Get creative, slow down, and make something with your hands.

How to Draw - Improvers

How to Draw - Improvers

If you’ve already completed our How to Draw – Beginners or already feel comfortable with the fundamentals, this follow-on course is the perfect next step in your creative journey.

How to Draw – Improvers invites you to develop your skills further by exploring more advanced techniques, experimenting with a wider range of materials, and beginning to discover your own unique artistic style.

In a relaxed and supportive environment, you’ll build confidence in your abilities while learning to create drawings with greater depth, detail, and personal expression. Each session offers a calm space to unwind, experiment, and grow as an artist. No pressure, just progress.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE

Take your drawing beyond the basics, explore new materials and begin developing a more personal artistic style.

  • Build on your existing drawing skills in a relaxed, supportive setting
  • Learn how to draw with greater depth, detail and expression
  • Develop a stronger eye for observation and visual accuracy
  • Improve your confidence with proportion, composition and shading
  • Explore colour theory and colour mixing in your artwork
  • Experiment with a wider range of drawing materials
  • Begin discovering your own creative style and artistic voice
  • Use the course as a springboard into specialist drawing, painting or art classes

Classes Starting Soon

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
02 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2026
Wed
18:30-21:00
5 weeks
£225.00
31 Oct 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
£110.00
13 Nov 2026 - 11 Dec 2026
Fri
18:30-21:00
5 weeks
£225.00
05 Dec 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
£110.00
08 Jan 2027 - 05 Feb 2027
Fri
18:45-21:15
5 weeks
£225.00
02
Sep
02 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2026
£225.00
Day:Wed
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:5 weeks
31
Oct
31 Oct 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
13
Nov
13 Nov 2026 - 11 Dec 2026
£225.00
Day:Fri
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:5 weeks
Tutor: Tim Sanders
05
Dec
05 Dec 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
08
Jan
08 Jan 2027 - 05 Feb 2027
£225.00
Day:Fri
Time:18:45-21:15
Duration:5 weeks
Observational Drawing

Learn to draw more accurately by focusing on what you see, helping you move beyond assumptions and sharpen your visual awareness.

Proportion and Guidelines

Improve your use of proportion, guidelines and grids to create drawings that feel more balanced and considered.

Dynamic Composition

Explore how to create stronger compositions, including how to set up and draw from still life with greater confidence.

Materials and Mark-Making

Experiment with charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, felt tip, pastels and aquarelles to expand your drawing toolkit.

Colour and Mixing

Explore basic colour theory and colour mixing, helping you bring more variety, mood and intention into your work.

Shading and Form

Learn how to use shading, tone and form to make your drawings appear more three-dimensional and expressive.

Useful information

Do I need to have taken the beginners course?
Not necessarily. If you’re confident with the basics of drawing (line, tone, proportion, shading), you’re welcome to join. The course is ideal for those ready to explore more advanced techniques and materials.
What materials will I use?
You’ll work with a range of drawing media including charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, felt tips, soft pastels, and aquarelles (water-soluble colour pencils). Paper is provided, and you’ll even get to explore how different papers impact your results.
Do I need to bring anything?
All materials are provided, so you only need to bring yourself. Charcoal and pastel can get messy, so we recommend wearing washable clothes or bringing an apron. We have a few aprons available if you're coming straight from work.
Is this course suitable if I still feel unsure about my drawing?
Yes, this is a safe and supportive space to continue developing your skills, no matter your pace. You'll receive friendly feedback and guidance to help you move forward with confidence
What’s next after this course?

Depending on your interests, your tutor may recommend moving on to a themed or specialist course such as:

Drawing on Location
Still Life Drawing
Introduction to Painting

Want to learn more?

Continue your drawing journey with one of the courses below. Refine your technique, strengthen your observational skills and keep developing your creativity through new subjects and approaches.

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
02 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2026
Wed
18:30-21:00
5 weeks
£225.00
31 Oct 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
£110.00
13 Nov 2026 - 11 Dec 2026
Fri
18:30-21:00
5 weeks
£225.00
05 Dec 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
£110.00
08 Jan 2027 - 05 Feb 2027
Fri
18:45-21:15
5 weeks
£225.00
10 Feb 2027 - 10 Mar 2027
Wed
18:15-20:45
5 weeks
£225.00
06 Mar 2027
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
£110.00
20 May 2027 - 17 Jun 2027
Thu
18:45-21:15
5 weeks
£225.00
02
Sep
02 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2026
£225.00
Day:Wed
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:5 weeks
31
Oct
31 Oct 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
13
Nov
13 Nov 2026 - 11 Dec 2026
£225.00
Day:Fri
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:5 weeks
Tutor: Tim Sanders
05
Dec
05 Dec 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
08
Jan
08 Jan 2027 - 05 Feb 2027
£225.00
Day:Fri
Time:18:45-21:15
Duration:5 weeks
10
Feb
10 Feb 2027 - 10 Mar 2027
£225.00
Day:Wed
Time:18:15-20:45
Duration:5 weeks
06
Mar
06 Mar 2027
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
20
May
20 May 2027 - 17 Jun 2027
£225.00
Day:Thu
Time:18:45-21:15
Duration:5 weeks

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.

City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
Closest Station: Farringdon
Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden
Dominic Kennedy
Dominic Kennedy
Tim Sanders
Tim Sanders
Khaoula Karaweigh
Khaoula Karaweigh
City Academy Art Tutors
City Academy Art Tutors

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