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How to draw �a field sketch

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NSW National Parks Education

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What is a field sketch?

  • A field sketch is a simple drawing �used to record what can be seen �at a fieldwork site.
  • The sketch should not include �everything that can be seen, just �the main features and landscapes.

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NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

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Why is field sketching important?

Field sketching is an important skill �to help geographers:

  • record field observations
  • summarise key geographic features
  • analyse photos and notes taken�in the field
  • provide useful memory aids.

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NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

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Bushland site �field sketch

NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

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Backyard �field sketch

NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

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River estuary�field sketch

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Let’s get started

Equipment needed:

  • HB or other soft lead pencil
  • eraser
  • plain paper
  • ruler
  • camera (optional) for comparison.

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Step 1: Set boundaries

Choose which area you are going to �sketch and where the boundaries will �be that mark the edge of your sketch.

To decide this, find all the important features you want to remember later �and make sure they will be included.

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NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

Tip: Natural features like the edge of a forest can help mark the side boundaries �in your sketch.

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Step 2: Partition

Before you start drawing, look at the area you have chosen. Imagine it is divided into 3 different layers; foreground (front), middle ground and background (back).

You can also split each of these areas �into smaller parts, like a grid.

What important features can you see in each of these smaller boxes on the grid?

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NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

Tip: Partitioning is technique that helps geographers make sure they record the important features.

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Step 3: Start drawing

Think about your page as the same �9-box grid as in Step 2.

Using a simple line, start your sketch by drawing the horizon (where the land meets the sky) or other main feature, if there is �no horizon.

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NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

Tip: Which feature in your area stands �out the most?

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Step 4: Draw features

Now add other important features or lines of large natural and man-made things you can see that take up a large amount �of space.

These include roads, rivers, hills �and beaches.

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NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

Tip: Features are the things that stand �out the most.

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Step 5: Add detail

Add other details that may be important. �These are things that are clearly visible but �don’t cover the entire area.

Details might include buildings, trees, rock formations and fences.

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NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

Tip: The best field sketches only include important details, not everything that �can be seen.

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Step 6: Add labels

It is important to label all features drawn �in your field sketch.

Labels tell you and other people viewing your field sketch what is in the drawing.

Keep your labels simple and short.

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NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

Tip: Labels are usually nouns. They do not include descriptions or sentences.

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Step 7: Finalise

  • Write in a title for your sketch �at the top of the page.
  • Add your name at the bottom.
  • Add the date next to your name.

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NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

Tip: The field sketch title is usually the name of the fieldwork site.

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Additional elements

Consider adding the following �additional elements:

  • a north point to show the aspect/direction of your fieldwork site
  • map coordinates to show its location
  • a frame/border, using a black pen �and ruler.

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NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

Tip: Additional elements provide extra information about where the �fieldwork site is.

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Final tips and tricks

  • Follow every step in order.
  • Only draw the main features, not everything you can see.
  • You don’t need to be an artist to be good at field sketching, �just use simple, clear lines.
  • Less is better – field sketches should not be cluttered �or crowded.
  • Take your time.
  • Get a sketch book and practice this new skill anywhere �– on the bus, in the park or at home.

NSW National Parks Education | How to draw a field sketch

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