Urban and Rural Landscape Painting and Drawing

About this course

Participants develop location-based drawings and colour studies using urban and rural subjects, with sessions covering composition, tonality, colour mixing, mark making and ways to depict weather, light and atmosphere. The course explores pencil, charcoal, pastels, pen and ink, watercolours and acrylics across varied formats. Teaching combines outdoor work, when weather permits, with studio practice, discussion and experimentation. Learners use a Personal Learning Plan to set goals, receive individual verbal feedback, and take part in informal group critiques at the end of sessions.

What you'll learn

• Apply composition, tonality and colour-mixing principles to landscape work.
• Use varied marks, tones, colour temperatures and levels of detail to suggest depth.
• Depict changes in weather, light, atmosphere and mood.
• Develop and organise a sketchbook for landscape drawing.
• Experiment with different drawing and painting media and formats.
• Analyse and discuss work through research, feedback and group critique.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners with some prior knowledge of art materials, tools and techniques, consistent with its Improver level. It includes outdoor sessions, studio work, discussions and group critiques, and requires participants to walk unaided for 20 to 30 minutes. Learners must be aged 19 or over by 31 August before the course starts.

• Some prior knowledge of art materials, tools and techniques is required.
• Participants need to be able to walk unaided for 20 to 30 minutes.
• The course involves outdoor work when weather permits as well as studio-based learning.
• Learners take part in discussions and informal group critiques.

Before you go

• A sketching kit is needed for plein air drawing sessions.
• Learners need to bring their own paints or chosen materials for studio work; the tutor advises on requirements in the first session.
• Paper is available to buy in class.