Sketch Palm Springs

Sketch Palm Springs is a sketching group that meets to draw on location in and around Palm Springs using portable tools. Sketches can be simple or elaborate but most often they will be quick and spontaneous to capture the world as it is at a given moment. There is no pressure to create a finished work of art. It is an opportunity for each sketcher to create their own visual journal of everyday life. Sketchers use favorite portable materials: pencil, markers, colored pencils, watercolors, ink, tablet, or whatever they prefer.

Anyone who wants to explore Palm Springs by sketching on location is invited.  All levels are welcome, from those who will be sketching for the first time, to those who have an active sketching practice.  Participants must be 18 years of age unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

We will primarily have outings in Palm Springs, although we may go further afield occasionally.  When weather permits, we will meet outdoors where we can sketch people, buildings, streetscapes, special events, parks, or whatever captures our interest.  We may also meet at indoor venues like museums, coffee shops, bars, or other public spaces.  The options in Palm Springs are endless.  Locations will be determined by group interests.

There will be several meetups each month at varying times and days.  The format of the meetups will be as follows:

• We will all meet in a designated spot at the specified beginning time
• The first 10 or 15 minutes will be introductions and planning for the meetup
• Then we will fan out around the meeting spot, either alone or with others, to sketch for a specified period of time
• Finally in the last 15 or 20 minutes we will meet up again as a group where we will have a “throw down” (this is where sketchers put their sketches down on the ground or a table so everyone can see them.)  Participation in the throw down is not required but it is encouraged.  It is not as intimidating as it sounds and it is a great way to learn and be inspired by others’ sketches.  Here’s an example of a throw down. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs88hNpu-Jk/

As the group grows we will have meetups that appeal to the interests of the group.  We could have meetups at special events like Modernism Week or Pride, for example.  We could have members give tutorials and demos of their drawing process. Other sketching groups have Drink and Draw events where they meet at a bar or coffee shop to draw.  There are many options.

Other:

• Participation in events in public places with no admission charge is free.  Attendance at special events, venues with admission charges, or eating and drinking establishments will require each participant to pay their own way.
• The group will be organized on Meetup.com for the first six months.  We will see how that works for members.  There will also be an instagram account so members can post their sketches if they would like.
• When sketching outside, bring a hat, water, sunblock, snacks, and other things you need to be safe and comfortable.

Non Negotiable Rules:

• Always be kind to and accepting of other sketchers.
• Do not be judgemental about sketches, your own or others'.
• If you are an experienced sketcher, be generous with your experience and knowledge but don’t give unsolicited advice.
• If you are a beginner, don’t get down on yourself and don’t compare your drawings to others.  The more you sketch, the more confident you will become.
• If you RSVP for an event, please show up or withdraw your RSVP if you can’t make it.
• Be respectful of locations and others who are using them.  Do not leave litter.  Don’t set yourself up in such a way that you are impeding others.  Don’t be loud or distracting.
• Above all, have fun, appreciate our beautiful city, and enjoy capturing the world in drawings.