A18
Mixed Media: Changing Gears Based on the City’s Essence
Every city speaks a different visual language. In this talk, I’ll share how I adapt my sketching tools and techniques—switching between ink, watercolor, pencil, pastel, pen, dip pen and more—to capture the unique rhythm, texture, and mood of each place. Let’s explore how mixed media keeps the creative process fresh and responsive.
Jenny Jing Zhang
Jenny Jing Zhang is a Chicago-based artist, urban sketcher, and illustrator who never leaves home without her sketchbook. From the winding alleys of her native China to the vibrant streetscape of Chicago to the sun-soaked piazzas of Italy, she captures the pulse of urban life with expressive ink lines and playful watercolor washes. A 2022 Fellow in Civita di Bagnoregio, Jing Zhang teaches worldwide, sharing her love for sketching on location. Whether leading workshops at USk Chicago or piecing together cityscapes like a puzzle, she believes every sketch is a journey — and every journey deserves a good sketch, or a bunch.
Instagram @jennymouse2003