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Color First, Ink Later Urban Sketching Handbook - Dynamic Approach to Drawing and Painting on Location
by Mike Moshiaki Daikubara
Quarto
ISBN 978-0-7603-7303-3
Published 2022 - Softcover - 112 pages - $19.99

I do love ink sketch and watercolor art and always wish that I could do this.  But I have no eye for perspective and I can barely draw.  Not being able to draw is perhaps why I like these sketches as they don't have to be perfect replicas, just an interpretation.  Artist Mike Daikubara's book is easy to follow and he's approached it from the idea we are starting from scratch (no pun intended) and he goes through everything we need to have (not much at all!) and how to get started.  I did find the beginning of his book a bit confusing but once I got through the first chapters (Essential Techniques), which lay the groundwork for the rest of the book, it all fell into place beautifully.  Each example is clearly laid out as far as what tools to use and more or less how long it should take to complete.  His Five-Step Process never lets you get lost and keeps you on track.  He covers perspective (yay) and shadowing, in- and outdoor things to paint, and some Technique Tips.  I always thought artists sketched first and then dropped in color, but the only sketching I do is doodling on an old watercolor, so what do I know.  Now I need to get my feet wet with trying to sketch actual things!
This book is a handy size to take along with you.  (5 1/4 x 8 1/2 inches or 13.5 x 21 cm)