Our How to Draw for Beginners course is a relaxed and welcoming space where you can explore drawing from the very beginning. Whether you’ve never picked up a pencil or want to refresh your skills, this course offers a playful yet structured introduction to key drawing techniques and materials.
You’ll experiment with pencil, charcoal, and graphite while learning to capture simple still-life compositions. Along the way, you’ll gain confidence, refine your technique, and discover how enjoyable and meditative drawing can be.
No pressure. No experience required. Just time and space to focus, unwind, and express yourself through art.
What You’ll Learn
Each session is designed to build your skills step by step, while keeping things relaxed and accessible. During the course, you will:
- Begin with warm-up sketches to loosen up and explore mark-making
- Learn to draw from observation using simple still-life set-ups
- Understand basic proportions and perspective
- Explore light and shadow to bring your drawings to life
- Experiment with pencil, charcoal and pastels – and how they each behave on paper
- Discover different techniques for texture, tone, and shading
- Receive ongoing feedback and guidance from your tutor to support your progress
By the end of the course, you’ll feel more confident using a range of drawing tools and have a clearer idea of where to take your creativity next.
Benefits of Taking This Course
Whether you're looking for a creative outlet, a mindful break from your routine, or simply a chance to try something new, this course offers more than just technical skills. It's about giving yourself time to slow down, explore, and enjoy the process of making art – no pressure, no experience needed. Here’s what you’ll take away:
Relax and recharge: A calm, creative space away from your busy week
- Explore new materials: Try drawing with charcoal, pencil, graphite and pastels
- Grow in confidence: Learn techniques you can continue to practise at home
- Supportive guidance: Get individual feedback from an experienced tutor
- No pressure to be perfect: Learn at your own pace, in a friendly, non-judgemental setting
- Build a foundation: Gain the key skills needed to progress to more advanced drawing or painting classes
Loosen your hand and clear your mind
Start each session with short, playful exercises that help you relax, warm up your hand, and experiment with different types of mark-making.
Learn to see like an artist
Practise sketching real objects through structured still-life set-ups – a great way to train your eye and translate what you see onto the page.
Make your drawings come alive
Discover how to add dimension and drama using tonal contrast. Learn where to place highlights, midtones and shadows for realistic form.
Experiment with different tools
Use pencil, charcoal and pastels to explore line, texture, and pressure. Understand how each medium behaves and how to combine them effectively.
Learn with support
Your tutor will give you individual feedback as you go, helping you improve and guiding you through any creative blocks.
CLASSES STARTING SOON
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Aug 2025 - 5 Sep 2025 | Fri | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | Lawrence Francis Crane | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Sold Out Add to waiting list | ||
| 21 Aug 2025 - 18 Sep 2025 | Thu | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | Dominic Kennedy | City Academy, Farringdon | £202.50
10% OFF
| Sold Out Add to waiting list | ||
| 1 Sep 2025 - 29 Sep 2025 | Mon | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | Khaoula Karaweigh | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book Now Click the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 27 Sep 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | Khaoula Karaweigh | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Useful information
No experience is necessary. This course is designed for complete beginners or those looking to revisit the fundamentals.
Nothing at all – all materials including paper, charcoal, pastels and pencils will be provided. Just bring your curiosity!
Drawing with charcoal and pastel can be a bit messy, so we recommend wearing washable clothes. We’ll also have a few protective aprons available for anyone coming straight from work.
You’ll work primarily from still-life objects, which will vary week to week. This helps you build observation skills and apply different techniques.
Absolutely. This is a beginner-friendly course where making mistakes is part of the learning process. You’ll be supported every step of the way.
Your tutor will advise you on next steps based on your interests and progress. Popular options include continuing with our Drawing Techniques (Improvers) course, or trying something new such as:
Drawing on Location
Still Life Drawing
Speed Drawing
Drawing with Colour
Self-Portrait: Exploring Identity
Abstract Art: Colour, Texture & Form
Introduction to Painting
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Aug 2025 - 5 Sep 2025 | Fri | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | Lawrence Francis Crane | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Sold Out Add to waiting list | ||
| 21 Aug 2025 - 18 Sep 2025 | Thu | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | Dominic Kennedy | City Academy, Farringdon | £202.50
10% OFF
| Sold Out Add to waiting list | ||
| 1 Sep 2025 - 29 Sep 2025 | Mon | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | Khaoula Karaweigh | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 27 Sep 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | Khaoula Karaweigh | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 11 Oct 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | Khaoula Karaweigh | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 22 Oct 2025 - 19 Nov 2025 | Wed | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 1 Nov 2025 - 29 Nov 2025 | Sat | 13:00-15:30 | 5 weeks | Dominic Kennedy | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 14 Nov 2025 - 12 Dec 2025 | Fri | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | Dominic Kennedy | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 25 Nov 2025 | Tue | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | Khaoula Karaweigh | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 13 Dec 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | Dominic Kennedy | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 6 Jan 2026 - 3 Feb 2026 | Tue | 18:15-20:45 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 12 Jan 2026 - 9 Feb 2026 | Mon | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 24 Jan 2026 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 30 Jan 2026 - 27 Feb 2026 | Fri | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 9 Feb 2026 - 9 Mar 2026 | Mon | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 14 Feb 2026 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 24 Feb 2026 - 24 Mar 2026 | Tue | 18:30-21:00 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 28 Feb 2026 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 6 Mar 2026 - 10 Apr 2026 | Fri | 18:30-21:00 | 5 weeks (no class 3 Apr) | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 31 Mar 2026 - 28 Apr 2026 | Tue | 18:30-21:00 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
INDUSTRY TUTORS
City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Aug 2025 - 5 Sep 2025 | Fri | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | Lawrence Francis Crane | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Sold Out Add to waiting list | ||
| 21 Aug 2025 - 18 Sep 2025 | Thu | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | Dominic Kennedy | City Academy, Farringdon | £202.50
10% OFF
| Sold Out Add to waiting list | ||
| 1 Sep 2025 - 29 Sep 2025 | Mon | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | Khaoula Karaweigh | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 27 Sep 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | Khaoula Karaweigh | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 11 Oct 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | Khaoula Karaweigh | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 22 Oct 2025 - 19 Nov 2025 | Wed | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 1 Nov 2025 - 29 Nov 2025 | Sat | 13:00-15:30 | 5 weeks | Dominic Kennedy | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 14 Nov 2025 - 12 Dec 2025 | Fri | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | Dominic Kennedy | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 25 Nov 2025 | Tue | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | Khaoula Karaweigh | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 13 Dec 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | Dominic Kennedy | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 6 Jan 2026 - 3 Feb 2026 | Tue | 18:15-20:45 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 12 Jan 2026 - 9 Feb 2026 | Mon | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 24 Jan 2026 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 30 Jan 2026 - 27 Feb 2026 | Fri | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 9 Feb 2026 - 9 Mar 2026 | Mon | 18:45-21:15 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 14 Feb 2026 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 24 Feb 2026 - 24 Mar 2026 | Tue | 18:30-21:00 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 28 Feb 2026 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 6 Mar 2026 - 10 Apr 2026 | Fri | 18:30-21:00 | 5 weeks (no class 3 Apr) | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 31 Mar 2026 - 28 Apr 2026 | Tue | 18:30-21:00 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.
ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS
Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.
Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833 .
CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS
Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.
If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course.
INDUSTRY TUTORS
City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.
CANCELLATIONS POLICY
We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.
We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend.
(For more information please see our terms and conditions)
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.
City Academy's art studio has everything you need to get creative.
All materials, including paper, brushes and other art supplies, will be provided.
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ENJOY WITH FRIENDS OR COLLEAGUES
City Academy delivers bespoke workshops for groups and teams! Enjoy this course at a time and place to suit you. Whether you're a group of friends or a team looking for a creative activity, get in touch to explore ideas today.
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