Drawing London: Cityscapes, Streets and Parks

This practical drawing course explores London through a range of observational drawing techniques and materials. Working across a variety of locations including the Tower Bridge, and London’s parks and streets in Chelsea, students will develop skills in composition, perspective, tonal drawing, and mark-making while responding directly to the city environment.

Throughout the course, students will experiment with charcoal, pencil, pen and ink, and silverpoint, gaining confidence in both traditional and contemporary approaches to urban sketching and observational drawing. Suitable for all levels, the course encourages personal exploration alongside structured technical guidance from the tutor.

Tutor: Natasha Lien (#SC22C26)

Key Information

  • Course Type: Holiday Course
  • Duration: 5 days
  • Days of Study: 20-24 July
  • Time: 10AM - 4PM
  • Fees: £450

Course Information

Drawing London: Cityscapes, Streets and Parks

Day 1 — Charcoal /Tone
Introduction to charcoal as a versatile and expressive drawing medium. Students will explore tonal drawing, scale, and mark-making through observational studies inspired by the architecture and environment.
Location: Meet outside the Army Museum, London

Day 2 — Pencil/ Measuring
Working in pencil, students will focus on line, texture, and observational accuracy. Exercises will explore mark-making techniques and ways of suggesting movement, space, and urban activity within the city environment.

Location: Meet at the BFI Riverside entrance for drawing along the Southbank.

Day 3— Structure and Perspective
This session will focus on perspective, proportion, and compositional structure within urban drawing. Students will examine how to organise complex architectural forms and create convincing spatial depth in their work.

Location: Meet at Tower Bridge (exact meeting point to be confirmed).

Day 4 — Pen and Ink
Students will be introduced to a range of artists working with pen and ink before experimenting with different approaches to line, contrast, and detail in their own observational drawings around the city.

Location: Holland Park

Day 5— Silverpoint Drawing
An introduction to the historic medium of silverpoint drawing. Students will experiment with specially prepared surfaces while developing delicate observational studies and exploring the unique qualities of this traditional technique.

Location: TBC

• A3 sketchbook
• B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B and 6B pencils
• Putty rubber
• Pencil sharpener
• Thin willow charcoal sticks
• Masking tape
• Lightweight folding stool (recommended)
• Suncream (weather permitting!)
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses

Optional Extras:

• Portable easel
• A2 foam board (a good lightweight alternative to a heavy drawing board; the tutor will have a small number of spares available)
• Sheets of Bockingford watercolour paper for charcoal drawing
• A2 plastic portfolio folder for carrying and protecting artwork (available from the Heatherley’s shop)

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for working outdoors and bring waterproofs if required.

Please note that when working on location, students should be prepared to be flexible depending on the weather and other circumstances. Alternative indoor and sheltered locations have been identified and will be used if necessary.

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