Urban Sketching Ancoats – May 2023
“Great intro to urban sketching. Learned loads and lots of practice with composing pictures, measuring, shading and using watercolours.
Darren B
A fabulous weekend for drawing outdoors on location – spectacular Manchester weather meant we were able to make the most of outdoor sketching in the heart of historical Ancoats surrounded by historical buildings and the buzz of the city. I welcomed students from as far afield as London and Canada which is always enjoyable being able to share the history of our fabulous city.
Read further to find out what they thought of their experience urban sketching in Ancoats.
Student comments
“Enjoyable, relaxed pace – but covered a lot of ground with challenging exercises [such as the] importance of preliminary sketches, measuring, use of tone, and being very clear as to what is in and out of the picture [that’ll be editing and composition-Brian]. [My course highlights was the] exercises at the lock keepers cottage! [The course] has given me what I need to practice and motivated me to continue. Thank you Brian. You had a nice balance between pushing/challenging and letting us make our own choices.”
Paul A
“Thanks for a great weekend. A great introduction to urban sketching. Covers sketching techniques and gives plenty of practical experience. [My course highlight was] being challenged to do sketches I didn’t think I could do. The course met my expectations in that we learnt tonal techniques and had plenty of practice sketching.”
Ged F
“Do it! No experience needed, fantastic tuition. Learn the basics to draw buildings in perspective and how to get your drawings in proportion and how to properly observe. [My course highlight was] drawing outside with a great group. The course more than met my expectations.
Corrine L
“Great intro to urban sketching. Learned loads and lots of practice with composing pictures, measuring, shading and using watercolours. [My course highlight was] the practice outside. Could walk to closer locations if I was picky! [sorry, but the best buildings are in the heart of Ancoats and I promise no more than 20 or 25 minutes walk away which gives us the opportunity to talk about the local history and urban development – Brian].
Darren B
“Great and patient instructor, so helpful. [My course highlight was] sitting by the lock sketching the cottage in ink and watercolour. [The course] really helped me understand and practice [drawing] concepts.”
Student – anonymous
“I had a great time on the course. It was informal and there was encouragement from both the tutor and other participants. There was a good mix of in-studio and outdoor sketching. I really enjoyed being outdoors with other enthusiasts. Although I have sketched outdoors in the past I tended to find a corner to hide. I got the confidence to sit on a chair front and centre to get the best view of the subject and enjoy. A few passers-by came up which added to the experience. Brian was very much on hand to offer advice which really helped. I also learnt things I did not know I wanted/needed to learn.”
Mark H
