Wednesday, 31 May 2023

To remind: Let's draw Richmond Sunday 4 June = and = Let's draw Crystal Palace Park Saturday 17 June or Sunday 2 July 2023

= To remind =

Richmond Green - sketch by John Webb

Let's draw Richmond-upon-Thames Sunday 4 June

We are aiming to reduce the size of our sketching crowds by repeating this session on two different dates. If you missed the first Richmond sketchwalk on Saturday 20 May, come along on the alternative date Sunday 4 June for a day of drawing in this historic and interesting location beside the River Thames. Have a look at our original blog post for all the details.

See you at Richmond!

Crystal Palace Park in Autumn
Sketch by Lis Watkins

Let's draw Crystal Palace Park Saturday 17 June or Sunday 2 July

Join us on either of the dates above to sketch in Crystal Palace Park. Built in 1852 by Sir Joseph Paxton, the park is situated in South East London and home to the famous Crystal Palace Dinosaurs. You'll find everything you need to know in our original blog post.

See you at Crystal Palace Park!

Let's draw London in 2023 -- Find our full programme here

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Sunday, 21 May 2023

Let's draw London -- Our Summer Lates in 2023

Sketch by Sasala Wickramasinghe

We're back again with the Summer Lates this year - our first since the beginning of the pandemic!

We will cover four iconic Central London venues in May, June, July and August.

Join us from 6pm to 8pm for each session, when we'll take advantage of the opportunity of light summer evenings to draw in Central London. All events are free, no need to book, just turn up with your art kit.

If this is your first sketchwalk with us, welcome to Urban Sketchers London!

Our summer evening sketchwalks are slightly different to our fortnightly weekend ones.

Our regular sketchwalks take place over a longer period -- 11am to 330pm -- on a Saturday or a Sunday. Each one has a leader, a meeting point at the beginning, a gathering place in the middle and another one at the end, when we ‘throw down’ our sketchbooks and pose for a group photo. Sketchwalk leaders know the area and are there to help you feel at ease and give you some ideas about what to sketch. Please note there is no tuition during the sketchwalks. We all draw what we wish, following the Urban Sketchers manifesto and sharing our drawings at the end.

We look forward to seeing you!

⚫ Wednesday 24 May - Southbank Centre

Sketch by Simone Menken

When do we meet? We will gather at 6pm and reconvene for the throwdown at 8pm.

Where will we meet? In the foyer of the Royal Festival Hall (looking out towards the river).

What will we draw? Explore the South Bank Centre roof garden, the skate park, sketch the surrounding buildings and views across the river and the people enjoying this iconic venue. We can also draw inside the Festival Hall, particularly if the weather is poor.

Where's the throwdown at the end? The foyer of the Royal Festival Hall (looking out towards the river).

Oh look, there's a bit extra! We also have the option of drawing beyond 8pm to attempt a night sketch (sunset at around 9pm) from the roof garden, or one of the upper floors of the Royal Festival Hall.

⚫ Friday 30 June - Bankside

Sketch by Sasala Wickramasinghe

When do we meet? We will gather at 6pm and reconvene for the throwdown at 8pm.

Where will we meet? At the riverside, below the chimney of the Tate Modern Gallery. (NB: The Tate Gallery itself will be closed at 6pm.) In wet conditions we will meet just beside the chimney, by the riverside entrance to the Tate (the entrance is located to the left of the chimney as you look towards the building).

What will we draw? The Globe Theatre, the Millennium Bridge, passers-by, buskers, and the boats on the river.

Where's the throwdown at the end? At the riverside, below the chimney of the Tate Modern. In wet conditions we will meet just beside the chimney, by the riverside entrance to the Tate (the entrance is located to the left of the chimney as you look towards the building).

⚫ Wednesday 26 July - Somerset House

Sketch by Olga Mackness

When do we meet? We will gather at 6pm and reconvene for the throwdown at 8pm

Where will we meet? At the Strand entrance of Somerset House, under the arches (where there is shelter in case of rain).

What will we draw? Aside from the 450 year-old Somerset house itself, sketching options include the hustle and bustle of the surrouding areas along the Strand and Aldwych. You can also find out what's on in Somerset House over the summer months.

Where's the throwdown at the end? At the Strand entrance of Somerset House, under the arches (where there is shelter in case of rain).

⚫ Friday 25 August - National Portrait Gallery and Trafalgar Square

Sketch by Gary Garaths

When do we meet? We will gather at 6pm and reconvene for the throwdown at 8pm.

Where will we meet? By the Fourth Plinth on Trafalgar Square. (In case of rain, we will meet in the sheltered area outside Waterstones bookshop across the road).

What will we draw? The newly refurbished National Portrait Gallery will be open until 9pm on Fridays. Entry is free, but do book your ticket in advance.
More sketching options in and around Trafalgar Square are the fountains, Nelson's Column, the National Gallery, views towards Westminster/Big Ben, and The Mall, including Admiralty Arch.

Where's the throwdown at the end? By the Fourth Plinth on Trafalgar Square. (In case of rain, we will meet in the sheltered area outside Waterstones bookshop across the road).

Location map

See you at the Summer Lates!