Art and About: Sketching on the Southbank, Thames River

In each of these sessions, you will have the opportunity to capture vibrant scenes and bridges across London’s River Thames with the iconic city skyline in the distance. We will draw inspiration from artists such as Derain, Monet, Van Gogh, and Turner who have depicted these scenes over the centuries, as well as look at contemporary artists who depict the London skyline or city life. Within different sessions, participants can focus on the bustling atmosphere of the Southbank, dynamic cityscapes from popular viewing points or the bold shapes of Thame’s bridges and river boats. Materials you will need include graphite pencils in various strengths for tonal work, pen or ink pens and small watercolour set for line and wash. Water or brushes with water reservoirs also useful. First session we will concentrate on drawing, and the second, in adding colour. Quick drawings will be encouraged in A5 sketchbooks and longer studies in larger sketchbooks that you can carry with you – a folding stool will also be useful although there are lots of benches to sit on! The experienced tutor will guide you on specific techniques that will help you with composition, mastering line and wash with colour, and capturing the specific details using varied mark-making. Suggestions on how to develop them into paintings will also be covered.