Urban Sketching: Pen & Wash Workshop
Learn to sketch urban street scenes in Sydney with a professional artist. This hands-on pen and wash workshop begins in the classroom before moving outdoors to carefully selected local locations, where you will capture neighbourhood streetscapes, public spaces and seasonal surroundings.
You will practise observing and simplifying complex urban scenes, then bring your compositions to life with watercolour washes that add tone, texture, depth and focus. The workshop encourages experimentation with sketching styles while helping you capture a sense of time, place and personal response.
Once you have explored this portable art form, you will be better equipped to sketch while travelling, keep a visual journal or creatively document your local surroundings.
Course Content
- Observation, perspective and composition in the built environment.
- Simplifying complex scenes using proportion, volume, light and shade.
- Using line, tonal value and watercolour wash to create focus and atmosphere.
Schedule & Pricing
- Saturday 25 July 2026, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, $199.
- Sunday 18 October 2026, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, $209.
- Consider enrolling in two or more drawing courses at checkout to receive 15% off your total enrolment fee.
Additional Information
- The course usually proceeds in most weather, with undercover or indoor destinations used if it rains.
- The class will only be cancelled if the weather is particularly inclement.
- Bring your own materials; some coloured paints will be provided.
Details
You will learn
- Refresh perspective, composition and tonal value skills for sketching the built environment.
- Use watercolour washes to create depth, focus, local colour and atmosphere.
- Explore confident line styles, sketching approaches and visual journaling techniques.
You will get
- Guidance from a professional artist in classroom and outdoor settings.
- Practical experience sketching urban street scenes and public spaces.
- Some coloured paints provided during the workshop.
Appropriate for
This course is designed for a range of drawing abilities. It is recommended for students who have completed Urban Sketching: Drawing Course, Drawing Course for Beginners, or who have some prior drawing experience.
Preparation
What to bring
- Your own sketching and watercolour materials from the supplied materials list.
- Weather-appropriate clothing, walking shoes and a water bottle.
- Lunch and/or snacks for the day.
What to wear
Weather-appropriate casual 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 Workshop
Book soon! 65 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