Urban Sketchers Symposium in Buenos Aires 2024
Participating in the Urban Sketchers Symposium for the first time was an exhilarating experience—made even more special by the opportunity to hold a demo at the iconic Plaza de Mayo. Buenos Aires captivated me with its breathtaking beauty, grand scale, and vibrant atmosphere. The event brought together a remarkable community of sketchers, all sharing the same passion, and offered the priceless chance to meet many artists I’ve admired for years. As the saying goes, “It’s better to see once than to hear or read a hundred times.” Let the sketches tell the story!
From the moment I arrived, I could feel the unmistakable buzz of creative energy. In the early mornings, groups of artists spread across the city’s neighborhoods—San Telmo’s historic streets, the grand avenues of Recoleta, the chaotic beauty of La Boca.
Everywhere, sketchers perched on sidewalks, leaning against lampposts, balancing sketchbooks on their knees, capturing the essence of the city in ink and watercolor.
Correspondents on the Rooftop
A perfect mix of sketching, storytelling, and rooftop breeze. Jeroen Janssen, deep in his correspondent duties, became an unintentional model as symposium participants sketched, sipped, and soaked in the Buenos Aires skyline. Conversations flowed as freely as the watercolor, lines wandered like the evening light—somewhere between focus and fun. Maybe it was the altitude, maybe the drinks, but this was urban sketching at its best.
The symposium wasn’t just about technique. It was about connection—with the city, with fellow artists, and with the stories unfolding before our eyes. Evenings were filled with sketchbook exchanges, impromptu café gatherings, and conversations about art, travel, and the way we see the world.
Looking back, the Urban Sketchers Symposium 2024 was more than just a gathering of artists—it was a reminder of why we sketch. Not just to document, but to understand, to connect, and to celebrate the imperfect beauty of the world around us.