A year's worth of city centre sketching tours with the Edinburgh Sketcher

Description

Learn how to quickly capture the world around you in ink and watercolour in this year's worth of sketching tours.

Known locally as the Edinburgh Sketcher, ink and watercolour artist Mark Kirkham is well-known on social media for the sketches he creates on the streets of Edinburgh, and beyond.

Mark runs a series of 7 individual 2.5 hour sketching tours starting from The Arienas Collective which run monthly throughout 2023. For the first time, we are also offering these as a year's worth of sketching, i.e. a course of tours from March - September 2023, for just £175. This is the equivalent of 17.5 hours of sketching so represents great value for those of you who are keen to develop your sketching habit with Mark on hand to offer tips and advice.

Mark will guide you around some of his favourite, nearby sketching spots, picking out details in architecture and nature that will help describe the techniques he has picked up over a decade of sketching around Edinburgh.

Each class will touch on details, perspectives, depth and composition, as you go from 5 minute exercises to relax the hand and work on composition, to 30 minute detailed vistas as you walk around a selection of nearby beautiful and historic locations.

You will start and finish at The Arienas Collective, where you will have access to a selection of hot refreshments, toilet facilities, and can leave any belongings before heading out on your tour.

Mark's sketching tours are perfect for all levels, from beginners to those who would like to learn more about his unique speed-sketching style, or to practice sketching with ink and watercolour.

All materials and refreshments are included in the price. 

Edinburgh Sketcher sketching kit

Mark has an 'Edinburgh Sketcher kit' available to buy as an optional extra which includes everything you need for your sketching tour, and to continue sketching at home. Kits can be purchased ahead of time and will be waiting for you to collect. Or you can buy one on the day (subject to availability).

One-to-one sketching tours

Mark also offers one-to-one sketching tours which can be tailored to meet your needs. You can find out more about these and request dates here.

Looking to book a private group?

Mark's workshops are also available to book for small private get-togethers, and themed wedding and birthday celebrations. Find out more here.

If you're interested in booking Mark for a corporate team building or wellbeing sketching workshop, or in-store customer events, please email us for more information.

A note about the Scottish weather

We're used to a bit of wind and rain in Edinburgh, so please do check the forecast before you leave and dress appropriately. In the event of extreme weather conditions which require us to cancel the sketching tour, we will automatically transfer your booking to the next available date. If you are visiting Edinburgh and not able to attend at another time, please let us know and we will issue a full refund (less any booking charges made by financial partners). 

More information 

The Arienas Collective workshops, courses and events are run from a supportive and welcoming home-based environment within a Georgian mews home in Edinburgh’s City Centre New Town. We invite you to join us, leave any day-to-day worries behind, and immerse yourself in being creative.

Spaces on our workshops and courses are limited so that our creative team of artists and makers can offer you the hands-on help and support you need to make the most of your time with us. 

All the equipment and materials you will need are included in the price, unless stated otherwise, plus light refreshments (a selection of Shibui teas, coffee, hot chocolate, and sweet or savoury snacks). On full day workshops you are welcome to bring your own lunch to eat inside or out; or there are a wide range of independent sit-in or takeaway delis, cafés, and restaurants, plus supermarkets, within a 5-10 minute walk.

PLEASE NOTE: Our workshop space is on the first-floor of a Georgian mews building and unfortunately we do not have lift access. The workshop space is in our home which is not nut free. Please let us know of any skin or food allergies before booking.

Private workshop bookings

Most of our workshops are also available to book for small private get-togethers; themed wedding and birthday celebrations; corporate team building and well-being purposes; and as in-store retail events. For larger groups, many of our workshops can be brought to a location of your choice. Please email Lynn or phone 07732 901150 for more information.

Age restrictions

Our workshops are planned with adults in mind. Many are suitable for teenagers, but some may require under 16s to be accompanied for insurance purposes. Please check with us before booking.