Fact sheet, Summer Term 2026 Drawing London's Landscape

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When 

Fridays, 1 May to 3 July, 10am to 5pm 

Where

Various locations, see below. 

Who

Danny Markey & Fraser Scarfe 

About 

This course is designed to explore, through drawing, the rich green spaces of London, and the important function they play within our urban environment. 

London is one of the world's greenest cities, and Charles Dickens referred to its many parks as the 'lungs of London'. London's great variety is always evident in its natural spaces, each displays its own identity and community. Stepping away from the hustle of busy streets, you can quickly be transported into varied new worlds, as architecture gives way to nature. 

This course explores a variety of locations, moving between the small and often overlooked, to the grandeur of Royal Parks, and the expanse of Hampstead Heath. As the locations change, so too will the season, as we move from Spring to high Summer. 

Drawing outside can be challenging, and unpredictable. Tutors will offer practical solutions to address these challenges, highlighting good practice in sketchbook use, but also encouraging students to make truly ambitious work in the landscape, considering material choice, colour, and scale.  

Location & timetable 

Occasionally locations/meeting points may need to change so please check your emails the night before classes are due to take place and bring your mobile phone with you on the day so that the administrator can contact you if need be.

It is also very important that you arrive punctually (in time for the class to begin at 10am) for each class as the class will usually move away from the meeting point quite quickly at the beginning of the day.

Week 1 — 1 May

The conservatory in Paddington St. Gardens. The conservatory is the wooden building with a pointed roof in the centre of the park. 

When: 10am 

Nearest Tube: Baker Street 

Week 2 — 8 May

Rembrandt Gardens. 

When: 10am 

Nearest Tube: Warwick Avenue, Paddington 

Week 3 — 15 May

Southwark Park Bandstand, Southwark Park. 

The bandstand is visible on Google Maps. 

When: 10am 

Nearest Tube: Canada Water, Bermondsey 

Nearest train: Rotherhithe overground, Windrush line. 

Week 4 — 22 May

Hampstead Tube station exit. 

When: 10am 

Nearest Tube: Hampstead.  

Week 5 — 29 May

London Peace Pagoda, Battersea Park. 

When: 10am 

Nearest Tube: Battersea Power Station 

Nearest train: Queenstown Road, Battersea Park overground Windrush line or Southern line 

Week 6 — 5 June

Queen Victoria statue, Broad Walk, Kensington Palace Gardens. 

The Queen Victoria statue is visible on Google Maps. 

When: 10am 

Nearest Tube: Queensway, High Street Kensington, Gloucester Road

Week 7 — 12 June

Crown Gate West, Grove Road, outside Victoria Park

When: 10am 

Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green, Mile End  

Nearest train: London Fields 

Week 8 — 19 June

Hampstead Tube station exit, Hampstead. 

When: 10am 

Nearest Tube: Hampstead 

Week 9 — 26 June

Granary Square, in front of Central St. Martins School of Art, King's Cross. 

The class will explore Camley St. Natural Park, St. Pancras Old Church and St. Pancras Basin. 

When: 10am 

Nearest Tube: King's Cross St. Pancras

Nearest train: King's Cross  

Week 10 — 3 July

Café and children's playground area of Primrose Hill. 

When: 10am 

Nearest Tube: Chalk Farm 

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Materials 

Please ensure you only bring materials you will need and are able to carry comfortably. If you are working out and about, some days can involve a lot of walking so please dress appropriately bringing waterproofs and an umbrella or sun cream depending on the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Please carry a bottle of water. 

It is suggested that you bring: 

  • Drawing board and clips

  • Paper and/or sketchbooks (A3 size recommended)

  • Pencils and erasers 

  • Conté

  • Brush pen, ink, and/or watercolours 

  • Pastels 

Please bring materials that you would like to try. We also strongly recommend that you bring a stool.

You can buy collapsible ones in art shops, fish tackle shops or online for around £10.

What to expect 

There will be a one-hour lunch break generally between 1-2pm each day and regular breaks throughout the day.

Contact 

If you are unable to attend a class or know that you will be delayed, please email admin@royaldrawingschool.org or call 020 7613 8568 (option 1) in as far advance as possible.