Drawing on Location

About this course

Participants sketch real-time urban scenes, including architecture and people in motion, while working at changing London locations. The course covers ways to simplify complex structures with perspective and basic shapes, use gesture drawing, and capture light, shadow, depth and atmosphere. Teaching combines technical guidance, creative exploration and one-to-one tutor feedback. Learners work with ink, pencil and watercolour, using line weight, shading, colour accents and loose washes to develop expressive location-based studies in a sketchbook.

What you'll learn

• Apply perspective and basic shape breakdowns to simplify architectural subjects
• Use gesture drawing to depict people in motion
• Control line weight and shading to suggest depth and structure
• Use light watercolour washes and colour accents in location drawings
• Capture changing light, shadow and atmosphere in urban scenes

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for improvers and learners with a basic understanding of drawing who want to work more quickly and loosely on location. Participation involves sketching in real-time outdoor settings, including both architectural subjects and moving people, with tutor feedback during the sessions.

• Work takes place in public urban environments rather than a studio
• Suitable for learners developing beyond fundamental drawing techniques

Before you go

• Sketchbooks, pencils, pens, watercolours and brushes are provided.
• Learners may bring their own preferred drawing tools.
• Outdoor sessions may include covered or sheltered areas nearby when the weather changes.
• Appropriate clothing is recommended, with a small umbrella or waterproof advised when the forecast is uncertain.