Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit in both studio classes and off-site visits. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
On this course, you will engage in both off-site visits and studio classes. You will also work from reference images of people and places in the studio and think about how you can utilise them in different ways. You will learn how to document and sketch from life in different locations and then develop artwork into compelling illustrations that are full of life.
Observational drawing is great for both practicing drawing and coming up with imaginative ideas and developing your own unique style as an illustrator. If you want to improve on your skills with drawing people and/or backgrounds; come up with starting points for books, portfolio pieces or art prints to sell; or develop your unique voice as an artist, this hands-on course will be a great starting point.
The studio classes in this course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.
What will we cover?
tips and tricks for drawing on location
drawing people in dynamic poses
different ways to draw buildings (interiors and exteriors)
a wide range of wet and dry media, including collage.
basic rules of drawing perspective
experimental drawing exercises to use outside of class.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
gain confidence in drawing on location
draw people from life and references in an array of different poses.
capture a sense of place and space through your illustrations.
create illustrated scenes that combine both people and places.
use a range of media.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is ideal for those with experience in drawing, however all levels are welcome.
English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be delivered through:
presentations
demonstrations
practical work
individual and group tutoring
group discussions
Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend looking at our range of programmes in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.
For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.
Soph Wolfson is an illustrator, animator and educator with a love for visual storytelling. They have produced comics, infographics and illustrations for clients like The Guardian, Vice and Yale University Press. They also produce their own zines and graphic novels. Soph has a background in medical art and has frequently collaborated with scientists to tell visual stories about their work. They also run regular life drawing workshops and love to incorporate observational drawing into the process of creating imaginative and expressive artwork.
Lucia Vinti is an illustrator and creative who makes work about people, places, food and culture. She has created illustrations for the National Portrait Gallery, Gail's, TATE Britain and the Washington Post. She also illustrates and writes non fiction childrens books and is the illustrator of Chews Your Own Tasty Adventure, published by Faber and the author/illustrator of The Looking Book. Lucia's illustrations are playful and expressive and she combines digital and physical techniques to create her artwork. As well as teaching at City Lit, Lucia runs creative workshops for all ages and has worked at the Young V&A, University of Brighton and Design Museum as well as running her own workshops and drawing classes.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/illustrating-people-and-places1178278Illustrating people and placeshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/l/illustrating-people-places-vz437_1.jpg259259GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Illustration/Courses/Art & design/Graphic design & illustration/Courses/vm/Make Art You're Proud Of22851132114911631374412285113211631653<p>Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit in both studio classes and off-site visits. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work. </p>003030301Illustrating people and places259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/l/illustrating-people-places-vz437_1_6.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-11-04T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceNov 2026Art & designVZ252259259Illustrating people and places207168259Lucia Vintiillustrating-people-and-places/vz252-2627<p>Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit in both studio classes and off-site visits. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work. </p>0000-Available|2026-11-04 00:00:00<p>On this course, you will engage in both off-site visits and studio classes. You will also work from reference images of people and places in the studio and think about how you can utilise them in different ways. You will learn how to document and sketch from life in different locations and then develop artwork into compelling illustrations that are full of life.</p><p>Observational drawing is great for both practicing drawing and coming up with imaginative ideas and developing your own unique style as an illustrator. If you want to improve on your skills with drawing people and/or backgrounds; come up with starting points for books, portfolio pieces or art prints to sell; or develop your unique voice as an artist, this hands-on course will be a great starting point. </p><p>The studio classes in this course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit in both studio classes and off-site visits. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work. </p><ul><li>tips and tricks for drawing on location </li><li>drawing people in dynamic poses </li><li>different ways to draw buildings (interiors and exteriors)</li><li>a wide range of wet and dry media, including collage. </li><li>basic rules of drawing perspective </li><li>experimental drawing exercises to use outside of class.</li></ul><ul><li>gain confidence in drawing on location</li><li>draw people from life and references in an array of different poses. </li><li>capture a sense of place and space through your illustrations. </li><li>create illustrated scenes that combine both people and places. </li><li>use a range of media.</li></ul><p>This course is ideal for those with experience in drawing, however all levels are welcome.</p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em></p><p>The course will be delivered through:</p><ul><li>presentations</li><li>demonstrations</li><li>practical work</li><li>individual and group tutoring</li><li>group discussions</li></ul><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.<br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our range of programmes in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.</p><p><a href="http://citylit.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationvirtual3030325Illustrating people and places259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/l/illustrating-people-places-vz437_1_5.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-09-20T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceSep 2026Art & designVZ437259259Illustrating people and places207168259Sophie Wolfsonillustrating-people-and-places/vz437-2627<p>Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit in both studio classes and off-site visits. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work. </p>0000-Available|2026-09-20 00:00:00<p>On this course, you will engage in both off-site visits and studio classes. You will also work from reference images of people and places in the studio and think about how you can utilise them in different ways. You will learn how to document and sketch from life in different locations and then develop artwork into compelling illustrations that are full of life.</p><p>Observational drawing is great for both practicing drawing and coming up with imaginative ideas and developing your own unique style as an illustrator. If you want to improve on your skills with drawing people and/or backgrounds; come up with starting points for books, portfolio pieces or art prints to sell; or develop your unique voice as an artist, this hands-on course will be a great starting point. </p><p>The studio classes in this course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit in both studio classes and off-site visits. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work. </p><ul><li>tips and tricks for drawing on location </li><li>drawing people in dynamic poses </li><li>different ways to draw buildings (interiors and exteriors)</li><li>a wide range of wet and dry media, including collage. </li><li>basic rules of drawing perspective </li><li>experimental drawing exercises to use outside of class.</li></ul><ul><li>gain confidence in drawing on location</li><li>draw people from life and references in an array of different poses. </li><li>capture a sense of place and space through your illustrations. </li><li>create illustrated scenes that combine both people and places. </li><li>use a range of media.</li></ul><p>This course is ideal for those with experience in drawing, however all levels are welcome.</p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em></p><p>The course will be delivered through:</p><ul><li>presentations</li><li>demonstrations</li><li>practical work</li><li>individual and group tutoring</li><li>group discussions</li></ul><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.<br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our range of programmes in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.</p><p><a href="http://citylit.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationvirtual3068173Illustrating people and places279279https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/l/illustrating-people-places-vz437_1_7.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2027-03-08T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceMar 2027Art & designVZ153279279Illustrating people and places223181279Lucia Vintiillustrating-people-and-places/vz153-2627<p>Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit in both studio classes and off-site visits. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work. </p>0000-Available|2027-03-08 00:00:00<p>On this course, you will engage in both off-site visits and studio classes. You will also work from reference images of people and places in the studio and think about how you can utilise them in different ways. You will learn how to document and sketch from life in different locations and then develop artwork into compelling illustrations that are full of life.</p><p>Observational drawing is great for both practicing drawing and coming up with imaginative ideas and developing your own unique style as an illustrator. If you want to improve on your skills with drawing people and/or backgrounds; come up with starting points for books, portfolio pieces or art prints to sell; or develop your unique voice as an artist, this hands-on course will be a great starting point. </p><p>The studio classes in this course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit in both studio classes and off-site visits. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work. </p><ul><li>tips and tricks for drawing on location </li><li>drawing people in dynamic poses </li><li>different ways to draw buildings (interiors and exteriors)</li><li>a wide range of wet and dry media, including collage. </li><li>basic rules of drawing perspective </li><li>experimental drawing exercises to use outside of class.</li></ul><ul><li>gain confidence in drawing on location</li><li>draw people from life and references in an array of different poses. </li><li>capture a sense of place and space through your illustrations. </li><li>create illustrated scenes that combine both people and places. </li><li>use a range of media.</li></ul><p>This course is ideal for those with experience in drawing, however all levels are welcome.</p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em></p><p>The course will be delivered through:</p><ul><li>presentations</li><li>demonstrations</li><li>practical work</li><li>individual and group tutoring</li><li>group discussions</li></ul><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.<br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our range of programmes in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.</p><p><a href="http://citylit.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationvirtual3068203Illustrating people and places259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/l/illustrating-people-places-vz437_1_8.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-05-06T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceMay 2027Art & designVZ343259259Illustrating people and places207168259Lucia Vintiillustrating-people-and-places/vz343-2627<p>Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit in both studio classes and off-site visits. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work. </p>0000-Available|2027-05-06 00:00:00<p>On this course, you will engage in both off-site visits and studio classes. You will also work from reference images of people and places in the studio and think about how you can utilise them in different ways. You will learn how to document and sketch from life in different locations and then develop artwork into compelling illustrations that are full of life.</p><p>Observational drawing is great for both practicing drawing and coming up with imaginative ideas and developing your own unique style as an illustrator. If you want to improve on your skills with drawing people and/or backgrounds; come up with starting points for books, portfolio pieces or art prints to sell; or develop your unique voice as an artist, this hands-on course will be a great starting point. </p><p>The studio classes in this course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit in both studio classes and off-site visits. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work. </p><ul><li>tips and tricks for drawing on location </li><li>drawing people in dynamic poses </li><li>different ways to draw buildings (interiors and exteriors)</li><li>a wide range of wet and dry media, including collage. </li><li>basic rules of drawing perspective </li><li>experimental drawing exercises to use outside of class.</li></ul><ul><li>gain confidence in drawing on location</li><li>draw people from life and references in an array of different poses. </li><li>capture a sense of place and space through your illustrations. </li><li>create illustrated scenes that combine both people and places. </li><li>use a range of media.</li></ul><p>This course is ideal for those with experience in drawing, however all levels are welcome.</p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em></p><p>The course will be delivered through:</p><ul><li>presentations</li><li>demonstrations</li><li>practical work</li><li>individual and group tutoring</li><li>group discussions</li></ul><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.<br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our range of programmes in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.</p><p><a href="http://citylit.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationvirtual207,223259,279168,181VZ252,VZ437,VZ153,VZ343NONEWed,Sun,Mon,Thu20/09/26 - 04/10/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:303 sessions (over 3 weeks)35-10 weeks,1 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekday,WeekendKSKeeley StreetLucia Vinti,Sophie WolfsonBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-11-04T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-20T00:00:00+00:00,2027-03-08T00:00:00+00:00,2027-05-06T00:00:00+00:00Nov 2026,Sep 2026,Mar 2027,May 2027Art & design259259,279Illustrating people and placesillustrating-people-and-places/vz252-2627,illustrating-people-and-places/vz437-2627,illustrating-people-and-places/vz153-2627,illustrating-people-and-places/vz343-2627<p>Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit in both studio classes and off-site visits. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work. </p>0000-Available|2026-09-20 00:00:00<p>On this course, you will engage in both off-site visits and studio classes. You will also work from reference images of people and places in the studio and think about how you can utilise them in different ways. You will learn how to document and sketch from life in different locations and then develop artwork into compelling illustrations that are full of life.</p><p>Observational drawing is great for both practicing drawing and coming up with imaginative ideas and developing your own unique style as an illustrator. If you want to improve on your skills with drawing people and/or backgrounds; come up with starting points for books, portfolio pieces or art prints to sell; or develop your unique voice as an artist, this hands-on course will be a great starting point. </p><p>The studio classes in this course will be taught in our dedicated Visual Communication studio which is equipped with macs and scanners, a range of Adobe software, drawing tablets, printers and a vast range of drawing and painting materials.<br> </p><p>Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit in both studio classes and off-site visits. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work. </p><ul><li>tips and tricks for drawing on location </li><li>drawing people in dynamic poses </li><li>different ways to draw buildings (interiors and exteriors)</li><li>a wide range of wet and dry media, including collage. </li><li>basic rules of drawing perspective </li><li>experimental drawing exercises to use outside of class.</li></ul><ul><li>gain confidence in drawing on location</li><li>draw people from life and references in an array of different poses. </li><li>capture a sense of place and space through your illustrations. </li><li>create illustrated scenes that combine both people and places. </li><li>use a range of media.</li></ul><p>This course is ideal for those with experience in drawing, however all levels are welcome.</p><p><em>English-language competency is required: you should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You will be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.</em></p><p>The course will be delivered through:</p><ul><li>presentations</li><li>demonstrations</li><li>practical work</li><li>individual and group tutoring</li><li>group discussions</li></ul><p><em>Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.</em></p><p>At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.<br> </p><p>We recommend looking at our range of programmes in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.</p><p>For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.</p><p><a href="http://citylit.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.citylit.ac.uk</a><br> </p>Graphic design & illustrationIllustrationconfigurable
