Fact sheet, Summer Term 2026 Drawing the City: Panoramas & Skylines
When
Mondays. 27 April to 29 June. 10am to 5pm.
Where
Various locations, see below.
Who
Martin Shortis & Jeanette Barnes.
About
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.
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 Bridge, often depicting historical events such as battles.
The class will take a contemporary approach building up a panoramic view of our vibrant city. 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.
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 — 27 April
The Natural History Museum.
When: 10am. Please enter the museum when it opens at 10am via the Cromwell Road entrance
Meet at: The class will meet inside the museum at 10:15, to the left (west side) at the base of stairs in the main hall.
If you are running late, you will find the group in the large mammal room.
Meet at 2pm as above.
Closest Tube: South Kensington.
Week 2 — 4 May
This is a Bank Holiday. There is no class this day.
Week 3 — 11 May
Battersea Power Station.
When: 10am.
Meet at: Meet at the main entrance of Battersea Power Station Tube. If arriving by Tube, exit to the left after the ticket barriers.
Nearest station: Battersea Power Station.
Week 4 — 18 May
St. Paul's Cathedral.
When: 10am.
Meet at: Under the main portico on the west front of St. Paul's Cathedral.
Nearest Tube: St. Paul's
Week 5 — 25 May
Bank Holiday. There is no class this day.
Week 6 — 2 June
The Garden at 120, Fenchurch Street.
When: 10am.
Meet at: The ground floor lobby of The Garden at 120.
Please note, there will be a queue, and they will check your bags so please be mindful of what you are carrying with you.
Week 7 — 8 June
Southwark Bridge and River Thames.
When: 10am.
Meet at: Inside St. Mary Aldermary Church, Bow Lane, EC4M 8BW. We will then go on to Southwark Bridge via Queen Street.
Meet at 2pm in front of Tate Modern.
Week 8 — 15 June
Liverpool St. Station
When: 10am.
Meet at: Please meet on Platform 10 of the station.
Week 9 — 22 June
Royal Naval Hospital, Greenwich.
When: 10am.
Meet at: Under the western arcade of the Royal Naval Hospital.
Meet at 2pm as above.
Nearest Tube: Cutty Sark.
Week 10 — 29 June
Covent Garden.
When: 10am.
Meet at: Meet at the exit of Covent Garden Tube station on James Street.
At 2pm, meet at Piccadilly Circus at the base of the Eros Statue.
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 sunscreen, depending on the weather. Please wear comfortable shoes and carry a bottle of water.
Our suggestions include:
- Soft pencils
- 3 meters of string
- Eraser/rubber
- Graphite sticks or putty
- Masking tape
- Sketchbooks and long, thin paper (wide format)
- Drawing board and paper. A2 is preferred, but larger than a sketchbook
- Compressed charcoal
- Gouache/watercolour/colour inks in a small bottle with pipette
If you can acquire some A2 foam board that could be useful. Or better still, an A1 sheet scored and folded to A2. Both can make a folder and be used as an A1 board when opened.
We also strongly recommend you bring a stool as there may be limited seating at the Natural History Museum. You can buy collapsible stools in art shops, fish tackle shops, or online for around £10.
The following materials are not permitted at the Natural History Museum or V&A:
- Charcoal
- Crayons
- Coloured chalk
- Any manner of pens
- Watercolours
- Spray paints
- Adhesives, fixatives, or other wet materials
- Scissors or other sharp items
You are allowed to bring soft pencils or graphite sticks to the Natural History Museum.
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.