Drawing the City: Panoramas and Skylines

Using a dynamic approach to drawing, students will explore the character and variety of the city by making the artist the viewpoint to reinterpret the historical idea of a panorama.
  • Drawing Open Space
  • Drawing Interiors and Exteriors
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Course details

Dates

Mondays
27 Apr – 29 Jun 2026

Times

10:00 – 17:00

Duration

8 sessions

Fees

£383.00 Concessions available

Location

Parks & urban spaces

Tutors

Jeanette Barnes

Martin Shortis

Overview

Each week the class will aim to visit a different location to build up an understanding of both the place and the subject of cityscape drawing. Panoramas of London in the past took a high viewpoint and stitched together a series of city views such as Hollar’s work made from Southwark Cathedral or Girtin’s from Blackfriars’s Bridge, often depicting historical events such as battles.  

The class will take a contemporary approach building up a panoramic view of our vibrant city from areas such as the Natural History Museum, South Bank, Greenwich, Battersea Power Station, and Liverpool Street. By drawing skylines, panoramas of large interiors, and views from Thames walks, students will gain strategies to achieve inventive and interesting drawings, building a wider experience of London. By the end of the course, students will have the confidence and skills to continue drawing out and about in the city.   

Who is it for

Artists, creatives and image-makers of all levels welcome, including beginners. 

What’s provided

For our courses being held out and about, you will need to bring your own paper and materials with you. You will be sent a suggested material list before the start of the course.   

What to bring

This is an example list of what may be needed; a full material lists will be provided one week before your course begins. Our suggestions include:

-Drawing Pencils
-Conté Crayons 
-Pastels
-Ink Pens  
-Coloured Pencils  
-Putty and Hard Erasers  
-Pencil Sharpener
-Sketchbook

Appropriate clothes for wet weather just in case

Concessions

We offer a range of discounts. To apply, email admin@royaldrawingschool.org with the required proof. Please wait for confirmation before booking.

Available discounts

  • NHS Staff: 20%
    Send a photo of your NHS staff badge.
  • Full-time Fine Art BA Students: 75%
    Students on design or applied arts degrees may also be eligible. Send your student ID and proof of enrolment.
  • Art and Design Teachers and tutors, from Primary and Secondary to Further and Higher Education: 50%
    Send a letter from your headteacher, dean, or head of art department on headed paper.
  • Jobseekers: 50%
    Send a recent DWP or JobCentre Plus letter confirming you receive Jobseeker’s Allowance. Appointment booklets are not accepted.
  • Disability Benefit Recipients: 50%
    Send proof that you currently receive this allowance.
  • Tower Hamlets and Hackney Residents: 25% (Shoreditch courses only)
    Send a copy of your most recent council tax bill.
  • Tower Hamlets and Hackney Businesses: 25% (Shoreditch courses only)
    Send a staff ID, business card or a letter from your line manager.
  • Over 60s: 10%
    Send a photo ID as proof of age.
  • Alumni: Postgraduate Programme or Foundation Year: 50% off short courses
    Online Drawing Development Year: 50% off online short courses

Before you apply

  • Documents must be dated within the last 6 months (or 12 months for council tax)
  • Your name must be clearly visible
  • Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, DOC or DOCX

All our courses are subsidised.

Tutors

Jeanette Barnes loading=
Jeanette Barnes

Tutor

Martin Shortis loading=
Martin Shortis

Tutor