositions. Learn how to observe architecture, perspective, and street details while developing your skills in shading, line work, and composition. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your sketching abilities, this workshop offers a relaxed, hands-on space to draw the city around you. Bring not only the materials but also your curiosity!

🗓️ July 27, 2025
🕚 2PM – 5PM
📍 Exhibition Place Grounds

Check in: General Services Building, 2 Manitoba Dr, 1:45PM

Key Takeaways:

• Basic Graphite Techniques – How to use different pencil grades, line quality, shading, and blending.
• Urban Sketching Fundamentals – Tips for quickly capturing buildings, streetscapes, and everyday city scenes.
• Perspective and Proportion – Understanding vanishing points, angles, and scale to create believable space.
• Texture and Detail – How to suggest materials like brick, glass, trees, and pavement with pencil strokes.
• Composing a Sketch – Framing a scene, simplifying complex views, and guiding the viewer’s eye.
• On-the-Spot Drawing Confidence – Developing speed, observation skills, and artistic intuition for live sketching

 

Materials to Bring:

1. Graphite Pencils – A range of hardness (for example, 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
2. Sketchbook – Preferably A4 or A5 size with medium to smooth paper (or your preference)
3. Eraser – A kneaded eraser and/or a regular white eraser
4. Sharpener – Manual or portable
5. Ruler – For basic perspective lines (optional)
6. Clipboard or Drawing Board – If the sketchbook is softcover or if drawing outdoors
7. Portable Stool or Mat – Optional, for outdoor sketching comfort
8. Water and Sun Protection – Hat, sunscreen, or water bottle, for sketching outside

 

About the Instructor

Mauricio is an architect with more than 20 years of experience in the field, born in Colombia and living in Toronto, an illustrator and passionate urban sketcher with a deep appreciation for the built environment.

He has developed a great ability to visualize and create conceptual designs. With a background in architectural design and a love for capturing everyday city life, he combines technical knowledge with artistic expression through different mediums such as graphite pencils, ink, colour pencils, markers and acrylics. His work focuses on observing and interpreting urban spaces, translating structure and atmosphere into dynamic, on-location sketches. As a workshop facilitator, he enjoys helping others build confidence in drawing and seeing the world with a creative eye.

Socials:

INSTAGRAM: mauricio.munoz.ta

Register Here