Sketching workshops
Draw more. Notice more. Worry less about getting it right.
My workshops are relaxed, practical and designed to help people loosen up, observe more closely and enjoy making art without chasing perfection.
Depending on the session, we might explore travel sketching, watercolour, quick drawing exercises, nature, place or everyday objects. No experience is needed. The aim is to build confidence, try new techniques and leave with a sketchbook that feels a little less intimidating.
Festival Sketching 2 hour Workshop
I am so excited to be running two ‘Festival Sketching’ workshops at the Woodford Folk Festival this year!
I love this festival for its creativity, community and commitment to conservation. What better place to slow down, observe and get sketching!
Includes a quality take-home sketching kit with a fun, 8 custom-selected Winsor & Newton watercolours, quality paper, a waterbrush, permanent fineliner, 2B pencil and kneadable eraser. Everything you need to keep sketching long after the festival!
Sketching Process
These are simple steps I use when sketching, and the techniques I’ll share in my workshops to help you develop your own style
For me, sketching is about slowing down, observing and connecting with the places around me. It’s not about creating a perfect picture, but noticing the little details, shapes, colours and character that make somewhere interesting.
I take a simple approach to observational sketching, using pencil, ink and watercolour to capture what catches my eye. Every sketch is a little different, and part of the fun is seeing how it develops.
Here’s a glimpse into my process, using a sketch I created while exploring Iceland. Two panoramas I created sitting in the sunshine with my mate - two moments I’ll never forget.
1. Stop, Look and Notice
Before putting anything on paper, I spend time observing. What caught my attention? What do I see and go ‘wow’! Where is the light coming from? What shapes, textures and details give this place its character?
2. Loose composition sketch
I start with loose pencil lines, breaking the scene into simple shapes and thinking about the foreground, middle ground and background. I don’t try to include everything, just the elements that tell the story.
Lightly using a 2B pencil and kneadable eraser.
3. Solidify sketch with ink
Using a waterproof fine tip marker, I go over my pencil with confident lines. Sometimes adjusting or adding more or fewer detail. I use stronger lines in the foreground and lighter marks and less details in the background.
Finish with rubbing out the graphite - a dopamine hit!
4. Bring It to Life with Colour
Watercolour adds depth, light, atmosphere and FUN!
I work with layers of colour, allowing some areas to stay simple while giving others more attention. It’s not important to get it right, I even use different colour sometimes… what ever feels right.
5. Know When to Stop
Sometimes the hardest part! A sketch doesn’t need every detail or the perfect colours or shading to feel complete.
The more you work the watercolour the more dull and muddy it gets. Stop before this happens and finish with a bit more ink to define the focus points with contrast if needed.
More workshops coming soon…
New workshops and creative experiences are in development, with the first announcement - FESTIVAL SKETCHING at this years Woodford Folk Festival!
Expect small-group sessions built around sketching, observation, watercolour and place.
Urban & travel sketching
Simple ways to capture a scene, create depth and choose what matters.
Nature & wildlife sketching
Observation, movement, texture and the imperfect beauty of drawing living things.
Watercolour sketching
Loose, travel-friendly techniques for colour, light and atmosphere.
Drink & Draw
Social, playful drawing with simple prompts and no pressure to be serious.
Sketch walks & creative experiences
Small-group sessions that combine wandering, observing and drawing.
Private lessons & group workshops
I also offer one-to-one sessions and tailored workshops for festivals, environmental and community groups, and other organisations.
Sessions can be adapted around travel sketching, watercolour, nature, place, creative confidence or environmental storytelling.
Want to know what’s coming next?
New workshops will be announced here as they are confirmed or contact me for collabs or bookings.