Sketchbook Painting

Watch my on-location process across three paintings of nature and street scenes, using a lightweight setup you can take anywhere.

You'll see how I frame a scene, simplify light and shadow, and mix color quickly enough to keep up with the moment.

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Sketchbook Painting artwork by Marco Bucci

Why does your sketchbook look boring?

  • Your sketchbook is full of studies that all look the same.
  • You freeze in public, so your sketches stay safe and small.
  • Scenes that stop you in your tracks turn flat on the page.
  • Half your kit never leaves the bag.
  • Your colors work at your desk but fall apart on location.
  • You keep waiting for the perfect scene instead of painting the one in front of you.

HOW I PAINT IN A SKETCHBOOK

A sketchbook is the fastest way to train your eye. In this workshop I paint three pieces on location, across nature and street scenes, and walk through composition, light and shadow, color mixing, and the lightweight tools I travel with. You'll see how painting from life sharpens every other part of your work.

Sketchbook Painting ›
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Brush Pack ›
My Photoshop brushes, included with the course
Sketchbook Painting
About This Course
9 lessons
1 hour of video content
Photoshop Brush Pack included
Completion certificate
Lifetime access
Start Learning

By the End of This Course,
You'll Be Able To:

01
Compose on the Go

Frame scenes effectively and build compelling paintings anywhere you are.

02
Simplify Light and Shadow

See how natural light shapes a scene and gives your work depth.

03
Paint with Confidence

Capture light, color, and composition quickly, in any setting.

What Students Are Saying

"

This is a great resource for anyone wondering why their sketchbook is looking boring, Marco covers everything from materials and techniques, to the composition and theory behind an interesting piece. I'd 100% recommend this.

James
Sketchbook Painting
"

I have studied with and been influenced by artists my whole life and have come across a sort of buried treasure with Marco. One of my favorites, amazing skill and heart.

Joe
Sketchbook Painting
"

What a tremendous video and I definitely recommend this video to any who want to understand how to go about Sketching outdoors.

Jeffery Sparks
Sketchbook Painting

Marco Bucci

I'm a professional concept artist and illustrator with over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I've worked with major studios including Disney, Dreamworks, and various game development companies.

My passion lies in teaching artists the fundamental principles that make great art. Through my courses and community, I've helped over 25,000 students worldwide develop their skills and pursue their artistic dreams.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your technique, my structured approach to teaching art fundamentals will help you see dramatic improvements in your work.

Marco Bucci

Frequently Asked

Is this suitable for complete beginners? +
If you're interested in warming up to my instruction, I think the best place to begin is at my YouTube Channel. I have many short lessons there covering a whole slew of important art fundamentals.

Then I recommend purchasing the videos in the Digital Painting series, as those videos feature in-depth demonstrations, in real time, of which fundamentals I am applying, and how I am applying them.
What software do I need? +
I recommend having a tablet (a product like Wacom or Huion, for example) as well as a digital painting application.

For traditional media, any brand of watercolors and gouache will work, though do not recommend student-grade paints. I use brands like Winsor&Newton, Holbein, and Daniel Smith. I also recommend using at least 140lb paper, as anything thinner will not be able to survive multiple washes.
How long do I have access? +
You get lifetime access to all courses and materials, including any future updates.
Can I add a course certificate to my LinkedIn or resume? +
Yes. You'll receive a Completion Certificate at the end of each course.
Do you offer one-on-one mentorships or critiques? +
I do. You can learn more and book directly on the Mentorship page.
Do you sell your brushes? +
I do. The Brush Pack is included with this course, and you can also find my brushes in the Brush Pack collection.

Ready to Fill Your Sketchbook?

Grab a sketchbook, sit beside me for three paintings, and learn to capture the scene in front of you.

Start Learning View Curriculum
✓ Lifetime access · ✓ Completion certificate · ✓ Join 25,000+ students

Testimonials

“One of the greats! I have studied with and been influenced by artists my whole life and have come across a sort of buried treasure with Marco. One of my favorites, amazing skill and heart, he teaches, and ( huge bonus) he is still alive!! Hopefully I will get to meet and study with him someday! Seriously I eat up anything of his teachings or content that I can!”

Joe

“Top Notch Instructor Marco is a great instructor; clear, practical and funny. He’s extremely talented, and has a great sense of how to best convey what he knows in approachable, digestible, segments.”

Anonymous

“Always an inspiration!”

Y

“I watched those videos and I paint with watercolor on the street. Thank you for this lesson :)”

Deyan

“What a tremendous video and I definitely recommend this video to any who want to understand how to go about Sketching outdoors.”

Jeffery Sparks

“I really enjoyed this Tutorial and I can’t wait for the next one to come out. The quality and in-depth information is phenomenal. Thanks for an amazing lesson.”

Andre Jacobs

“The videos helped me to understand how to see the overall about colors and shapes before starting painting.”

Anonymous

“Great videos. I enjoyed watching and learning about this style of sketching.”

Anonymous

“This is a great resource for anyone wondering why their sketchbook is looking boring, Marco covers everything from materials and techniques, to the composition and theory behind an interesting piece. I'd 100% recommend this.”

James

“It's so easy to understand what Marco says, this course is excellent!”

Anonymous