Illustrating people and places
Learn how to document and sketch from life in different locations and then develop artwork into compelling illustrations that are full of life.
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: 21 Sep 2025End Date: 05 Oct 2025Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 3 sessions (over -3 weeks)Course Code: VZ437Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
- Start Date: 05 Nov 2025End Date: 03 Dec 2025Wed (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00In PersonFull fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
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.
What is the course about?
On this course, you will engage in both off-site visits and studio workshops. 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.
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 jumping off point.
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.
For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.
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.