Salt Air, Sand Dunes and Sketchbook Magic

Living on the coast, we’re spoilt for sketching subjects, and this week we’re soaking it all in. You’ll learn the simple perspective tricks that make a beach scene feel like you could walk straight into it, and the texture techniques that capture rustling grass, weathered timber, and wide open skies.

We’ll keep it loose, atmospheric, and just a little bit moody. By the end of class your page will practically breathe sea air, even though we’re sketching from the comfort of the studio.

The Art of the Quick Sketch

People are the most fun (and the most forgiving) subjects to sketch once you know the trick. This week you’ll learn how to capture movement and mood with quick gesture sketches, simplify the human figure into just a few flowing lines, and layer soft watercolour over ink for that relaxed, candid look.

We’ll laugh, we’ll loosen up, and we’ll absolutely embrace the “imperfect” lines that give people sketches all their warmth and character — the tilt of a head, an easy pose, a quiet moment shared with a beloved pet. You’ll leave with the confidence to sketch anyone, anywhere, from your favourite café to your own dog dozing at your feet.

The View That Says You’re on Holiday

Close your eyes and picture that first morning of a getaway — throwing open the windows to sunlit water, little sailboats drifting by, and a coffee slowly cooling on the sill. This week we’re capturing exactly that feeling. You’ll learn the gorgeous “frame within a frame” trick of sketching a view through an open window, which instantly gives your page depth, story, and a real sense of place.

We’ll layer breezy watercolour washes for sea and sky, add just enough detail to suggest distant boats and little rooftops, then pop in a cheerful jar of flowers up close. It’s relaxed, sun-soaked, and pure escapism on paper. You’ll walk away with a holiday scene so inviting you’ll want to step straight through the window into it.

Charming Old Doors, Stone Walls and Storybook Vibes

Doors are pure storytelling, and this week we’re sketching the kind that look like they belong in a fairytale. You’ll pick up simple perspective tricks that make architectural sketches feel solid and inviting, then learn how to layer washes for stone, weathered timber, and tumbling ivy.

We’ll add shadows that give the whole page atmosphere and depth, and you’ll be amazed how easy it is once you know the little secrets. You’ll walk away with a sketch that looks like a page torn straight from a European travel journal.

Australian Wildlife with Heart and Personality

Time to bring some of our quirkiest locals onto the page. This week we're sketching Australian wildlife (think the wise, sleepy gaze of a tawny frogmouth) and learning how to capture fur, feathers, and all that gorgeous character we love about our native creatures.

You'll play with expressive brush lines, soft watercolour layering, and the little details that give an animal sketch real personality. By the end of class your subject will be looking right back at you from the page — tender, joyful, and just the right amount of cheeky.

Sketch the World, Starting in Sydney

Pack your imaginary suitcase, we're going on a sketching adventure! We're kicking things off in our own backyard with the iconic Sydney Harbour, where you'll learn how to capture instantly recognisable landmarks with just a few confident lines and a splash of watercolour.

We'll talk about composition, simplifying complex scenes, and the little cheats that make travel sketching feel breezy and fun. You'll leave class feeling like a proper urban sketcher, ready to take your sketchbook anywhere in the world.

Step Into the Enchanted World of Beatrix Potter

This week we're learning from one of the absolute masters, the wonderful Beatrix Potter, and her timeless, gentle storybook style. You'll explore her techniques for character, softness, costume detail, and that unmistakable hand-painted charm that's enchanted readers for over a century.

We'll work on a sweet little animal study together, paying attention to the tiny touches that make her work feel so alive. It's nostalgic, calming, and so much fun — and even if you've never tried storybook illustration before, you'll surprise yourself.

A Soft, Glowing Portrait to Finish the Term

We're closing out the course with something truly special: your very own portrait in soft pastels. You'll learn how to build up gentle skin tones, capture light and shadow on the face, and use those buttery pastels to create a finished piece that feels warm, modern, and full of feeling.

It's a beautiful way to bring everything you've learned this term together in one stunning final artwork. Expect plenty of guidance, lots of encouragement, and a real “wow” moment when you step back at the end of class.