Sophie Schmidtlein

Year of birth: 1992. 
Where do you live: Freiburg, Germany.
Describe your art in three words: urban, colourfull, unique.
Website | Instagram

What initially sparked your love for art, and how did you start exploring the world of urban sketching?

I have been drawn to painting and sketching since i was a kid. I used flowers and leaves to paint with them on Paper. My parents took my brother and me museums and exhibitions a lot which inspired me. I remember the first time i tried to draw a river and some trees outside. I found it very difficult to bring what i see on paper. So i researched courses you could learn to sketch outside and thats how i discovered the magic of urban sketching. Since then i have been doing at least one course a year and spend many hours sketching outside.

How do you decide what to sketch when you’re out in the city? Do certain scenes or subjects draw you in more than others?

When I walk through a city i am constantly drawn in by what i experience as interesting “frames”. Sometimes its little things like an old advertisement poster enlightened by the morning sun or a old, run down wooden door overgrown by plants.

Sophie Schmidtlein | Stühlinger Cafe

What role does light play in your outdoor sketches, and how does it affect the final piece?

Light is one of the main reasons i love to sketch outside. I find that when you sketch outside it allows you to bring the light situation on paper right at this moment.The most interesting light is in the early morning and at sunset. I love to sketch outside on sunday mornings as its still quiet and it feels like the rest of the world is slowly waking up. The weather has a big impact aswell especially the sun. When its hot, watercolours dry really fast which is an advantage and disadvantage at the same time. When its raining i tend to draw in coffeeshops where you can sit by the window and sketch people outside.
When sketching outside the szene is changing constantly. People come and go. A car that was there in the beginning might be gone by the end of the sketch. People often stop by take a look and ask me questions. Sometimes people tell me something about the place that i am sketching that i didnt know before.

Why do you focus on old houses, people, and the sea? What about these subjects speaks to you personally?

My parents are architects maybe thats one reason i am inspired by old buildings. May it be churches, farm houses, or city flats.
I find a great way to observe and sketch people is in busy places like a train station or airport. Its amazing how much gestures, clothing, the way people walk and sit can give you an impression of a person before you have even met them. I try to capture that in my drawings.
I am in love with the sea and im sure i am not the only one. Sometimes i imagine the sea as a person. Everytime say hi its in a different mood; calm, angry, playfull.This imagination helps me with my paintings too.

Sophie Schmidtlein | Allee

How do you choose the locations for your sketches when you travel? Are there any specific memories attached to these places?

When i travel i just sit down wherever i find a pretty and interesting spot. i can be boats on the river, a cat on a Restaurant table, or and old house with a pretty balcony.
I feel a lot less self concious sketching outside when i travel as mostly nobody knows me.
In my home town i felt self concious just sitting down outside with my sketchbook but the more i did it the more i could relax into it.
I love to sketch when i am on the road and travelling. Its a great way to dicover new places.it forces you to sit down, pause, take in the szene and the vibes and really look.

What materials do you typically use for your urban sketches, and how do
you feel about the combination of watercolor and ink?

Which materials i use really depends on the situation, the motive, time and the weather. On a sunny sunday morning i like to get a cappuccino find a sunny spot, sit down with my large watercolour sketchbook and use watercolours and ink pens. When i am waiting for a train i might just do a quick 15 min sketch with pencil and colour pens.

Can you tell us about your creative process when working on a new piece?

I find that ideas come to me all the time. I find going on long walks especially helpfull to find inspiration. To start on a new piece of art i draw a few quick sketches in my sketchbook to get a rough idea about the image. Then i start on canvas or larger paper again laying out roughly the forms and then slowly adding more detail, shade and colour.
I mostly go back and forth from one painting to another to keep it interesting. I love to drink chai tea and listen to female rap while painting. It keeps me going.