Our classes

Draw London

Draw London

Discover your inner artist while exploring the sights of London with a sketchbook and pencil in hand.

Our Draw London course is a full-day urban sketching experience, open to all levels – from complete beginners to those with more artistic experience. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in drawing while discovering the city from a fresh perspective.

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.

How to draw course content

By the end of the lessons you will have developed your drawing skills and completed several drawings:

  • Learn how to keep a sketchbook/travel journal
  • Hone your observation skills
  • Gain confidence in drawing in a public place
  • Gain insight into drawing figures and still-life
  • Learn how to make quick sketches of food and drink
  • Expert tutors on hand to guide you and offer feedback throughout the session

How to draw course content

Useful Information

This course is open to 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. Capturing light, shade, and texture. Working quickly and effectively with pencil, pen, and other media. Developing a sketchbook practice and observational skills

The course is held at various iconic London locations, such as the Southbank, Covent Garden, and the City. The exact meeting points will be confirmed ahead of each session.

In the event of bad weather, the tutor may choose a covered or indoor location nearby, or adapt the session accordingly. Always 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.

Although all materials are provided on this course you would be 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
17 May 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day Khaoula Karaweigh Photoion Studio, Waterloo £110.00
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9 Aug 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day City Academy Art Tutors Photoion Studio, Waterloo £110.00
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4 Oct 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day Sheila Wallis Photoion Studio, Waterloo £110.00
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29 Nov 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day Khaoula Karaweigh Photoion Studio, Waterloo £110.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
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DATE DAY TIME (BST) DURATION TUTOR VENUE PRICE BOOKING
17 May 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day Khaoula Karaweigh Photoion Studio, Waterloo £110.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
9 Aug 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day City Academy Art Tutors Photoion Studio, Waterloo £110.00
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 £110.00
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 £110.00
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
17 May 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day Khaoula Karaweigh Photoion Studio, Waterloo £110.00
Book Now
Click the gift icon to gift this course
Book Now
Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course
9 Aug 2025 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day City Academy Art Tutors Photoion Studio, Waterloo £110.00
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 £110.00
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 £110.00
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.

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