Making art can sometimes be lonely when you have to hole up for hours in a studio. But a group of creatives in Pittsburgh is sketching out a different, more social art-making routine — literally — and they’re exploring different corners of Pittsburgh in the process.
Urban Sketchers Pittsburgh (USP) is a chapter of the international urban sketching movement, which encourages artists to collectively step outside of the studio and create works based on what is happening around them together in an active environment, instead of isolation.
Bryan McCormick, a professional oil and watercolor painter who is part of USP, said he sketches to connect with other creatives in a calm place.
Chris Bermudo draws with Urban Sketchers Pittsburgh.
“It’s a way to make visual journals with your friends,” McCormick said. “People always tell me how happy they are they discovered [USP]. It’s like finding a family you never knew you had, right in your own backyard.”
Even though McCormick is a professional artist, he said it’s not a requirement to be an “urban sketcher.” In fact, he said it’s encouraged that participants who don’t see themselves as artistic attend their weekly meetups to break free of the solitary, individual-focused notion of creating art, and to have fun doing it.
And while sketching is in the name of the group, participants aren’t restricted in how they create their works. Pencils, pen and paper or even watercolor painting — anything the sketcher wants to use is OK.
It’s also not competitive.
“Urban sketchers isn’t about being a skilled artist; it’s about connecting with others and being willing to try,” McCormick said.
Christopher Mitchell, who has been sketching with USP for about a year, said one of the best parts about USP is the unique opportunity it provides to explore Pittsburgh.
“Even when you do go somewhere you have been, when you focus on capturing it through drawing or painting, you’re going to see a lot of details of the area you would have likely overlooked before,” Mitchell said.
All sorts of art supplies are common during Urban Sketchers Pittsburgh gatherings.
Mitchell had his own reasons for joining the USP beyond just a chance to find new places. He also wanted to use it as a chance to get away from distractions and stressors in his life.
“In 2024, I realized I had a problem with tech that was affecting my mental health,” Mitchell said. “I made a New Years resolution that every time I caught myself doom scrolling, I would put my phone down, pick up a drawing tablet and draw the dumbest thing I could think of at that second as a means of just redirecting my attention. When 2025 came around, I made another resolution: ‘now go do that with people.’”
Kate Bower, who has been joining USP for about a year, said the aspect of community is one of the most important parts of the group.
“In the urban sketchers community, we all encourage each other while having fun,” Bower said. “It opens doors to learn about other art techniques and opportunities — we have members from all backgrounds, and we all find a voice in our group.”
Meetups are every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the next one scheduled at The Assembly on Centre Avenue.