A sketchbook is a great place to try things out, make mistakes and take risks - all in the nature of experimentation. An introduction to exploring creative mixed-media, drawing and mark-making techniques with confidence which can build personal ideas for further development. Suitable for beginners as well as those with some previous drawing experience who would like to start using a sketchbook.
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.
Looking at artist’s work and developing personal themes you will experiment with materials, processes and image-making in an expressive and creative way.
An introduction to the use of the sketchbook as a visual journal of your experiences, interests and visual experiments using drawing and mixed media including collage. You will explore ways of recording and developing ideas and experiment with composition: this will involve drawing and using a variety of materials. You will be encouraged to discover and pursue your personal means of expression, informed by looking at artist’s work and developing personal themes.
What will we cover?
visual language and the implications of composition
the generation of personal themes
mark-making and creating surfaces for collage
experimental drawing using line, tone, texture, colour
mixed media and collage
how artists have produced exploratory work in sketchbooks
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
increased confidence to experiment with materials and techniques in a sketchbook
explore mark-making as a personal means of expression
experiment with experimental drawing techniques
work with mixed-media combining drawing, painting and collage
create individual themes
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is for all levels. Beginners are welcome. Bring an open mind.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Demonstration, group discussions, practical work, one to one tuition.
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?
Please bring an A4 sketchbook for the course. Book bound or spiral, portrait or landscape format with good quality cartridge paper is most appropriate.
All basic art materials will be supplied, the tutor will advise regarding other media and materials that you might want to bring.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Contemporary drawing sketchbook
Large scale sketchbook
Contemporary sketchbook mixed media projects
Draw, Paint, Print
'Sketching at the Museum' off-site one day courses
Ruth has taught drawing, painting and mixed media for more than 30 years, at many levels including Further, Higher and Adult Education, all over the country, including Manchester, Birmingham and London. She studied Fine Art at Liverpool and Birmingham Universities and has exhibited diversely, including the Royal Academy in London. As an artist and educator she has an eclectic mix of skills and interests. Drawing is pivotal. Mixed media has become a central focus over the years and her practice has developed towards the interface between Fine Art and Textiles where elements of painting, relief and experimental textiles meet. Coming from a background of accomplished artists and educators’ she has spent many years developing values in educational practice and enabling students to access their own creative potential.
Stephanie ConwaySee moreSee less
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
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/the-sketchbook-as-a-creative-tool3059692The sketchbook as a creative toolhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/k/ak-contemp-draw-sketchbook-image5_1_1.jpg329329GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Drawing/Courses/Art & design/Drawing/Sketchbooks & location drawing22851132114811511228511321148A sketchbook is a great place to try things out, make mistakes and take risks - all in the nature of experimentation. An introduction to exploring creative mixed-media, drawing and mark-making techniques with confidence which can build personal ideas for further development.<br>Suitable for beginners as well as those with some previous drawing experience who would like to start using a sketchbook.003059686The sketchbook as a creative tool329329https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/k/ak-contemp-draw-sketchbook-image5_1.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-06T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Art & designVH216329329The sketchbook as a creative tool263214329the-sketchbook-as-a-creative-tool/vh216-2627A sketchbook is a great place to try things out, make mistakes and take risks - all in the nature of experimentation. An introduction to exploring creative mixed-media, drawing and mark-making techniques with confidence which can build personal ideas for further development.<br>Suitable for beginners as well as those with some previous drawing experience who would like to start using a sketchbook.0000-Available|2026-10-06 00:00:00Looking at artist’s work and developing personal themes you will experiment with materials, processes and image-making in an expressive and creative way. <br><br>An introduction to the use of the sketchbook as a visual journal of your experiences, interests and visual experiments using drawing and mixed media including collage. You will explore ways of recording and developing ideas and experiment with composition: this will involve drawing and using a variety of materials. You will be encouraged to discover and pursue your personal means of expression, informed by looking at artist’s work and developing personal themes.A sketchbook is a great place to try things out, make mistakes and take risks - all in the nature of experimentation. An introduction to exploring creative mixed-media, drawing and mark-making techniques with confidence which can build personal ideas for further development.<br>Suitable for beginners as well as those with some previous drawing experience who would like to start using a sketchbook.<ul><li>visual language and the implications of composition</li><li>the generation of personal themes</li><li>mark-making and creating surfaces for collage</li><li>experimental drawing using line, tone, texture, colour</li><li>mixed media and collage</li><li>how artists have produced exploratory work in sketchbooks</li></ul><ul><li>increased confidence to experiment with materials and techniques in a sketchbook</li><li>explore mark-making as a personal means of expression</li><li>experiment with experimental drawing techniques</li><li>work with mixed-media combining drawing, painting and collage</li><li>create individual themes</li></ul><p>The course is for all levels. Beginners are welcome. Bring an open mind.</p><p>Demonstration, group discussions, practical work, one to one tuition.</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 bring an A4 sketchbook for the course. Book bound or spiral, portrait or landscape format with good quality cartridge paper is most appropriate.</p><p>All basic art materials will be supplied, the tutor will advise regarding other media and materials that you might want to bring.</p><p>Contemporary drawing sketchbook</p><p>Large scale sketchbook</p><p>Contemporary sketchbook mixed media projects</p><p>Draw, Paint, Print</p><p>'Sketching at the Museum' off-site one day courses</p><p>Artist's Sketchbook Walk</p>DrawingSketchbooks & location drawingvirtual3067828The sketchbook as a creative tool309309https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/k/ak-contemp-draw-sketchbook-image5_1_1_2.jpgInStockEveningMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-05-10T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceMay 2027Art & designVH859309309The sketchbook as a creative tool247201309Stephanie Conwaythe-sketchbook-as-a-creative-tool/vh859-2627A sketchbook is a great place to try things out, make mistakes and take risks - all in the nature of experimentation. An introduction to exploring creative mixed-media, drawing and mark-making techniques with confidence which can build personal ideas for further development.<br>Suitable for beginners as well as those with some previous drawing experience who would like to start using a sketchbook.0000-Available|2027-05-10 00:00:00Looking at artist’s work and developing personal themes you will experiment with materials, processes and image-making in an expressive and creative way. <br><br>An introduction to the use of the sketchbook as a visual journal of your experiences, interests and visual experiments using drawing and mixed media including collage. You will explore ways of recording and developing ideas and experiment with composition: this will involve drawing and using a variety of materials. You will be encouraged to discover and pursue your personal means of expression, informed by looking at artist’s work and developing personal themes.A sketchbook is a great place to try things out, make mistakes and take risks - all in the nature of experimentation. An introduction to exploring creative mixed-media, drawing and mark-making techniques with confidence which can build personal ideas for further development.<br>Suitable for beginners as well as those with some previous drawing experience who would like to start using a sketchbook.<ul><li>visual language and the implications of composition</li><li>the generation of personal themes</li><li>mark-making and creating surfaces for collage</li><li>experimental drawing using line, tone, texture, colour</li><li>mixed media and collage</li><li>how artists have produced exploratory work in sketchbooks</li></ul><ul><li>increased confidence to experiment with materials and techniques in a sketchbook</li><li>explore mark-making as a personal means of expression</li><li>experiment with experimental drawing techniques</li><li>work with mixed-media combining drawing, painting and collage</li><li>create individual themes</li></ul><p>The course is for all levels. Beginners are welcome. Bring an open mind.</p><p>Demonstration, group discussions, practical work, one to one tuition.</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 bring an A4 sketchbook for the course. Book bound or spiral, portrait or landscape format with good quality cartridge paper is most appropriate.</p><p>All basic art materials will be supplied, the tutor will advise regarding other media and materials that you might want to bring.</p><p>Contemporary drawing sketchbook</p><p>Large scale sketchbook</p><p>Contemporary sketchbook mixed media projects</p><p>Draw, Paint, Print</p><p>'Sketching at the Museum' off-site one day courses</p><p>Artist's Sketchbook Walk</p>DrawingSketchbooks & location drawingvirtual3067831The sketchbook as a creative tool309309https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/k/ak-contemp-draw-sketchbook-image5_1_1_1.jpgInStockEveningMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-25T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2027Art & designVH957309309The sketchbook as a creative tool247201309Ruth Brisonthe-sketchbook-as-a-creative-tool/vh957-2627A sketchbook is a great place to try things out, make mistakes and take risks - all in the nature of experimentation. An introduction to exploring creative mixed-media, drawing and mark-making techniques with confidence which can build personal ideas for further development.<br>Suitable for beginners as well as those with some previous drawing experience who would like to start using a sketchbook.0000-Available|2027-01-25 00:00:00Looking at artist’s work and developing personal themes you will experiment with materials, processes and image-making in an expressive and creative way. <br><br>An introduction to the use of the sketchbook as a visual journal of your experiences, interests and visual experiments using drawing and mixed media including collage. You will explore ways of recording and developing ideas and experiment with composition: this will involve drawing and using a variety of materials. You will be encouraged to discover and pursue your personal means of expression, informed by looking at artist’s work and developing personal themes.A sketchbook is a great place to try things out, make mistakes and take risks - all in the nature of experimentation. An introduction to exploring creative mixed-media, drawing and mark-making techniques with confidence which can build personal ideas for further development.<br>Suitable for beginners as well as those with some previous drawing experience who would like to start using a sketchbook.<ul><li>visual language and the implications of composition</li><li>the generation of personal themes</li><li>mark-making and creating surfaces for collage</li><li>experimental drawing using line, tone, texture, colour</li><li>mixed media and collage</li><li>how artists have produced exploratory work in sketchbooks</li></ul><ul><li>increased confidence to experiment with materials and techniques in a sketchbook</li><li>explore mark-making as a personal means of expression</li><li>experiment with experimental drawing techniques</li><li>work with mixed-media combining drawing, painting and collage</li><li>create individual themes</li></ul><p>The course is for all levels. Beginners are welcome. Bring an open mind.</p><p>Demonstration, group discussions, practical work, one to one tuition.</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 bring an A4 sketchbook for the course. Book bound or spiral, portrait or landscape format with good quality cartridge paper is most appropriate.</p><p>All basic art materials will be supplied, the tutor will advise regarding other media and materials that you might want to bring.</p><p>Contemporary drawing sketchbook</p><p>Large scale sketchbook</p><p>Contemporary sketchbook mixed media projects</p><p>Draw, Paint, Print</p><p>'Sketching at the Museum' off-site one day courses</p><p>Artist's Sketchbook Walk</p>DrawingSketchbooks & location drawingvirtual263,247329,309214,201VH216,VH859,VH957NONETue,Mon06/10/26 - 10/11/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAvailable courses2026-10-06T00:00:00+00:00,2027-05-10T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-25T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026,May 2027,Jan 2027Art & design309329,309The sketchbook as a creative toolthe-sketchbook-as-a-creative-tool/vh216-2627,the-sketchbook-as-a-creative-tool/vh859-2627,the-sketchbook-as-a-creative-tool/vh957-2627A sketchbook is a great place to try things out, make mistakes and take risks - all in the nature of experimentation. An introduction to exploring creative mixed-media, drawing and mark-making techniques with confidence which can build personal ideas for further development.<br>Suitable for beginners as well as those with some previous drawing experience who would like to start using a sketchbook.0000-Available|2026-10-06 00:00:00Looking at artist’s work and developing personal themes you will experiment with materials, processes and image-making in an expressive and creative way. <br><br>An introduction to the use of the sketchbook as a visual journal of your experiences, interests and visual experiments using drawing and mixed media including collage. You will explore ways of recording and developing ideas and experiment with composition: this will involve drawing and using a variety of materials. You will be encouraged to discover and pursue your personal means of expression, informed by looking at artist’s work and developing personal themes.A sketchbook is a great place to try things out, make mistakes and take risks - all in the nature of experimentation. An introduction to exploring creative mixed-media, drawing and mark-making techniques with confidence which can build personal ideas for further development.<br>Suitable for beginners as well as those with some previous drawing experience who would like to start using a sketchbook.<ul><li>visual language and the implications of composition</li><li>the generation of personal themes</li><li>mark-making and creating surfaces for collage</li><li>experimental drawing using line, tone, texture, colour</li><li>mixed media and collage</li><li>how artists have produced exploratory work in sketchbooks</li></ul><ul><li>increased confidence to experiment with materials and techniques in a sketchbook</li><li>explore mark-making as a personal means of expression</li><li>experiment with experimental drawing techniques</li><li>work with mixed-media combining drawing, painting and collage</li><li>create individual themes</li></ul><p>The course is for all levels. Beginners are welcome. Bring an open mind.</p><p>Demonstration, group discussions, practical work, one to one tuition.</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 bring an A4 sketchbook for the course. Book bound or spiral, portrait or landscape format with good quality cartridge paper is most appropriate.</p><p>All basic art materials will be supplied, the tutor will advise regarding other media and materials that you might want to bring.</p><p>Contemporary drawing sketchbook</p><p>Large scale sketchbook</p><p>Contemporary sketchbook mixed media projects</p><p>Draw, Paint, Print</p><p>'Sketching at the Museum' off-site one day courses</p><p>Artist's Sketchbook Walk</p>DrawingSketchbooks & location drawingconfigurable
