Do you want to learn how to draw the world around you? Join Sydney Community College's urban sketching class and go on a creative journey with a professional artist as you learn how to draw realistic street scenes and beautiful buildings.
Visit cafes, parks and public spaces for inspiration and work with a small group over two Saturday sessions. You will learn how to observe, compose, simplify a complex scene and create a strong focus. With only a sketchbook, pencil, sharpener and eraser, you are set to go!
The first session starts in the classroom, where you will meet the group before walking to the chosen locations for a day of drawing outdoors. For the second session, the group will meet at a pre-agreed location, usually within walking distance of Sydney CBD.
What we'll cover over the two sessions:
- Urban sketching as an art form and movement
- The fundamentals of a simple single-point and two-point perspective
- Techniques for informal perspective using sighting and other observational tools
- Tips and exercises to improve your observation skills
- The fundamentals of using negative space in drawings
- Framing, ‘editing’, cropping and simplifying complex scenes
- Perspective and composition
- How to capture scenes rapidly and with immediacy
- The importance of capturing a sense of time and place
- Proportion, volume, light and shade
You will finish up this two-part course with some new sketches and most importantly, all the essential skills to continue drawing at home!
Please note:
- Depending on previous learnings, you might wish to use other media and add some colour to the drawing. Please discuss your choice with the tutor first for the best result.
- The course will go ahead in most weathers, with undercover/indoor destinations used if it rains. We will only cancel if the weather is particularly inclement.
This course is designed for all levels of drawing ability. Beginners welcome.
 
- A sketchbook full of new street drawings
- The drawing skills to continue this creative hobby
Please dress appropriately for the weather, wear walking shoes and bring:
- A4 or A5 sketchbook
- 2B and 4B pencils and sharpener
- Acrylic and kneadable erasers
- Water bottle, lunch/snacks
More experienced sketchers may like to also bring their favourite drawing materials, such as coloured pencils, markers, etc.
This class series runs over 2 consecutive sessions, which are 1 week apart.
This class is great for
individuals
and couples
as well as for
a team building activity, birthday, hens party or bucks party.
This would also be a
unique
gift for her,
gift for mum or
anniversary gift.
Elinor Pickard (your teacher)
adheres to COVID-19 government guidelines.