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 sketchbook and pencils to capture local street scenes, buildings, green spaces and skylines. You will learn how to observe, compose, simplify a complex scene, create a strong focus – and capture the mood.

Try it with just a single session - or come regularly to practise and improve your skills.

Learning outcomes

Outcomes will depend on your level of experience and drawing ability.

Beginners will be introduced to:

• Urban sketching as an art genre
• Fundamentals and techniques for simple perspective
• Tips and exercises to improve observation skills
• Using negative space in drawings
• The basics of framing, editing and simplifying scenes
• Exercises to rapidly capture scenes with immediacy
• The importance of capturing a sense of time and place.

More experienced urban sketchers will:

• Have the opportunity to practise and improve with feedback and guidance
• Have the opportunity to explore new media, such as watercolour wash
• Work on adding tonal value and colour, or incorporate figures into street sketches

Intended audience

Who is this urban sketching course for?

This urban sketching course is designed for all levels of drawing ability. Beginners are welcome.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

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
• Hat / sun protection

More experienced sketchers may like to also bring their favourite drawing materials, such as fine markers, coloured pencils, watercolours, etc

Additional information

Please note the following:

The class will go ahead in most weathers, with undercover/indoor destinations used if it rains. We will only cancel if the weather is particularly inclement.