The everyday life of the Ilonggos and the vibrant urban landscape of Iloilo City have been brought to life through the bold strokes of urban sketcher Reyshimar Arguelles. His pen and ink sketches, which capture people in cafés and depict various social and economic activities against the backdrop of iconic architecture, heritage structures, open spaces, and nature, have become a visual chronicle of the dynamic cityscape.

Arguelles roams the city’s notable landmarks with a fountain pen, a pocket-sized sketchpad, and watercolors in hand. His sketches, posted on his Facebook page, highlight fleeting moments and charming details of everyday places often overlooked in the fast-paced urban environment. His work has encouraged netizens to take a second, closer look at the city’s elegant yet often disregarded corners, and to pay attention to the daily comings and goings of people from all walks of life.

I sat down with him one afternoon at Coffeebreak, overlooking the historic Plaza Libertad, for a quick chat over a cup of coffee to learn about his artistic journey and the beauty of urban sketching as an art form.

The city one sketch at a time 

“What I like about urban sketching is that it allows me to immerse myself in the moment,” says Arguelles. “I can chronicle scenes while waiting for a meeting, taking a leisurely walk, or simply relaxing in a café.”

“Sketching brings both thrill and delight in observing people—whether they’re sipping coffee, conversing with friends and loved ones, reading a book alone, or browsing their phones,” he adds.

For Arguelles, sketching is more than just an art form—it’s a spontaneous, immersive way of capturing the world around us.

His compositions highlight the interplay between people and places, randomly documenting moments of hurried movement, leisurely strolls, or relaxation in the city’s restored public plazas. Among the scenes he has vividly captured are aspects of Jaro Plaza, with the belfry standing across from the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, the historic Sunburst Park overlooking downtown and lined with heritage buildings and museums, and the Molo Mansion with its al fresco cafés.

The images in Arguelles’ sketches reveal a sense of immediacy, demonstrating the ability of this art form to capture the raw energy and transience of life.

Sketching allows artists to freeze fleeting moments in time, and Arguelles’ work captures a wide range of moments, from lively to tranquil. For example, his sketches of local fishermen with their hook-and-line gear along the banks of the Iloilo River Esplanade—the country’s longest linear park—show them with their bicycles parked beside them, capturing both the action and serenity of the scene.

Another unique aspect of sketching is its ability to convey emotion and the artist’s perspective. Sketching has a distinct way of capturing the atmosphere of a moment, and these emotions are embedded in the visual rendering, sharing the mood and perspective of the artist with the viewer. “Sketching brings the artist’s emotion and perspective into the artwork,” Arguelles shared.

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This is clearly demonstrated in Arguelles’ collection of sketches, which do more than simply depict scenes; they reveal his personality through the strokes of the pen, lines, and colors. His sketches serve as visual diaries, offering a glimpse into his individual experiences and worldview.

Together, these elements reflect the guiding principle of sketchers: to capture the world one sketch at a time.

A medium for all 

Sketching is a captivating medium that draws many people in, whether as a hobby or a means of mental relaxation.

According to Arguelles, sketching is not a highly technical art form. In fact, it is an effortless medium, especially for those who already know how to draw or enjoy doodling. “This is a medium whose beauty thrives with imperfections,” he explains. “It’s accessible to everyone. You don’t need to be a fine arts graduate, an interior designer, or an architect to sketch,” he emphasizes.

Unlike painting or photography, the beauty of a sketch often emerges even with imperfect compositions. It is an art form that flourishes through fluidity and spontaneity. For Arguelles, it usually takes 30 minutes or less to complete a sketch, after which he overlays the drawing with watercolor to add depth and vibrancy.

Sketching is more than just an art form; it’s a personal connection between the artist and their surroundings, offering a deeper understanding of the world around us.

The sketches of Reyshimar Arguelles have transformed seemingly ordinary scenes into profound visual journals of Iloilo City, capturing the essence of a continually evolving regional hub. Through his work, both Ilonggos and visitors to Iloilo are invited to experience the city and its people with a fresh perspective.

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Learn more about Urban Sketching or join the sketch crawl organized by Reyshimar Arguelles. For more information, visit his Facebook page Reyshimar Camiña Arguelles or the Facebook page of the newly-established Iloilo City Sketchers.