Landscape sketching weekend
On this course, you’ll learn basic techniques for landscape studies, in two different locations near to the City Lit.
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: 26 Jul 2025End Date: 27 Jul 2025Sat-Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £169.00 Senior fee £169.00 Concession £169.00
- Start Date: 25 Jul 2026End Date: 26 Jul 2026Sat-Sun (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £116.00
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?
An introduction to drawing on location using a sketchbook: with guidance on materials & methods for working outside effectively, and enjoyably, in both black & white and colour.
What will we cover?
- Properties of different drawing mediums- the qualities of different pencils, pastels and pens.
- Exploring light/shadow effects and types of mark-making.
- How to use a viewfinder to aid composition, and a brief introduction to perspective.
- Guidance on using colour and colour drawing media.
- Using a sketchbook for making different studies of your subject/s on location.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Start to draw landscapes using light/shade and proportion effectively.
- Use and explore three different drawing methods, based on observation.
- Achieve confidence to draw outside in a sketchbook.
- Gain skills for making an interesting composition.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for beginners to drawing, or for you if you:
- have not used a sketchbook before.
- want to extend your drawing skills.
- need more confidence drawing outside.
- want to try out different approaches to drawing.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Group discussion at the start, with some demonstration, and individual tutor guidance, will enable you to develop your sketchbook studies.
You will be encouraged to do some work outside of class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need to bring:
- an A5 or A4 hardback sketchbook
- if possible a folding lightweight stool
Some basic drawing materials are provided (pencils, pastels, pens), you can also bring any of your own preferred media. Your tutor will advise during the first session on any other materials (optional), but f you would like to sketch with paint then please bring a set of watercolours and brushes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Location drawing with a sketchbook can take you in many creative directions; at City Lit you might like to continue with: Ways into Landscape Painting, Drawing into Painting, Drawing into Watercolour Painting, Drawing: ink and wash techniques, Oil painting: techniques and mediums.
Luke Jones is a practising artist working in both 2D and 3D, he studied at Chelsea school of art and Norwich School of art (currently called NUA) He has always been fascinated by observational art both in 2D, drawing and painting mostly in oil paint and in sculpture, mostly working with clay modelling and simple casting processes Portraits and figures are the central subjects to most of my current output I’ve undertaken portrait commissions both in paintings and sculptures and I have also worked with theatre making sculptures for a stage play
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.