Drawing Moving Scenes from a Train

How should I draw as everything is flying so fast?

Views from the High-Speed Train

One day, while traveling south on a High-Speed Train, I decided to challenge myself with a quick sketch. Instead of focusing on the static passengers as usual, I turned my attention to the rapidly passing landscape outside the window.

Overwhelmed by the flying field and trees, I initially hesitated. But a small voice encouraged me to give it a try. After all, every artist starts somewhere.

I began with the distant mountains, the slowest-moving elements in the scene. Gradually, I added trees, houses, and roads, using their shapes and positions to create a sense of depth. To my surprise, I found the process surprisingly relaxing and enjoyable.

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Let’s see my outcome:

I found myself enjoying drawing the trees and the roads*

Learning from Life👀

As a digital illustrator heavily reliant on photo references, I discovered that drawing from life offered a unique perspective. Instead of copying someone else's composition and perspective, I was creating directly from my own observations.

This allowed me to:

• Observe more carefully:
  Notice the textures, details, and atmosphere of the scene.

• Create my own story:
  Develop a unique composition and perspective based on what I found meaningful.

• Connect with the moment:
  Experience the scene firsthand and capture its essence.

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Tips and Exercises for you to try🪄

Here are some exercises to help you capture moving scenes:

1. Start small and slow:
   Begin by sketching the elements that move the slowest, like distant mountains or the horizon. This provides a stable foundation for your drawing.

2. Focus on Key Elements:
   Identify the most interesting or striking details, such as a particular tree, building, or person.

3. Experiment with Perspective:
   Play with different angles and viewpoints to create a sense of depth, like grass field and ground.

4. Embrace Imperfection:
   Remember that life is full of imperfections. Embrace the spontaneity and energy of your quick sketches.

I colored it later on my Procreate—with no pressure!

My Learnings

Drawing moving scenes can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Remember to embrace the spontaneity and imperfection of your work, and most importantly, have fun!

What are your adventures in drawing moving scenes? What have you learned? What challenges have you faced? I'd love to hear: )

Warm Regards,
Hana xx