Sketch the city, one scene at a time.

Draw London

Our classes

Draw London

Draw London

Indulge your artistic streak with this one-day, outdoor drawing workshop in Central London.

Our Draw London course is a full-day urban sketching experience, open to all levels – from complete beginners to those with more artistic experience. This course is the perfect way to immerse yourself in drawing while discovering the city from a fresh perspective. Bring your own sketchbook and pencils or use the materials provided as you learn from our expert tutor. 

Throughout the day, you’ll visit a variety of inspiring locations across London. Each setting offers unique subjects to draw – from striking architecture and public spaces to lively cafés, historic details, and everyday street scenes.

The day begins with simple warm-up exercises designed to loosen up your hand and eye coordination. As the course progresses, you'll explore key drawing techniques including perspective, composition, tone, and capturing movement.

Our friendly and experienced tutors will offer one-to-one support and group guidance, helping you to develop your confidence, improve your observational skills, and find your personal drawing style.

There will be regular breaks – including time for lunch and short coffee stops – which also provide opportunities to sketch people in more relaxed, social environments.

By the end of the day, you’ll have filled pages of your sketchbook with a rich variety of studies and scenes – a creative record of your journey through London, and inspiration to continue your drawing practice long after the course ends.

Draw London course content

By the end of this 1 day workshop you will 

  • Leave with a range of sketches including city scapes and scenes
  • Hone your observation skills
  • Gain confidence in drawing in a public place
  • Gain insight into drawing moving figures as well as still-life 
  • Learn how to make quick sketches of food and drink
  • Soak up the knowledge from your expert tutors as they guide and offer feedback throughout 

Draw London course content

Useful Information

Perfect for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced artists. Whether you're new to drawing or looking to improve your sketching skills in an inspiring outdoor setting, you’ll be supported by a professional tutor throughout.

You will learn the fundamentals of drawing on location, including perspective and composition techniques as well as how to capturing light, shade, and texture. You'll work with pencil, pen, and other media and develop a sketchbook practice with new-found observational skills

The course is held at various iconic London locations, such as the Southbank, Covent Garden, and the City. Please see the booking and timetable tab on this page for location and meeting point.

In the event of bad weather, the tutor will choose a covered or indoor location nearby. Please check your email for any last-minute updates.

Dress comfortably for walking and outdoor sketching. Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended, as sessions take place in various outdoor environments.

Yes, the tutor provides individual and group feedback during each session to help you improve your technique and confidence.

All materials are provided on this course but if you like you are welcome to bring your own A4 or A3 hardback sketchbook with good quality cartridge or drawing paper (at least 180gsm). HB to 8B (2B and 6B are good) pencils, and a drawing pen. If you want to add some creative flair please bring along any preferred mediums such as watercolours or felt tips.

CLASSES STARTING SOON

DATE DAY TIME (BST) DURATION TUTOR VENUE PRICE BOOKING
9 Aug 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day City Academy Art Tutors Photoion Studio, Waterloo £89.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
4 Oct 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day Sheila Wallis Photoion Studio, Waterloo £89.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
29 Nov 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day Khaoula Karaweigh Photoion Studio, Waterloo £89.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
DATE DAY TIME (BST) DURATION TUTOR VENUE PRICE BOOKING
9 Aug 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day City Academy Art Tutors Photoion Studio, Waterloo £89.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
4 Oct 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day Sheila Wallis Photoion Studio, Waterloo £89.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
29 Nov 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day Khaoula Karaweigh Photoion Studio, Waterloo £89.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
DATE DAY TIME (BST) DURATION TUTOR VENUE PRICE BOOKING
9 Aug 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day City Academy Art Tutors Photoion Studio, Waterloo £89.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
4 Oct 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day Sheila Wallis Photoion Studio, Waterloo £89.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
29 Nov 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day Khaoula Karaweigh Photoion Studio, Waterloo £89.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course

All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.

×