Exploring the pleasure and challenge of sketchbooks; learn and improve your drawing skills and 'ways of seeing' and understanding, working from an exciting range of artworks in Tate modern.
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.
An introduction to sketching in different areas of Tate Modern. Drawing will be explored in its broadest sense by gathering information through image making, research and interpretation. Enjoy the challenge of expressing yourself in fresh ways through a personal response to the collection and in discussion with the group.
Learn about artists’ working practices and inspirations by directed research through some of the Tate’s curated displays including painting, sculpture, photography and digital art, installation and mixed-media. Explore a range of approaches with a variety of drawing media, using experimental mark-making, light and shadow and colour to interpret the works on display.
Meeting place will be at the top of the ramp just inside the Turbine Hall entrance. You will then be given a plan for the day by the tutor. Please be on time; the tutor can only wait max 15 mins for latecomers, if you are running late please contact Visual Arts.
The tutor will have your phone numbers in case they need to get in touch in an emergency.
What will we cover?
quick sketching
experimental mark-making
intuitive response
line, tone, pattern, texture
volume and form
scale and spatial relationships
inter-relationship of objects on display
sketching as research
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
start to sketch a range of objects and artifacts from observation
investigate different methods of drawing
interpret and reinterpret work in the collections
sketch with greater confidence in public space
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for you if you are a beginner or:
you want to learn more about how to sketch as research
you have not used a sketchbook before
you need more confidence looking at and understanding museum collections
you’d like to broaden your ideas of what drawing is
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will receive individual guidance and group discussion to enable you to develop your practical work in the sketchbook throughout the day, supported by a handout and itinerary.
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
Please note the Meeting place as above
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring an A5 or A4 hardbacked Sketchbook that preferably opens out flat and a selection of: Drawing pencils eg 2B, 4B, 6B, coloured pencils including white, a rubber and sharpener, a biro/fine liner and any other materials that you enjoy using and are portable, clean and easy to use in the gallery.
It is useful to have some coloured or tonal paper for use with any colour materials of your choice.
Please note: no wet materials, craft knives or scissors are allowed in the museum
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit runs a range of drawing and sketchbook courses eg Contemporary Sketchbook: mixed media projects as well as sketching at museums eg Tate Britain, National Gallery, V&A, British Museum - your tutor will discuss options for progression with you during this course.
Mario Lautier Vella is a cross-disciplinary, award-winning artist who began his art career at City Lit. After completing a number of short courses in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and textiles, Mario went on to do the two-year City Lit Fine Art course before going back to university to gain his Masters degree. Mario regularly exhibits in the UK and abroad and his work can be found in private collections around the world. Mario has enjoyed teaching at City Lit since 2011. For more info go to mariolautiervella.com
Steve WrightSee moreSee less
Steve is a London-based painter and art tutor. He has worked in adult education since 2012, developing a wide range of courses in drawing and painting that balance technical skills with an openness to individual ways of working. He is skilled at finding both strengths and areas to improve in a student’s work and in communicating this in a supportive way to individual learners. Steve studied Painting at Wimbledon School of Art and Newcastle University, completing his MA in 2001. His own painting practice informs his teaching and he likes to share some of his drawings, paintings and working methods with students. Steve’s work is included in several public and private collections and has featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions. www.stevewqrightart.com
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/sketching-at-tate-modern1178245Sketching at Tate Modernhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/h/vh066_sketching_at_tate_mod-1024.jpg9999GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Drawing/Courses/Art & design/Drawing/Sketchbooks & location drawing/Courses/vm/Courses to do around London2285113211481151167812285113211481653Exploring the pleasure and challenge of sketchbooks; learn and improve your drawing skills and 'ways of seeing' and understanding, working from an exciting range of artworks in Tate modern.003042712Sketching at Tate Modern9999https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/h/vh066_sketching_at_tate_mod-1024_4.jpgInStockDaytimeThuOff SiteAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-10-29T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Art & designVH0669999Sketching at Tate Modern999999Diane Martinsketching-at-tate-modern/vh066-2627Exploring the pleasure and challenge of sketchbooks; learn and improve your drawing skills and 'ways of seeing' and understanding, working from an exciting range of artworks in Tate modern.0000-Available|2026-10-29 00:00:00<p>An introduction to sketching in different areas of Tate Modern. Drawing will be explored in its broadest sense by gathering information through image making, research and interpretation. Enjoy the challenge of expressing yourself in fresh ways through a personal response to the collection and in discussion with the group.<br><br>Learn about artists’ working practices and inspirations by directed research through some of the Tate’s curated displays including painting, sculpture, photography and digital art, installation and mixed-media.<br>Explore a range of approaches with a variety of drawing media, using experimental mark-making, light and shadow and colour to interpret the works on display.<br><br>Meeting place will be at the top of the ramp just inside the Turbine Hall entrance. You will then be given a plan for the day by the tutor. Please be on time; the tutor can only wait max 15 mins for latecomers, if you are running late please contact Visual Arts.</p><p>The tutor will have your phone numbers in case they need to get in touch in an emergency.</p>Exploring the pleasure and challenge of sketchbooks; learn and improve your drawing skills and 'ways of seeing' and understanding, working from an exciting range of artworks in Tate modern.<ul><li>quick sketching</li><li>experimental mark-making</li><li>intuitive response</li><li>line, tone, pattern, texture</li><li>volume and form</li><li>scale and spatial relationships</li><li>inter-relationship of objects on display</li><li>sketching as research</li></ul><ul><li>start to sketch a range of objects and artifacts from observation</li><li>investigate different methods of drawing</li><li>interpret and reinterpret work in the collections</li><li>sketch with greater confidence in public space</li></ul><p>This course is for you if you are a beginner or:</p><ul><li>you want to learn more about how to sketch as research</li><li>you have not used a sketchbook before</li><li>you need more confidence looking at and understanding museum collections</li><li>you’d like to broaden your ideas of what drawing is</li></ul><p>You will receive individual guidance and group discussion to enable you to develop your practical work in the<br>sketchbook throughout the day, supported by a handout and itinerary.</p><p>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</p><p>Please note the Meeting place as above</p><p>Please bring an A5 or A4 hardbacked Sketchbook that preferably opens out flat and a selection of:<br>Drawing pencils eg 2B, 4B, 6B, coloured pencils including white, a rubber and sharpener, a biro/fine<br>liner and any other materials that you enjoy using and are portable, clean and easy to use in the gallery.</p><p>It is useful to have some coloured or tonal paper for use with any colour materials of your choice.</p><p>Please note: no wet materials, craft knives or scissors are allowed in the museum</p><p>City Lit runs a range of drawing and sketchbook courses eg Contemporary Sketchbook: mixed media projects as well as sketching at museums eg Tate Britain, National Gallery, V&A, British Museum - your tutor will discuss options for progression with you during this course. </p><p> </p>DrawingSketchbooks & location drawingvirtual3067618Sketching at Tate Modern9999https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/h/vh066_sketching_at_tate_mod-1024_5.jpgInStockDaytimeThuOff SiteAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2027-06-10T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2027Art & designVH0629999Sketching at Tate Modern999999Steve Wrightsketching-at-tate-modern/vh062-2627Exploring the pleasure and challenge of sketchbooks; learn and improve your drawing skills and 'ways of seeing' and understanding, working from an exciting range of artworks in Tate modern.0000-Available|2027-06-10 00:00:00<p>An introduction to sketching in different areas of Tate Modern. Drawing will be explored in its broadest sense by gathering information through image making, research and interpretation. Enjoy the challenge of expressing yourself in fresh ways through a personal response to the collection and in discussion with the group.<br><br>Learn about artists’ working practices and inspirations by directed research through some of the Tate’s curated displays including painting, sculpture, photography and digital art, installation and mixed-media.<br>Explore a range of approaches with a variety of drawing media, using experimental mark-making, light and shadow and colour to interpret the works on display.<br><br>Meeting place will be at the top of the ramp just inside the Turbine Hall entrance. You will then be given a plan for the day by the tutor. Please be on time; the tutor can only wait max 15 mins for latecomers, if you are running late please contact Visual Arts.</p><p>The tutor will have your phone numbers in case they need to get in touch in an emergency.</p>Exploring the pleasure and challenge of sketchbooks; learn and improve your drawing skills and 'ways of seeing' and understanding, working from an exciting range of artworks in Tate modern.<ul><li>quick sketching</li><li>experimental mark-making</li><li>intuitive response</li><li>line, tone, pattern, texture</li><li>volume and form</li><li>scale and spatial relationships</li><li>inter-relationship of objects on display</li><li>sketching as research</li></ul><ul><li>start to sketch a range of objects and artifacts from observation</li><li>investigate different methods of drawing</li><li>interpret and reinterpret work in the collections</li><li>sketch with greater confidence in public space</li></ul><p>This course is for you if you are a beginner or:</p><ul><li>you want to learn more about how to sketch as research</li><li>you have not used a sketchbook before</li><li>you need more confidence looking at and understanding museum collections</li><li>you’d like to broaden your ideas of what drawing is</li></ul><p>You will receive individual guidance and group discussion to enable you to develop your practical work in the<br>sketchbook throughout the day, supported by a handout and itinerary.</p><p>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</p><p>Please note the Meeting place as above</p><p>Please bring an A5 or A4 hardbacked Sketchbook that preferably opens out flat and a selection of:<br>Drawing pencils eg 2B, 4B, 6B, coloured pencils including white, a rubber and sharpener, a biro/fine<br>liner and any other materials that you enjoy using and are portable, clean and easy to use in the gallery.</p><p>It is useful to have some coloured or tonal paper for use with any colour materials of your choice.</p><p>Please note: no wet materials, craft knives or scissors are allowed in the museum</p><p>City Lit runs a range of drawing and sketchbook courses eg Contemporary Sketchbook: mixed media projects as well as sketching at museums eg Tate Britain, National Gallery, V&A, British Museum - your tutor will discuss options for progression with you during this course. </p><p> </p>DrawingSketchbooks & location drawingvirtual3067825Sketching at Tate Modern9999https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/h/vh066_sketching_at_tate_mod-1024_6.jpgInStockDaytimeFriOff SiteAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2027-03-19T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMar 2027Art & designVH7409999Sketching at Tate Modern999999Mario Lautier Vellasketching-at-tate-modern/vh740-2627Exploring the pleasure and challenge of sketchbooks; learn and improve your drawing skills and 'ways of seeing' and understanding, working from an exciting range of artworks in Tate modern.0000-Available|2027-03-19 00:00:00<p>An introduction to sketching in different areas of Tate Modern. Drawing will be explored in its broadest sense by gathering information through image making, research and interpretation. Enjoy the challenge of expressing yourself in fresh ways through a personal response to the collection and in discussion with the group.<br><br>Learn about artists’ working practices and inspirations by directed research through some of the Tate’s curated displays including painting, sculpture, photography and digital art, installation and mixed-media.<br>Explore a range of approaches with a variety of drawing media, using experimental mark-making, light and shadow and colour to interpret the works on display.<br><br>Meeting place will be at the top of the ramp just inside the Turbine Hall entrance. You will then be given a plan for the day by the tutor. Please be on time; the tutor can only wait max 15 mins for latecomers, if you are running late please contact Visual Arts.</p><p>The tutor will have your phone numbers in case they need to get in touch in an emergency.</p>Exploring the pleasure and challenge of sketchbooks; learn and improve your drawing skills and 'ways of seeing' and understanding, working from an exciting range of artworks in Tate modern.<ul><li>quick sketching</li><li>experimental mark-making</li><li>intuitive response</li><li>line, tone, pattern, texture</li><li>volume and form</li><li>scale and spatial relationships</li><li>inter-relationship of objects on display</li><li>sketching as research</li></ul><ul><li>start to sketch a range of objects and artifacts from observation</li><li>investigate different methods of drawing</li><li>interpret and reinterpret work in the collections</li><li>sketch with greater confidence in public space</li></ul><p>This course is for you if you are a beginner or:</p><ul><li>you want to learn more about how to sketch as research</li><li>you have not used a sketchbook before</li><li>you need more confidence looking at and understanding museum collections</li><li>you’d like to broaden your ideas of what drawing is</li></ul><p>You will receive individual guidance and group discussion to enable you to develop your practical work in the<br>sketchbook throughout the day, supported by a handout and itinerary.</p><p>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</p><p>Please note the Meeting place as above</p><p>Please bring an A5 or A4 hardbacked Sketchbook that preferably opens out flat and a selection of:<br>Drawing pencils eg 2B, 4B, 6B, coloured pencils including white, a rubber and sharpener, a biro/fine<br>liner and any other materials that you enjoy using and are portable, clean and easy to use in the gallery.</p><p>It is useful to have some coloured or tonal paper for use with any colour materials of your choice.</p><p>Please note: no wet materials, craft knives or scissors are allowed in the museum</p><p>City Lit runs a range of drawing and sketchbook courses eg Contemporary Sketchbook: mixed media projects as well as sketching at museums eg Tate Britain, National Gallery, V&A, British Museum - your tutor will discuss options for progression with you during this course. </p><p> </p>DrawingSketchbooks & location drawingvirtual999999VH066,VH062,VH740NONEThu,Fri29/10/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekdayOSOff SiteDiane Martin,Steve Wright,Mario Lautier VellaBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-10-29T00:00:00+00:00,2027-06-10T00:00:00+00:00,2027-03-19T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026,Jun 2027,Mar 2027Art & design9999Sketching at Tate Modernsketching-at-tate-modern/vh066-2627,sketching-at-tate-modern/vh062-2627,sketching-at-tate-modern/vh740-2627Exploring the pleasure and challenge of sketchbooks; learn and improve your drawing skills and 'ways of seeing' and understanding, working from an exciting range of artworks in Tate modern.0000-Available|2026-10-29 00:00:00<p>An introduction to sketching in different areas of Tate Modern. Drawing will be explored in its broadest sense by gathering information through image making, research and interpretation. Enjoy the challenge of expressing yourself in fresh ways through a personal response to the collection and in discussion with the group.<br><br>Learn about artists’ working practices and inspirations by directed research through some of the Tate’s curated displays including painting, sculpture, photography and digital art, installation and mixed-media.<br>Explore a range of approaches with a variety of drawing media, using experimental mark-making, light and shadow and colour to interpret the works on display.<br><br>Meeting place will be at the top of the ramp just inside the Turbine Hall entrance. You will then be given a plan for the day by the tutor. Please be on time; the tutor can only wait max 15 mins for latecomers, if you are running late please contact Visual Arts.</p><p>The tutor will have your phone numbers in case they need to get in touch in an emergency.</p>Exploring the pleasure and challenge of sketchbooks; learn and improve your drawing skills and 'ways of seeing' and understanding, working from an exciting range of artworks in Tate modern.<ul><li>quick sketching</li><li>experimental mark-making</li><li>intuitive response</li><li>line, tone, pattern, texture</li><li>volume and form</li><li>scale and spatial relationships</li><li>inter-relationship of objects on display</li><li>sketching as research</li></ul><ul><li>start to sketch a range of objects and artifacts from observation</li><li>investigate different methods of drawing</li><li>interpret and reinterpret work in the collections</li><li>sketch with greater confidence in public space</li></ul><p>This course is for you if you are a beginner or:</p><ul><li>you want to learn more about how to sketch as research</li><li>you have not used a sketchbook before</li><li>you need more confidence looking at and understanding museum collections</li><li>you’d like to broaden your ideas of what drawing is</li></ul><p>You will receive individual guidance and group discussion to enable you to develop your practical work in the<br>sketchbook throughout the day, supported by a handout and itinerary.</p><p>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</p><p>Please note the Meeting place as above</p><p>Please bring an A5 or A4 hardbacked Sketchbook that preferably opens out flat and a selection of:<br>Drawing pencils eg 2B, 4B, 6B, coloured pencils including white, a rubber and sharpener, a biro/fine<br>liner and any other materials that you enjoy using and are portable, clean and easy to use in the gallery.</p><p>It is useful to have some coloured or tonal paper for use with any colour materials of your choice.</p><p>Please note: no wet materials, craft knives or scissors are allowed in the museum</p><p>City Lit runs a range of drawing and sketchbook courses eg Contemporary Sketchbook: mixed media projects as well as sketching at museums eg Tate Britain, National Gallery, V&amp;A, British Museum - your tutor will discuss options for progression with you during this course. </p><p> </p>DrawingSketchbooks & location drawingconfigurable
