Sketch D.C. Student Walkabout

*This event is open to ASLA Student Members only*

Join fellow ASLA student sketching enthusiasts for on-location sketching in the heart of our nation’s capital. Explore and discover the cultural, historic urban fabric of Washington DC; capture the character of its neighborhoods, landmarks, and monuments. Bring your favorite drawing utensils and comfortable walking shoes.  

Along the walk, Session Leaders will provide informative insights and approaches to composition, simplifying detail, and editing to make your sketches less rigid, more spontaneous, and readable.  

12:00 PM - START at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center 5:00 PM - END at various sketch sites  

Conference registration booths are located in the convention center lobby so you can register or pick up your conference badge before the conference starts on Sunday.  

Post walk “Sketch Throwdown” social at 7:00 PM at Baby Wale. You must bring your sketchbook and event ticket as your admission to the social.

Below is a brief description of each route. Please choose the ticket for the cooresponding route. 

Downtown Route

Embark on a sketch walk of Downtown DC. This curated journey invites you to discover the unique features of four distinctive urban landscapes: the soaring glass canopy of the Kogod Courtyard nestled within the National Portrait Gallery, the tranquil oasis of the MLK Library Roof Garden offering panoramic city views, the modern elegance of City Center Plaza, and the historic charm of Franklin Park, DC's oldest public green space. Whether you're a seasoned sketch artist or simply appreciate the beauty of urban design you will find inspiration for your drawings. Note: This tour begins and ends at the convention center.

Capitol Square Route

Walk along America’s Main Street, better known as Pennsylvania Avenue, with framed views of the U.S. Capitol.  Experience its grandeur and historic landscape designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted.  Discover the Summerhouse he designed and built on the hillside of the Capitol in c.1880.  Walk around the Capitol and experience the paths, fountains, trees, and terraces he laid out in 1874, and end your sketch walk with the most iconic view of America’s front yard, the National Mall.  Here, the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial stands in the foreground with the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial standing poetically in the background against a setting sun.   Note: This tour requires use of the DC Metro.

Howard University Route

Explore the dynamic intersection of history, culture, and architecture on the sketch route of Howard University and the Shaw neighborhood. Delve into the rich heritage of Howard University's campus, home to iconic landmarks like the Founders Library and diverse architectural styles reflecting its storied past and commitment to innovation. Venture into the vibrant Shaw neighborhood, a historic enclave steeped in African American culture, where landmarks like the legendary Howard Theatre and Victorian row houses stand as testaments to its illustrious past. Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene and community that define this dynamic neighborhood, offering endless inspiration for your sketches along the way. Note: This tour requires use of the DC Metro.

Museum Route – National Mall

Journey along the iconic National Mall and discover the breathtaking landscapes of museum gardens. Begin your exploration at the National Sculpture Garden, where art and nature intertwine in a serene setting. Continuing to the Smithsonian Castle's Enid A. Haupt and Ripley Garden, where meticulously curated flora provides a picturesque backdrop to the museum's architecture. Conclude your sketch walk with a visit to the Washington Monument, towering over the cityscape and offering views of the Mall's green expanse. Join us for a journey of inspiration, where every sketch captures the essence of Washington DC's artistic and natural beauty. Note: This tour requires use of the DC Metro.

Memorials Route – National Mall

Begin your journey at President’s Park and continue to the picturesque Ellipse.  Wander through Constitution Gardens, with its tranquil ponds and lush greenery offering moments of reflection. Continue your exploration at the iconic Lincoln Memorial. Pause at the Korean Veterans Memorial. Conclude your tour at the inspiring MLK Memorial, honoring the legacy of a civil rights icon. Let the rich history and monumental beauty of these landmarks guide your artistic expression on this unforgettable sketching adventure. Note: This tour requires use of the DC Metro.