What you'll learn
Learn to draw street scenes that capture the energy of our urban environment with our drawing short courses in Sydney!
Urban Sketching is a course for people who want to draw the world around them. No prior drawing experience is required to join this urban sketching course.
Go on a journey with our professional artist to learn how to draw realistic street scenes and beautiful buildings. Visit cafes, parks and public spaces and work with a small group over two Saturdays. 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 our 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.
Optional: Depending on previous learning, 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.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this urban sketching course, you should have:
- An understanding of urban sketching as an art form and movement
- Been introduced to the fundamentals of a simple single-point and two-point perspective
- Learned techniques for informal perspective using sighting and other observational tools
- Explored tips and exercises to improve your observation skills
- Been introduced to the fundamentals of using negative space in drawings
- Improved your sketching through framing, ‘editing’, cropping and simplifying scenes
- Used exercises to capture scenes rapidly and with immediacy
- Understood the importance of capturing a sense of time and place.
More advanced learners may also have:
- Explored tonal value in the context of the built environment
- Explored ways of incorporating figures into your sketches.
Course content
What will be covered in this urban sketching course?
- Accurate observation
- Simplify a complex scene
- Perspective and composition
- Proportion, volume, light and shade
Intended audience
Who is this urban sketching course for?
This course is designed for all levels of drawing ability.
Course venue
2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd in the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)
Course materials
What to bring to class
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.
Additional information
Please note the following:
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.
Course testimonials
-
Theresa said: 5 stars
-
Pablo said: Ellie was exceptional, she shared her drawing passion with all of us in the most respectful and heartful way.
-
Jeff said: Learning by doing after some brief theory the teacher gave us freedom to sketch want we wanted. Elinor's insights and tuition were very helpful as she made her way around to see us individually
-
Matthew said: Ellie was great!
-
Pam said: Elinor is a wonderful tutor. She catered to the needs of students of varying levels and made the course both informative and enjoyable for all.
Course tutors
Elinor Pickard
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
Small classes
A personal approach means quality learning, so you can enjoy plenty of interaction with your instructor and the chance to ask questions.
Short & sweet
Our short courses & workshops get straight to the point, providing the skills you need with minimal commitment of your precious time.
Facilities & equipment
Our range of venues suit every type of course, are easy to get to, and have the equipment and tech needed to support your learning.
Easy, secure enrolment
Enrol online 24/7 with a safe, convenient 3-step process, and you can change your mind up to 7 days before class starts.
Quality instructors
Our educators bring first-hand experience and knowledge, with up-to-the-minute practices from diverse industries.
Business or pleasure
Our courses help you rapidly increase your skills and knowledge, for professional development or personal interest.
4.7 starsaverage rating on Google
1,400+courses to choose from
99%customer support rating
Classes Online Courses
<p>Learn to draw street scenes that capture the energy of our urban environment with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/visual-arts/drawing">drawing short courses</a> in
...<p>Learn to draw street scenes that capture the energy of our urban environment with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/visual-arts/drawing">drawing short courses</a> in
...If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Urban Sketching: Drawing Course
If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Urban Sketching: Drawing Course
Related courses
-
Digital Art Course for Beginners: Procreate
Learn how to draw and paint on your iPad using the Procreate app with our Graphic Design Courses in Sydney! With Procreate, you can unleash your creativity by turning your iPad into a digital art studio. Procreate provides the opportunity to draw or paint using your iPad using its brush and shapes options, using your Apple pencil in combination with hand gesture control. You can also import your existing hand-drawn sketches or photographs and transform them into digital artwork....
Learn more about Digital Art Course for Beginners: Procreate -
Drawing Course for Beginners
Learn to put pencil to paper with our drawing courses in Sydney! Anyone can learn how to draw and our Drawing Course for Beginners will show you how! If you're an absolute beginner - or a bit of a doodler who wants to sharpen your pencil skills - this Drawing Course is a great opportunity to learn with a small group in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Drawing skills are a fundamental building block of various forms of art such as illustration, fine art, or designs. Join this...
Learn more about Drawing Course for Beginners -
Drawing Workshop: Botanical Art
Learn to draw florals and foliage with our drawing short courses in Sydney! Capture the beauty of nature and learn the elegant art of drawing realistic flowers and plants in this Botanical Art Drawing workshop. No matter what your drawing experience is, this drawing class will help you step-by-step to gain the confidence and skills to draw flowers, vegetables, fruits, and other plants. Capture the colour, precision and detail of fruits, flowers, and foliage to realistically...
Learn more about Drawing Workshop: Botanical Art -
Drawing Workshop: Zentangle® Introduction
Learn the mindful art of Zentangle®️ with our drawing courses in Sydney! Say goodbye to stress and hello to artistic bliss! Join our Zentangle®️ workshop to embark on a journey of self-expression and mindfulness, tapping into the transformative power of this unique art form. Originating from the combination of "zen" and "tangle," Zentangle®️ isn't just about drawing—it's about discovering a whole new world of intricate patterns and designs that you can create with just a pen and...
Learn more about Drawing Workshop: Zentangle® Introduction -
Graphite Wash: Sketching Workshop
Broaden your skills and tonal expression with our Drawing Courses in Sydney! Elevate your artistic skills in this workshop led by watercolour artist Tony Belobrajdic, exploring the creation of studies and sketches using a combination of graphite and water wash. Through in-depth artist demonstrations and hands-on exercises, you'll learn the art of working with graphite sticks and pencils to craft a captivating black-and-white drawing. Witness the transformation of your creation into...
Learn more about Graphite Wash: Sketching Workshop -
Life Drawing Course for Beginners
Learn life drawing with our drawing short courses in Sydney! Life drawing is a great way to improve your drawing skills. It trains you to ‘see’ and react quickly to what’s in front of you, but there is also room for you to express your personal view of the subject. In this course, you will practice drawing the nude from life in a series of quick and long poses that allow you to record quickly and efficiently what you see and longer poses that allow you to really study the subject....
Learn more about Life Drawing Course for Beginners -
Life Drawing Course for Continuers
Expand on your life drawing skills with our drawing short courses in Sydney! If you have done the Beginners Life Drawing Course or have experience in life drawing this short course is about taking your life drawing skills to the next level. We will continue working with line, composition, tone, proportion, perspective, and form. However, you will also be introduced to new mediums and techniques. We will also do longer format drawings and include some props and fabric. You will walk...
Learn more about Life Drawing Course for Continuers -
Life Drawing Studio
Practice your life drawing skills with our drawing short courses in Sydney! Come and join this life drawing studio class to learn and practice how to draw the human body from life, investigating form, line, and expression through a variety of media and techniques. You will receive teaching and support from a practising artist, working with a professional life model to develop your drawing skills and better understand how to represent the human form in your artwork. Our life drawing...
Learn more about Life Drawing Studio -
Pastel Landscape Course
Learn to draw landscapes using pastels with our short art courses in Sydney! In this Pastel Landscape Course, you will learn to use colour grounds, broken strokes of pastel, and stumped blending techniques to depict both detailed objects and expansive vistas in your artwork. We will explore pastel techniques employed by French artists Eugène Delacroix, Jean-François Millet, and Edgar Degas, focusing on their methods for capturing small natural objects and broader landscapes. You...
Learn more about Pastel Landscape Course -
Perspective Drawing Workshop
Learn the principles of perspective drawing with our drawing short courses in Sydney! In this perspective drawing workshop, you will learn the process of how perspective works and how to translate it into your artwork. Understanding and applying the principles of perspective drawing is a crucial skill in various creative disciplines, including sketching, painting, technical drawing such as architecture and drafting, and urban design. Perspective drawing involves representing...
Learn more about Perspective Drawing Workshop -
Perspective Drawing Workshop
Learn the principles of perspective drawing with our drawing short courses in Sydney! In this perspective drawing workshop, you will learn the process of how perspective works and how to translate it into your artwork. Understanding and applying the principles of perspective drawing is a crucial skill in various creative disciplines, including sketching, painting, technical drawing such as architecture and drafting, and urban design. Perspective drawing involves representing...
Learn more about Perspective Drawing Workshop -
Portraiture Drawing Course with Life Models
Learn to draw and sketch with our drawing short courses in Sydney! The human face is endless in its variation and possibilities. When we look at each other, we see ourselves. We look, connect and understand. Artists have created portraits of bliss, anguish, hatred, hostility and happiness by representing the human head and this practice has continued through the many historical artistic movements. Whether you are drawing for the very first time or have some experience, this...
Learn more about Portraiture Drawing Course with Life Models -
Portraiture Drawing Studio
Learn to draw and sketch with our drawing short courses in Sydney! Come and join this portraiture drawing studio class to learn and practice how to draw the human face from life with its endless variation and possibilities. Each session a new life model will be in class so that you can continue to practise your portraiture drawing skills and expression through a variety of media and techniques. You will receive teaching and support from a practising artist, working with a...
Learn more about Portraiture Drawing Studio -
Urban Sketching Group
Learn how to capture the energy of street scenes and our urban environment with our drawing short courses in Sydney! Whether you’re an experienced urban sketcher or a drawing beginner, this regular meet-up class is an informal and low-cost way to learn and develop street sketching techniques. You will receive guidance and support from a practising artist tutor, as you spend a relaxing afternoon sketching the streets around Rozelle with a small, informal group. Step out with your...
Learn more about Urban Sketching Group -
Urban Sketching: Pen & Wash Course
Learn to sketch urban street scenes with this pen and wash drawing short courses in Sydney! Join a professional artist as you embark on a journey to explore the neighbourhood, capturing its vibrant seasonal surroundings, stunning urban scenes, and inviting public spaces in beautifully sketched compositions. Then, breathe life into your artwork with the rich tones and textures of watercolour wash. Throughout the course, you'll not only hone your outdoor urban sketching skills but...
Learn more about Urban Sketching: Pen & Wash Course
