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
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Jennifer said: Tutor Elinor chose excellent locations for her teaching and our learning. She demonstrated numerous techniques that we could practise straight away and gave us plenty of individual assistance as well. Her genuine encouragement and positive specific feedback helped to build my confidence. The materials list was most helpful.
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Theresa said: 5 stars
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Nicole said: Ellie was a great teacher, suporting beginners like me and guided experienced artists with skill. She's instilled a passion for sketching in me. She gave useful tips about so many aspects of drawing. It was only a short two half days, but I learnt so much. So worth it.
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Craig said: Really enjoyed. Elenor is a lovely lady and really hands on, helpful and very insightful. Thank you!
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Margaux said: 5 stars!
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.
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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
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