Learn how to capture the character of a city in watercolour--from streets and buildings to the people who bring them to life

Urban sketching is about capturing a place quickly and expressively, without getting caught up in perfect drawing or tiny details.

In this relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop in central London, you’ll learn how to turn busy street scenes into lively watercolour sketches using simple drawing, loose washes and just a few well-placed details.

We’ll look at how to simplify buildings, streets and people into manageable shapes, create a convincing sense of depth and use expressive watercolour rather than trying to paint everything you see.

You’ll also learn one of the most useful urban-sketching skills: how to add people to a scene quickly and convincingly. We’ll practise simple figures in different poses and at different distances, so you can bring life and scale to your sketches without needing detailed figure-drawing skills.

After some short exercises and demonstrations, we’ll bring everything together to create a finished watercolour urban scene.

What you’ll learn

How to simplify a complicated street scene before you start painting

Easy perspective principles for streets and buildings

How to sketch architecture without getting lost in detail

How to paint quick, convincing figures with just a few brushstrokes

How to place people at different distances to create depth and scale

How to use loose watercolour washes for buildings, streets and skies

How to mix believable colours without creating muddy paintings

How to choose which details to include — and which to leave out

How to combine drawing and watercolour for a lively, spontaneous result

No previous drawing or watercolour experience is necessary.

This workshop is designed especially for beginners, with clear demonstrations and individual guidance throughout. You don’t need to be able to draw complicated buildings or realistic people — we’ll break both down into simple, approachable techniques.

All materials are provided.

You’ll leave with your own finished urban watercolour sketch, practice studies and a set of techniques you can use to sketch cafés, streets and places on your travels or around London.

About Your Tutor

The workshop is taught by Ann Mackowski, a London-based artist and experienced art teacher specialising in drawing, watercolour and oil painting.

Ann has been teaching art in central London for over ten years, working with everyone from complete beginners picking up a brush for the first time to more experienced artists developing their technique.

She also runs Soho Life Drawing and Private Art Events London, offering regular classes, workshops, private tuition and creative events in the heart of the city.

Ann's worked extensively as an artist, and was featured on Sky Landscape Artist of the year. She's exhibited with the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours, Society of Women Artists, New English Art Club, and has been awarded several international residencies.

Come and discover how a few lines, washes and brushstrokes can capture the atmosphere of an entire city scene.

Description supplied by the event organiser.