Sketch Tour of Europe
Subscribe today to Sketch Bari, Sketch Amsterdam, Sketch Bruges or Sketch Pisa for $39.99USD $20. each.
![]() |
SKETCH PISA In this workshop Ian sketches a view of the beautiful cathedral in Pisa and teaches how to use tone to create depth which allows us to visualize ourselves walking into the subject. This workshop was filmed in real time (1 hour 31 minutes). $39.99USD $20 |
![]() |
SKETCH AMSTERDAM In this workshop Ian will focus on one of the many swing bridges that cross the canals in Amsterdam. We will learn to select key shapes and structures to bring out the character of the place. This workshop was filmed in real time (1 hour 37 minutes). $39.99USD $20 |
![]() |
SKETCH BRUGES In this workshop Ian focuses on the use of real and imagined colour to animate a beautiful scene in Bruges, Belgium. $39.99USD $20 |
![]() |
SKETCH BARI In this workshop Ian transforms an ordinary street in Bari, Italy into a gorgeous sketch by focusing on the use of detail to tell stories about the place and about how people interact within that space. This workshop is filmed in real time (1 hour 47 minutes). $39.99USD $20 |
Subscribe today and the links for these workshops will arrive by email within 24 hours.
24/7 Lifetime Access
Subscribers to all Studio 56 online workshops have lifetime access to the workshop material and can study the material when and as often as they like.
Enroll Today
This workshop is hosted on Ruzuku. After checkout you will receive an invitation to enroll in the course. If you already have a Ruzuku account, please leave at checkout the email you use to sign in to Ruzuku.
Sketch Tour of Europe Learning Objectives
-
To really look at a subject and take time to notice things.
-
To go on a journey of looking and take delight in discovering small details.
-
To use the process of brush pens, watercolour paint and fine liners to achieve this journey.
-
To learn how to place pens on the page in order to break up and focus on the big shapes.
-
To use brush pens to establish a simple structure and composition.
-
To use watercolour paint to help create both a descriptive and emotional response to the subject.
-
To use fine liners to help discover and record the detailed street furniture that populates the scene.
-
To understand how gaps allow the picture to breathe and focus attention on key areas.
Sketch Tour of Europe Supply List

-
Spiral Bound A3 Sketchbook 140lb HP or loose paper. I prefer Fabriano brand. Click HERE for a link to order online.
-
Tombow Brush Pens – black and a range of greys, particularly the lighter greys – N15, N79, N89, N95
-
Fine liner pens – from 0.1 – 0.8 Pilot, Staedtler, Faber Castell, Derwent – any of these brands are fine.
-
Watercolour pan set– I use Winsor & Newton but any good brand will do
-
Watercolour brushes – variety of sizes from flats to small round heads.
Recommendations for Ian Fennelly's Workshops
"I've been a long time admirer of Ian's sketches since encountering him at Sketchbook Skool. I was delighted to be able to take a class online with him. Ian's light-hearted, wonky, fun sketches capture street scenes with detail and unusual colors. His process of capturing a street scene was broken down into very specific manageable skills. I think my favorite part of this online class was that Ian's delight in being physically present and fun attitude about sketching manifests itself in his work. I can't wait to try these techniques over and over again."--Amy Bean
"I highly recommend Ian’s workshops. He’s a wonderful artist and if you love urban sketching you won’t find a better teacher. Plus you’ll see a huge improvement in your work."--Mary Riley
"Layers of looking is an amazing course and excellent value. Ian takes you step by step through a series of full length videos, showing his entire process of how to paint a fun urban sketch. You learn how to start with simple shapes and gradually build up to adding colour and detail. You also learn what to put in and more importantly what to leave out. It is delivered in a fun but detailed manner. There is also a Premium option which is excellent value and gives you the chance to video chat with Ian for an hour and ask questions, get tips and get feedback on your work. If you can't get to a workshop, this really is a great alternative. I really learnt so much from this course and cannot wait for the next one."--Patty Edge
"Having attended live workshops with Ian, I had no hesitation in signing up for this online video workshop. Ian is a remarkable artist and urban sketcher. His teaching style is enthusiastic and methodical, and he will leave you feeling inspired."--Jon Moss
"Ian Fennelly is excellent instructor who guides you through the stages of sketching a complicated scene. The transition between lessons is good. Each lesson builds to the final project, a charming building in New Orleans. If you enjoy working in a looser style and are not afraid to try different tools and techniques you will enjoy this workshop."--Carmel Campbell
I just wanted to publicly thank Ian for his kind teaching methods. I was blessed to experience an undivided hour of his time this morning, through the one-on-one critique. I came away with some great insights on how to improve my work, that will hopefully lift me up another rung on my art journey. I know this is not in reach for a lot of people right now, but I wanted to let people know. It was a great experience."--Monica Hoeffel Murphy
"I had already seen Ian's videos on YouTube and was very impressed with the way he drew. Since English is not my mother tongue, I was afraid that I would not understand what he said. But it all worked out quite well. The way he approaches a drawing is so logical that I just do it now and it helps me a lot. A very clear recommendation from me."--Martin Pesch