Definitive Edition
In this latest edition of Layers of Looking, Ian Fennelly shares his techniques and insights, inviting you to grab your art materials, head outdoors, and immerse yourself in the world around you.
Layers of Looking is more than just a how-to book; it’s a call to action for artists of all levels to loosen up, experiment with color, and play with tone. Through Fennelly’s captivating sketches and personal anecdotes, you’ll learn to see the world in layers, capturing the essence of each scene with depth and emotion.
His approach will help you break free from perfectionism and embrace the joy of spontaneous creativity.
Official Edition
Packed with practical tips and inspiring examples, Layers of Looking will guide you in telling the stories of your own sketching adventures. Whether you’re sketching a bustling market, a quiet park, or a charming café, Fennelly’s encouragement and expertise will help you create artworks that are rich in character and narrative.
Get ready to be inspired, to see your surroundings with fresh eyes, and to share your own unique stories through the art of sketching.
Layers of Looking was first published in 2021 but in this brand new edition, the book has been beautifully upgraded with premium paper quality, an enhanced layout for easier reading, and exceptional high-quality printing that brings Ian’s exquisite imagery to life like never before. This vastly improved edition is available only from UrbanSketchCourse.com.

Frequently asked Questions
Who is the author?
Ian Fennelly has built an extraordinary reputation as one of the world’s finest urban sketchers and most sought-after teachers.
Ian’s distinct style of on-location art, engaging teaching methods, and all-round creativity has earned him a passionate global following.
‘Layers of Looking’ is the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of urban sketching.
Who is the author?
Ian Fennelly has built an extraordinary reputation as one of the world’s finest urban sketchers and most sought-after teachers.
Ian’s distinct style of on-location art, engaging teaching methods, and all-round creativity has earned him a passionate global following.
‘Layers of Looking’ is the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of urban sketching.
How long is delivery?
1-2 WEEKS PROCESSING TIME
No one likes waste (us included), which is why our books are sustainably printed, and are only produced when ordered. This means that your book may take a little longer to reach you, but you can rest easy knowing that you’ve helped the planet in the process!
Is this book sold anywhere else?
UrbanSketchCourse.com offers the current, authorised edition of Layers of Looking.
Earlier versions of the book may still exist elsewhere, but they are now superseded and do not reflect the latest revisions, refinements, or the author’s current approach.
The definitive and up-to-date edition can only be purchased from UrbanSketchCourse.com.
Can I order more than one book?
Can I order more than one book?
Can I order this book as a gift?
Do I have to pay import taxes?
- Also available -

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Why Your Landscape Sketches Look Flat (And The Fix)
Perspective does most of the work in a street and almost none of it in a field. Here is what Ian does instead, and the four ways he separates a foreground from a background.
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Our 4 Week Urban Sketching Experience: What Riomaggiore Taught Us
The lessons that came back again and again from the hardest scene we have set.
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Why Sketching the Same Scene Twice Teaches You More Than Moving On
Most sketchers move straight to a new subject. Here is what the second attempt gives you that the first cannot.
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