Home›Art & Drawing›How to draw classes›Drawing on Location Drawing on Location BOOK NOW DETAILS BOOKING & TIMETABLE VENUES TUTORS Join us for a unique sketching experience that takes your drawing practice outside the studio and into the heart of London. Drawing on Location is a dynamic, practical course designed to help you observe and sketch your surroundings in real time – from historic architecture to busy city scenes full of movement and life. Perfect for improvers or those looking to loosen up their style, this course blends technical guidance with creative exploration. You’ll learn how to work quickly and confidently using ink, pencil, and watercolour to document the world around you, creating expressive, location-based drawings that are full of energy and atmosphere. Each session takes place at an iconic London spot, such as Covent Garden, South Bank, or Waterloo – offering the perfect inspiration for your sketchbook. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN In each hands-on session, you’ll explore key elements of urban sketching. You’ll learn how to: Sketch quickly and with confidence, capturing fast-changing urban scenes Simplify complex structures using perspective and basic shape breakdowns Draw people in motion using gesture drawing techniques Use line weight and shading to add depth and structure Work with colour through light watercolour washes and colour accents Capture light and shadow to create dramatic contrast Build a vibrant sketchbook full of expressive, real-world observations All materials are provided, including sketchbooks, pencils, pens, watercolours, and brushes. You’ll also receive one-to-one feedback from your tutor throughout the course. BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE Urban sketching is not just about drawing buildings — it’s about capturing energy, movement, and everyday moments with your own creative lens. Whether you’re a budding artist or an improver looking for a fresh challenge, this course helps you step outside the studio and into a world of spontaneous, location-based creativity. Gain confidence drawing in public in busy, real-world settings Develop faster, looser sketching techniques that help you work instinctively Explore a variety of materials like pen, pencil, watercolour and ink Train your observational skills for real-time drawing Capture movement and mood in urban scenes Leave with a sketchbook full of unique urban studies and new techniques you can use anywhere 🎭 CAPTURE SCENES AS THEY UNFOLD Learn how to sketch quickly and instinctively, responding to the pace and energy of real-life environments. 🎓 ADD DEPTH AND STRUCTURE Explore how variations in pressure and shading can give your sketches a stronger sense of dimension and form. ⚙️ BRING YOUR SKETCHES TO LIFE Add atmosphere and tone using loose watercolour washes and coloured pencil highlights that enrich your urban studies. 📋 CREATE CONTRAST AND MOOD Experiment with light sources and value to suggest time of day, depth, and dynamic contrast in your work. USEFUL INFORMATION Do I need to be an experienced artist to take this course? This course is ideal for anyone with a basic understanding of drawing who wants to improve their speed, confidence, and ability to work on location. If you've taken a beginner drawing course or have general sketching experience, you’ll be right at home. Do I need to bring my own materials? No, all materials are provided, including sketchbooks, pens, pencils, and watercolours. You're welcome to bring your own tools if you have favourites you prefer to use. Where do the sessions take place? We sketch on-site at various iconic London locations such as Covent Garden, the South Bank and Waterloo Station. You’ll receive details before each class. What if the weather is bad? We plan ahead for light weather changes, and most locations have covered or sheltered areas nearby. We recommend dressing appropriately and bringing a small umbrella or waterproof if the forecast is uncertain. Will we draw people too, or just buildings? You’ll practise both! The course includes gesture drawing and how to capture people in motion, as well as architectural sketching and composition. Can I take the course more than once? Yes, absolutely. Every course features different locations and challenges, so returning students will continue to build their skills and sketchbook in new ways. What’s next after this course? Once you’ve completed Drawing on Location, you may want to continue exploring your style or focus on a specific subject or technique. Great follow-on options include: Still Life Drawing Speed Drawing Drawing with Colour Self-Portrait: Exploring Identity Browse Courses You can filter Courses by month and tutor Month All Months Tutor All Tutors Khaoula KaraweighCity Academy Art Tutors Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking 04 Jul 2026 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day Khaoula Karaweigh Photoion Studio, Waterloo £89.00 Book Now 13 Sep 2026 Sun 10:30-16:30 1 day City Academy Art Tutors Photoion Studio, Waterloo £89.00 Book Now 17 Nov 2026 Tue 10:30-16:30 1 day City Academy Art Tutors Photoion Studio, Waterloo £89.00 Book Now 04 Jul 04 Jul 2026 £89.00 Day:Sat Time:10:30-16:30 Duration:1 day Tutor: Khaoula Karaweigh Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 13 Sep 13 Sep 2026 £89.00 Day:Sun Time:10:30-16:30 Duration:1 day Tutor: City Academy Art Tutors Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 17 Nov 17 Nov 2026 £89.00 Day:Tue Time:10:30-16:30 Duration:1 day Tutor: City Academy Art Tutors Venue: Photoion Studio, Waterloo BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE × Select your Entry Level: -Select- Leader Follower Book Now Close ADD ME TO THE WAITING LIST If you'd like to be added to the waiting list for 'Drawing on Location' fill in the form below and we will contact you if a space becomes available. First Name * Last Name * Email * Phone Number * PAYMENT OPTIONS ONLINE & PHONE PAYMENTS Online – To book your selected class/course online, just click Book Now next to your chosen class/course.Phone – We would be happy to take your booking over the phone, just call us on 020 7042 8833. CASH & CHEQUE PAYMENTS Cash - You are welcome to pay cash, just come and see us at our office: City Academy, 38 Rosebery Avenue, London, EC1R 4RNCheque - You can also pay by cheque by filling out this form (click here) and posting it to the address above. CANCELLATIONS POLICY We offer a full refund or full credit if you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of your booking.We cannot offer any refund if you cancel less than 72 hours before the start of your booking, or if you do not attend. Please note bookings are non-transferable after 72 hours.(For more information please see our terms and conditions) 10% DISCOUNT AVAILABLE If you book 2 or more different classes/courses at a time we can offer you a 10% discount. If you wish to take advantage of this offer please enter 2ORMORE in the promotional code box when booking online or quote code when booking over the phone. Please note that this offer cannot be applied when you are booking two or more of the same class/course. Photoion Studio, Waterloo Closest Station: Waterloo Closest Bus Stop: Imperial War Museum / Elephant & Castle / Newington Causeway View Details Get Directions All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class. Khaoula Karaweigh View Profile City Academy Art Tutors View Profile
