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Oxford Urban Sketching - Course Information

urban-sketching-header

SUMMARY:  Sketching is the foundation of good art practice. 

A Sketch is a loose drawing that captures the essence of a subject without detail. A sketchbook is like a visual diary to record ideas and experiences. Artists often use sketches to decide what the most important aspects of a subject is, develop ideas and problem solve. 


This course is structured so you first learn a technique at the studio, then practise on location in beautiful Oxford. We will be visiting the City, the River and the Covered Market. You will learn everything from Ink & wash, to composition and the etiquette of drawing strangers.

Key Information

Level: Beginners & Improvers

Dates: 4th June – 16th July

Time: Tuesdays 4-6PM

Duration: 7 weeks

Venue: The Studio and Oxford City (see timetable)

Fee:  £136.50

Concessions: £105.00

Booking

Book

If you need a concession remember to enter coupon code CONCESSION at the checkout

Lesson 1: Introducing Urban Sketching

Date: 04/06/24

Meet at the Studio

10 mins - Warm-up Sketch

10 mins - Principles of Urban Sketching

10 mins - How to make your own Sketcbook

10 mins - ‘Little Boxes’ - Buildings simplified


Break with Refreshments


1 hour - Guided Ink and Wash Street Sketch


Materials: Watercolour set and brushes, Pencil, biro, (waterproof) fine line pen, sharpie


Lesson 2: Oxford City Visit

Date: 11/06/24


Meet outside Ashmolean Entrance at 4PM 

10 mins - Warm up Sketching Entrance

Move to Martyrs Memorial on Magdalen Street (rendezvous 4.15pm)

30 mins - Sketching Magdalen Street

10 mins Break and discussion (remember to bring a drink)

Move to Weston Library (rendezvous 5pm) 

30 mins - sketching view of Sheldonian, Science Museum etc

Move to Bridge of Sighs (rendezvous approx 5.30pm)

30 mins - sketching Bridge of Sighs until end   


Materials: Sketchbook, Watercolour set and brushes, Pencil, biro, (waterproof) fine line pen, sharpie, white gouache or correction pen, water bottle


Lesson 3: Composition & Thumbnailing

Date: 18/06/24

Meet at the Studio
 10 mins - Warm-up Sketch
 20 mins - ‘What is Composition?’
 10 mins - Composition Worksheet: Match the type of composition to the
    painting
 10 mins - Using a viewfinder, ‘frame’ the best view and highlight what
    element is most important or interesting to you.

Break with Refreshments


1 hour - Exercise: Using a photo reference, use cropping and artistic licence to make a ‘beautiful’ composition 


Materials: Sharpie, scissors, highlighter pen, pencil, Watercolour set and brushes


Lesson 4: River Visit / Jubilee Bridge

Date: 25/06/24

  • Meet at Rose Lane / High Street Junction (near to Botanic Gardens) at 4PM

  • 10 mins - Warm-up sketch (Magdalen College or Chapel)
    10 mins - Walk to Jubilee Bridge

  • 25 mins - Sketch Jubilee Bridge
    5 mins - Walk to just opposite Boat House Island

  • 25 mins - Sketch River & Boats

  • 5 mins - Walk to just opposite Folly Bridge
    25 mins - Sketch Folly Bridge til end

  • 10 min walk back to civilization! (St Aldates near Alice’s Shop)


Materials: Sketchbook, Watercolour set and brushes, Pencil, biro, (waterproof) fine line pen, sharpie, white gouache or correction pen,  water bottle

Lesson 5: Drawing People

Date: 02/07/24


  • Meet at the Studio

  • 10 mins - Warm-up Sketch

  • 10 mins - The Etiquette of Drawing Strangers

  • 30 mins - Group Exercise ‘Figures on the Move’


Break with Refreshments


  • 1 hour - Pointillist Finger Painting


Materials: Pencil, acrylic paint

Lesson 6: The Covered Market Visit

Date: 09/07/24


15 mins - Mindful Walk with note-taking
Move to Coba Bubble tea*

  • 10 mins - Discuss what you noticed

  • 30 mins - sketching til end

*be prepared to buy refreshment so we can sit here


Materials: Sketchbook, Watercolour set and brushes, Pencil, biro, (waterproof) fine line pen, sharpie, white gouache or correction pen, water bottle

Lesson 7: Review & Reward 

Date: 16/07/24


Meet at the Studio
 Note: Please bring all sketches you have made during the course

  • 10 mins - Warm-up Sketch

  • 10 mins - Developing your Sketches
    10 mins - Rules of Constructive Criticism

  • 10 mins - S.M.A.R.T Art


Break with Refreshments


  • 40 mins - Choose a Sketch to develop and experiment with colour 

  • 20 mins - Set a Goal for yourself and give Feedback to peers


Materials: Pencil, Watercolour Set and brushes




Recommended Materials

Although certain materials are recommended for this course it’s suggested you use what you are most confident with, even if it deviates.


Travel Sketch Kit - https://amzn.eu/dwADoyS


Recommended reading: 


  • How to keep a Sketch Journal by 3DTOTALPUBLISHING

  • Designer Primer for Architects, Graphic Designers & Artists by Tom Porter &Sue Goodman



Any Questions feel free to phone or message. 

07847167481
amy@startartclasses.com