Illustrating people and places

Be inspired by the people of London and the architecture and environments they inhabit. This course explores drawing people and places, providing you with ample opportunity to observe London life, situations and scenarios that will inspire your work. 

Choose a starting date

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.

  • Start Date: 16 Mar 2026
    End Date: 30 Mar 2026
    Last Spaces Left
    Mon (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
    Course Code: VZ153
    Tutors:  Lucia Vinti
    Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
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  • Start Date: 07 May 2026
    End Date: 11 Jun 2026
    Thu (Daytime): 14:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 5 sessions (over 6 weeks)
    Course Code: VZ343
    Tutors:  Lucia Vinti
    Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
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  • Start Date: 20 Sep 2026
    End Date: 04 Oct 2026
    Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
    Course Code: VZ437
    Tutors:  Sophie Wolfson
    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00
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  • Start Date: 04 Nov 2026
    End Date: 02 Dec 2026
    Wed (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
    Course Code: VZ252
    Tutors:  Lucia Vinti
    Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00
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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.

Book your place
In stock
SKU
236739
Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00

What is the course about?

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.

You should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may 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
     

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.

Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.

To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/
 

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.

www.citylit.ac.uk
 

Lucia Vinti Tutor Website See more See less
Sophie Wolfson See more See less

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.