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How to Draw - Improvers

How to Draw - Improvers

If you’ve already completed our How to Draw – Beginners or already feel comfortable with the fundamentals, this follow-on course is the perfect next step in your creative journey.

How to Draw – Improvers invites you to develop your skills further by exploring more advanced techniques, experimenting with a wider range of materials, and beginning to discover your own unique artistic style.

In a relaxed and supportive environment, you’ll build confidence in your abilities while learning to create drawings with greater depth, detail, and personal expression. Each session offers a calm space to unwind, experiment, and grow as an artist. No pressure, just progress.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE

Take your drawing beyond the basics, explore new materials and begin developing a more personal artistic style.

  • Build on your existing drawing skills in a relaxed, supportive setting
  • Learn how to draw with greater depth, detail and expression
  • Develop a stronger eye for observation and visual accuracy
  • Improve your confidence with proportion, composition and shading
  • Explore colour theory and colour mixing in your artwork
  • Experiment with a wider range of drawing materials
  • Begin discovering your own creative style and artistic voice
  • Use the course as a springboard into specialist drawing, painting or art classes
Observational Drawing

Learn to draw more accurately by focusing on what you see, helping you move beyond assumptions and sharpen your visual awareness.

Proportion and Guidelines

Improve your use of proportion, guidelines and grids to create drawings that feel more balanced and considered.

Dynamic Composition

Explore how to create stronger compositions, including how to set up and draw from still life with greater confidence.

Materials and Mark-Making

Experiment with charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, felt tip, pastels and aquarelles to expand your drawing toolkit.

Colour and Mixing

Explore basic colour theory and colour mixing, helping you bring more variety, mood and intention into your work.

Shading and Form

Learn how to use shading, tone and form to make your drawings appear more three-dimensional and expressive.

Classes Starting Soon

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
22 Aug 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
Tim Sanders
City Academy, Farringdon
£110.00
02 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2026
Wed
18:30-21:00
5 weeks
Dominic Kennedy
City Academy, Farringdon
£225.00
31 Oct 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
City Academy, Farringdon
£110.00
13 Nov 2026 - 11 Dec 2026
Fri
18:30-21:00
5 weeks
City Academy, Farringdon
£225.00
05 Dec 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
City Academy, Farringdon
£110.00
22
Aug
22 Aug 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Tim Sanders
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
02
Sep
02 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2026
£225.00
Day:Wed
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:5 weeks
Tutor: Dominic Kennedy
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
31
Oct
31 Oct 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
13
Nov
13 Nov 2026 - 11 Dec 2026
£225.00
Day:Fri
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:5 weeks
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
05
Dec
05 Dec 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon

Useful information

Do I need to have taken the beginners course?
Not necessarily. If you’re confident with the basics of drawing (line, tone, proportion, shading), you’re welcome to join. The course is ideal for those ready to explore more advanced techniques and materials.
What materials will I use?
You’ll work with a range of drawing media including charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, felt tips, soft pastels, and aquarelles (water-soluble colour pencils). Paper is provided, and you’ll even get to explore how different papers impact your results.
Do I need to bring anything?
All materials are provided, so you only need to bring yourself. Charcoal and pastel can get messy, so we recommend wearing washable clothes or bringing an apron. We have a few aprons available if you're coming straight from work.
Is this course suitable if I still feel unsure about my drawing?
Yes, this is a safe and supportive space to continue developing your skills, no matter your pace. You'll receive friendly feedback and guidance to help you move forward with confidence
What’s next after this course?

Depending on your interests, your tutor may recommend moving on to a themed or specialist course such as:

Drawing on Location
Still Life Drawing
Introduction to Painting

Want to learn more?

Continue your drawing journey with one of the courses below. Refine your technique, strengthen your observational skills and keep developing your creativity through new subjects and approaches.

Your Art Supplies

City Academy's art studio has everything you need to get creative.

All materials, including paper, brushes and other art supplies, will be provided.

BENEFITS OF ART CLASSES
Your Art Supplies

Browse Courses

You can filter Courses by month and tutor

Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking
22 Aug 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
Tim Sanders
City Academy, Farringdon
£110.00
02 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2026
Wed
18:30-21:00
5 weeks
Dominic Kennedy
City Academy, Farringdon
£225.00
31 Oct 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
City Academy, Farringdon
£110.00
13 Nov 2026 - 11 Dec 2026
Fri
18:30-21:00
5 weeks
City Academy, Farringdon
£225.00
05 Dec 2026
Sat
10:30-16:30
1 day
City Academy, Farringdon
£110.00
22
Aug
22 Aug 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Tutor: Tim Sanders
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
02
Sep
02 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2026
£225.00
Day:Wed
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:5 weeks
Tutor: Dominic Kennedy
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
31
Oct
31 Oct 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
13
Nov
13 Nov 2026 - 11 Dec 2026
£225.00
Day:Fri
Time:18:30-21:00
Duration:5 weeks
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon
05
Dec
05 Dec 2026
£110.00
Day:Sat
Time:10:30-16:30
Duration:1 day
Venue: City Academy, Farringdon

PAYMENT OPTIONS

You are welcome to join the course up to the second class.

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, 10 Herbal Hill, London EC1R 5EG.

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 places on the same course.

INDUSTRY TUTORS

City Academy tutors are experienced artists and performers that work in the industry. If your tutor's availability changes at short notice, our team will arrange for a suitable replacement and notify you in advance.

CANCELLATIONS POLICY

We offer a full refund or full credit of your original course 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.

(For more information please see our terms and conditions)

City Academy, Farringdon
City Academy, Farringdon
Closest Station: Farringdon
Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden

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.

Tim Sanders
Tim Sanders
Dominic Kennedy
Dominic Kennedy
City Academy Art Tutors
City Academy Art Tutors