Course Overview
Teaching
Enjoy a balance of tuition in the studio with plenty of outdoor drawing on location in historical Ancoats. Urban sketching will vary from quickfire sketching techniques to having time for longer studies with a focus on drawing in pencil and pen + watercolour wash.
All images are students work completed on the course
Student Review
“A great introduction to urban sketching. Covers various techniques and gives plenty of practical experience and techniques for sketching, which I can apply in the future. [My course highlight was] being challenged to do sketches I didn’t think I could do. Thanks for a great weekend.” Ged F
Course Structure
Location
Urban sketching locations are no more than 25 minutes walk from my studio.
We draw on location as much as possible. Inspiration comes from our studio location within a Grade 2* listed textile mill and the surroundings heritage buildings of Ancoats. Experience the exciting blend of history and new urban development that makes Ancoats the most sought after suburb in Manchester.
Manchester rain
On rainy days, we will draw in the studio from photos and explore a much wider range of expressive techniques suitable for using when drawing on location. Whether drawing outside or in the studio students will have a great urban sketching experience learning, drawing and being inspired – no matter what the Manchester weather brings!
Perspective + sketching principles
Session 1
Receive detailed instruction on 2-point perspective, supported with a practical drawing exercise in the studio. Students will receive further advice and guidance on adopting the right approach to drawing, composition, and other techniques to drawing accurate and convincing buildings.
Sketch convincing buildings
Session 2
Developing confidence in drawing accurate and convincing buildings is the central focus of urban sketchers and this session allows students to develop this skill. Students will learn about tone, shading and other techniques to help bring sketches alive.
Outdoor sketching confidence
Session 3
Students will be drawing outdoors as much as possible. There will be demonstrations of a variety of popular urban sketching techniques students will be able to use in their drawings. Students will gain the confidence to start transforming their sketches into striking and engaging artworks.
Creative urban sketching techniques
Session 4
Further creative techniques will be demonstrated, and students will have the opportunity to sketch other local buildings. Introducing colour is a new skill students will learn that will bring a new dimension to their sketches.
By the end of the course…
Students will go home feeling confident in their core urban sketching skills with a host of techniques they can use when drawing on site or at home.
Student Quotes
“Do it! No experience needed, fantastic tuition. Learn the basics to drawing in perspective and ho to get your drawing in proportion. The course more than met my expectations and [my course highlight was] drawing outside with a great group.” Corrine L
“Fun, supportive. Good to develop existing skills. Tones, shapes, perspective. How to just be creative.” Tracey
Linda Burgum (verified owner) –
Enjoyed the course, as I always do enjoy Brian’s courses. A perfect mixture of theory and practise, with lots of encouragement to pursue and develop further
Carolanne (verified owner) –
I had no prior experience of urban sketching before joining the course and had a wonderful time. I came away from the two days with a range of ideas, new skills, and, most importantly, the confidence to get sketching! I would highly recommend this course. Thank you, Brian!