Describe something new you learned recently

A couple of months ago, I decided to teach myself the basics of urban sketching. I have always admired the architectural sketches people post on social media, so I eventually bought a simple charcoal set and a high-quality sketchbook from a local art supply shop called The Paper Mill. I started by watching a series of online tutorials led by an illustrator named Elena, who specialises in capturing the bustling atmosphere of city streets. I chose to learn this because my work life involves staring at spreadsheets for hours on end, and I felt a desperate need for a creative outlet that didn't involve a screen. Initially, I found it incredibly daunting to translate three-dimensional buildings onto a flat piece of paper, but I dedicated twenty minutes every evening to practising perspective and shading. The process was quite meditative; it forced me to slow down and really observe the intricate details of the Victorian townhouses in my neighbourhood rather than just rushing past them. This skill has been surprisingly useful for my mental wellbeing. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by my professional responsibilities, I take my sketchbook to a nearby park and spend some time drawing. It acts as a form of mindfulness, allowing me to disconnect from my anxieties and focus entirely on the play of light and shadow. Beyond the stress relief, it has fundamentally changed how I view my surroundings. I now notice architectural features I previously ignored, like ornate cornices or the subtle weathering of brickwork. It has turned my mundane daily commute into a source of genuine aesthetic pleasure and curiosity.