Develop your observational drawing skills and capture the world around you

Drawing on Location

Drawing on Location

Join us for a unique sketching experience that takes your drawing practice outside the studio and into the heart of London. Drawing on Location is a dynamic, practical course designed to help you observe and sketch your surroundings in real time - from historic architecture to busy city scenes full of movement and life.

Perfect for improvers or those looking to loosen up their style, this course blends technical guidance with creative exploration. You’ll learn how to work quickly and confidently using ink, pencil, and watercolour to document the world around you, creating expressive, location-based drawings that are full of energy and atmosphere.

Each session takes place at an iconic London spot, such as Covent Garden, South Bank, or Waterloo - offering the perfect inspiration for your sketchbook.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE

Step outside the studio and capture the energy of London through expressive, location-based drawing.

  • Build confidence sketching outdoors and in real-world settings
  • Learn how to capture busy city scenes quickly and expressively
  • Develop your observational drawing skills in inspiring London locations
  • Understand how to simplify architecture, movement and detail on the page
  • Experiment with ink, pencil and watercolour to bring your sketches to life
  • Create a vibrant sketchbook full of atmosphere, movement and everyday moments
  • Receive one-to-one feedback from your tutor throughout the course
  • Use the course to loosen up your drawing style and develop a more spontaneous creative practice

Classes Starting Soon

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
13 Sep 2026
Sun
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
17 Nov 2026
Tue
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
15 Jan 2027
Fri
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
07 Feb 2027
Sun
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
21 Mar 2027
Sun
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
13
Sep
13 Sep 2026
£89.00
Day:Sun
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Jodi Holmes
17
Nov
17 Nov 2026
£89.00
Day:Tue
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
15
Jan
15 Jan 2027
£89.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
07
Feb
07 Feb 2027
£89.00
Day:Sun
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
21
Mar
21 Mar 2027
£89.00
Day:Sun
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Urban Sketching

Learn how to sketch London scenes in real time, capturing architecture, people, movement and atmosphere.

Quick Drawing Techniques

Develop confidence working quickly, helping you simplify busy surroundings and capture the essence of a scene.

Perspective and Structure

Break down buildings, streets and complex spaces using basic shapes, perspective and composition techniques.

People in Motion

Use gesture drawing to capture figures, movement and everyday city life with greater ease and confidence.

Line, Shade and Colour

Work with line weight, shading, light watercolour washes and colour accents to add depth and energy to your drawings.

Location Sketchbook

Build a sketchbook of expressive, real-world observations from iconic London locations.

Useful information

Do I need to be an experienced artist to take this course?
This course is ideal for anyone with a basic understanding of drawing who wants to improve their speed, confidence, and ability to work on location. If you've taken a beginner drawing course or have general sketching experience, you’ll be right at home.
Do I need to bring my own materials?
No, all materials are provided, including sketchbooks, pens, pencils, and watercolours. You're welcome to bring your own tools if you have favourites you prefer to use.
Where do the sessions take place?
We sketch on-site at various iconic London locations such as Covent Garden, the South Bank and Waterloo Station. You’ll receive details before each class.
What if the weather is bad?
We plan ahead for light weather changes, and most locations have covered or sheltered areas nearby. We recommend dressing appropriately and bringing a small umbrella or waterproof if the forecast is uncertain.
Will we draw people too, or just buildings?
You’ll practise both! The course includes gesture drawing and how to capture people in motion, as well as architectural sketching and composition.
Can I take the course more than once?
Yes, absolutely. Every course features different locations and challenges, so returning students will continue to build their skills and sketchbook in new ways.
What’s next after this course?

Once you’ve completed Drawing on Location, you may want to continue exploring your style or focus on a specific subject or technique. Great follow-on options include:

Still Life Drawing

Speed Drawing

Drawing with Colour

Self-Portrait: Exploring Identity

Want to learn more?

Continue your creative journey with one of the courses below. Develop your drawing skills, explore new artistic techniques and keep finding inspiration in the world around you.

Your Art Supplies

City Academy's art studio has everything you need to get creative.

All materials, including paper, brushes and other art supplies, will be provided.

BENEFITS OF ART CLASSES
Your Art Supplies

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
13 Sep 2026
Sun
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
17 Nov 2026
Tue
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
15 Jan 2027
Fri
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
07 Feb 2027
Sun
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
21 Mar 2027
Sun
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
18 Apr 2027
Sun
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
18 May 2027
Tue
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
29 Jun 2027
Tue
10:30-16:30
1 day
£89.00
13
Sep
13 Sep 2026
£89.00
Day:Sun
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Jodi Holmes
17
Nov
17 Nov 2026
£89.00
Day:Tue
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
15
Jan
15 Jan 2027
£89.00
Day:Fri
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
07
Feb
07 Feb 2027
£89.00
Day:Sun
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
21
Mar
21 Mar 2027
£89.00
Day:Sun
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
18
Apr
18 Apr 2027
£89.00
Day:Sun
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
18
May
18 May 2027
£89.00
Day:Tue
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
29
Jun
29 Jun 2027
£89.00
Day:Tue
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day

Payments options

Cancellations Policy

Our cancellation policy depends on the course you have booked.

 

Weekly courses and one-day workshops
Cancel at least 72 hours before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer to another available date. Cancellations made within 72 hours will receive course credit instead.

 

Intensive courses of five consecutive days or more
Cancel at least 7 days before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer. Cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice will usually receive course credit instead.

 

We are unable to offer refunds for missed classes or non-attendance.

Book 2 courses at the same time for 10% Off*

Book 3 or more courses for get 20% Off*

*Please note 2ORMORE & 3ORMORE - this offer cannot be redeemed against our One year, 3 Month Courses , Private tuition, Tasters, or Resident Companies i.e. Choirs, Musical Theatre or Dance companies. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Photoion Studio, Waterloo
Closest Station: Waterloo
Closest Bus Stop: Imperial War Museum / Elephant & Castle / Newington Causeway
Jodi Holmes
Jodi Holmes
Khaoula Karaweigh
Khaoula Karaweigh
City Academy Art Tutors
City Academy Art Tutors

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