Discover the art of urban sketching in this immersive pen and wash course in Sydney. Guided by a professional artist, you’ll explore local streets and public spaces, capturing vibrant seasonal surroundings and dynamic urban scenes in beautifully sketched compositions.
Begin the session in the classroom before heading outdoors to carefully selected locations. Learn to translate what you see into confident line work, then bring your drawings to life using expressive watercolour washes that add depth, atmosphere and focal points.
Experiment with different sketching styles, strengthen your understanding of perspective, and develop your personal visual language. This highly portable art form is perfect for travel, visual journaling, or documenting your local neighbourhood with creativity and confidence.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply perspective and tonal value to urban environments.
- Use single and limited-palette washes to create depth and focus.
- Capture a sense of time, place and personal response in your sketches.
Course Content
- Observation and simplifying complex scenes
- Perspective and composition
- Proportion, volume, light and shade
Schedule & Pricing
- One-day workshop, 9:30am–3:30pm
- Fee: $199
- Multiple 2026 dates available (March & July)
Additional Information
- Course proceeds in most weather; undercover locations used if required.
- Enrol in two or more drawing courses to receive 15% off total fees.
Details
You will learn
- Strengthen perspective and composition skills
- Build confidence with watercolour wash techniques
- Develop expressive and confident line work
You will get
- Expert guidance from a professional artist
- Hands-on outdoor sketching experience
- Some coloured paints provided
Appropriate for
Students with some drawing experience seeking to develop urban sketching and watercolour wash techniques.
Preparation
What to bring
- Personal sketching and watercolour materials
- Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
- Water bottle, lunch or snacks
What to wear
Comfortable outdoor clothing and walking shoes
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
38 reviewsSydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
Have more questions about this class?
Tags:
Urban Sketching: Pen & Wash
Book soon! 49 people viewed this class.
Be the first to know when this class has new dates! Add your email to the waitlist.
Your Next Adventure Starts Here
Join thousands of learners exploring new skills and passions. Whether online or in person, our classes are designed to inspire, connect, and bring joy to learning. Start your journey today!
Explore classes