Buildings
Learn a system for sketching buildings on location (no matter how complex) by seeing them as volumes and then working in a structured way
Does this sound like you?
“The angles on my sketches are going the wrong direction”
“I get confused by all the details of a building and often bogged down drawing every brick”
“I don’t understand perspective and therefore don’t bother drawing buildings at all!”
“I’m scared of big complex buildings and don’t know where to start”
Buildings has been designed to address these common struggles
Why learn Buildings?
The secret to sketching any building is to use a constructing volumes approach and work systematically from the big elements to the details.
Having the ability to see a complex building in terms of its underlying volumes and then the elements that are added to and subtracted from it, will enable you to sketch any building with confidence regardless of its style.
In the Buildings course you will learn how to:
– see buildings in terms of volumes, in a way that will make them much easier to sketch
– develop a structured way of working which will mean no building is too hard for you to draw
– use a value-based way of applying colour that will make your building sketches lively
– understand the basics of perspective and know how to use it when sketching buildings.
You’ll be part of an inspiring community of sketchers from around the world who will share their unique styles. You’ll never lack inspiration!
You can use these techniques for any kind of building, for a variety of different sketching styles and any level of experience. You don’t need to be producing ‘masterpiece’ sketches to create some compelling sketches of buildings!
Who is the course for?
Buildings is designed for people with some drawing experience who want to improve their sketching of architecture.
FEELING OVERWHELMED WHEN STARTTING TO SKETCH A COMPLEX BUILDINGS?
If you don't know where to start, this course will give you a step-by-step framework for sketching any building no matter how complex!
FINDING THAT YOUR BUILDING SKETCHES LOOK FLAT AND/OR A BIT WONKY?
In the Buildings course, you'll learn a fun and easy way to use perspective and will also learn how to add thicknesses and depths to building elements so that your architecture sketches look real and solid.
WANTING YOUR BUILDINGS SKETCHES TO BE MORE LIVELY?
Once you've learnt to see architecture in terms of volumes with added and subtracted elements (which is explained in this course) you'll be able to sketch them more freely
Buildings is focused on sketching architecture - predominantly in ink and wash. The concepts can be used to sketch buildings in other media such as iPad.
If you want general sketching instruction please refer to Foundations
How will the course work?
Start today and work at your own pace
- All lessons are available when you purchase the course so you can work through the lessons at your own pace
- Share your work and interact with other students inside the custom-designed classroom galleries and forum
- Ask Liz questions related to the course in the dedicated question section for each lesson.
Work through the course with a group
- Each year Liz hosts a number of Group Self-paced or Live Versions for selected courses.
- A Group Self-paced Version allows you to work through the lessons as a group with weekly emails to prompt you to move onto the next lesson.
- A Live Version will include bonus live teaching sessions with Liz (private YouTube Livestreams) as you work through the lessons with a group.
- If you’ve purchased the course at any time you can join these group events for free. See FAQ below for more details
Ready to start sketching buildings with confidence?
How you'll learn
Custom-designed classroom
Interactive Livestreams
How you'll learn
- over 20 hours of step-by-step video lessons, each lesson building on the previous, so you can make steady progress in a systematic way
- theory sections that clearly explain the essential concepts so that you can apply them to your own style and way of working
- downloadable PDF handout so you can quickly review the key elements of each lesson when you need it
- specific assignments designed so that you really understand and know how to use the concepts from the lesson – these can be done from the comfort of home, from photos, or out on location
- multiple examples from Liz’s sketchbooks explaining how to use the concepts
- bonus material showing how to apply the concepts in more intermediate ways so that you can continue to improve your sketch every time you go through the course.
Custom-designed classroom
- specially designed private classroom with dedicated assignment galleries and forum so that you can connect with and be inspired by other sketchers from around the world who are working alongside you
- ability to ask Liz questions about the lessons you are working through so you can get help when you need it
- livestreams during Live Versions – which will include reviews of student’s work, mini demos, bonus material and a chance to have your questions answered in real-time
- full transcripts for all video lessons so you can easily follow along
- lifetime access to all course content and any future Group Events and bonus material so you can continue to learn as your skills grow
Interactive Livestreams
- A very special part of SketchingNow courses is the interactive livestreams that are hosted during Live Versions. These live Q&A sessions include a review of work posted in the classroom, additional demos and a chance to get all your sketching questions answered in real-time!
- Live Versions only occur once every 1-2 years however replays of previous livestreams are available inside the classroom.
"An extraordinary experience. I can’t imagine a more thoughtfully organized and enthusiastically delivered course on such a complex topic.
My biggest takeway is to pause before starting and come up with a plan. And then once I have a plan, work systematically to execute that plan, following your 7 step approach without straying."
My biggest takeway is to pause before starting and come up with a plan. And then once I have a plan, work systematically to execute that plan, following your 7 step approach without straying."
Paul
“The biggest treasure in this course is how it makes you see buildings differently, it makes life so much more fun!
And add to that leading edges and thickness, and shade versus cast shadows and there we have it, the tools to become our own teachers, thank you very much Liz!"
And add to that leading edges and thickness, and shade versus cast shadows and there we have it, the tools to become our own teachers, thank you very much Liz!"
Michelle
“This is my second time around doing the course and I’m so glad I committed again as there is such a plethora of great instructions to absorb.
I really feel the first pass is ‘wow’ this is exactly what I wanted to know. But everything moves so quickly and the flow is so rich, it’s impossible to appreciate and absorb everything."
I really feel the first pass is ‘wow’ this is exactly what I wanted to know. But everything moves so quickly and the flow is so rich, it’s impossible to appreciate and absorb everything."
Stefan
“In all seriousness Liz, this was a totally transformative course for me, as a beginner.
I’ve struggled to learn to draw my whole life, thinking somehow that drawing was this “mysterious and magical” thing and that if I kept trying, one day it would all “work”. I just didn’t realise that you could learn techniques to enhance your “seeing” which would then improve your drawing.“
I’ve struggled to learn to draw my whole life, thinking somehow that drawing was this “mysterious and magical” thing and that if I kept trying, one day it would all “work”. I just didn’t realise that you could learn techniques to enhance your “seeing” which would then improve your drawing.“
Susan
“Before the Buildings course, I was struggling with seeing and defining tonal values and my sketches would often look flat and life-less.
I now know how to think in volumes, and find it more fun and relaxing to sketch buildings now that I have a framework. Thank you for the wonderful course, Liz! It’s a treasure box!“
I now know how to think in volumes, and find it more fun and relaxing to sketch buildings now that I have a framework. Thank you for the wonderful course, Liz! It’s a treasure box!“
Julia
Course Outline
Introduction
1 week
Introducing the main concepts of the course
- Observation vs Perspective
- Thicknesses and Depths (drawing windows)
- Structure vs Texture
- Review of some Building Sketches
- Live Demo Replay
- Observation vs Perspective
- Thicknesses and Depths (drawing windows)
- Structure vs Texture
- Review of some Building Sketches
- Live Demo Replay
Part 1: Seeing Buildings
2 weeks
Applying the three ways of visual thinking — feeling edges, abstracting shapes and constructing volumes — specifically to architecture.
Each week contains:
Theory
Indoor Exercises
Outdoor Demo
Gallery (examples from Liz's sketchbooks)
Exercises
Questions, Feedback and Takeaways
Bonus Material
Livestream replays from previous Live Versions
Each week contains:
Theory
Indoor Exercises
Outdoor Demo
Gallery (examples from Liz's sketchbooks)
Exercises
Questions, Feedback and Takeaways
Bonus Material
Livestream replays from previous Live Versions
Part 2: Constructing Volumes
2 weeks
- Adding and subtracting volumes
- Allowing thicknesses and depths
- Using leading edges
Each week contains:
Theory
Indoor Exercises
Outdoor Demo
Gallery (examples from Liz's sketchbooks)
Exercises
Questions, Feedback and Takeaways
Bonus Material
Livestream replays from previous Live Versions
- Allowing thicknesses and depths
- Using leading edges
Each week contains:
Theory
Indoor Exercises
Outdoor Demo
Gallery (examples from Liz's sketchbooks)
Exercises
Questions, Feedback and Takeaways
Bonus Material
Livestream replays from previous Live Versions
Part 3: Perspective Basics and Review Week 1
2 weeks
Perspective:
- Essential Perspective Concepts and Liz's Pointless Perspective technique
- How to apply these to a range of different buildings
Review of selected work from the classroom showing further applications of the Part 1 and 2 concepts.
- Essential Perspective Concepts and Liz's Pointless Perspective technique
- How to apply these to a range of different buildings
Review of selected work from the classroom showing further applications of the Part 1 and 2 concepts.
Part 4: Working Structurally
2 weeks
- A structured way of working – the seven-step process
- The power of guidelines
- Some measuring tips for getting better proportions.
Each week contains:
Theory
Indoor Exercises
Outdoor Demo
Gallery (examples from Liz's sketchbooks)
Exercises
Questions, Feedback and Takeaways
Bonus Material
Livestream replays from previous Live Versions
- The power of guidelines
- Some measuring tips for getting better proportions.
Each week contains:
Theory
Indoor Exercises
Outdoor Demo
Gallery (examples from Liz's sketchbooks)
Exercises
Questions, Feedback and Takeaways
Bonus Material
Livestream replays from previous Live Versions
Part 5: Mapping Light and Dark
2 weeks
- Mapping light and dark
- Refining the dark side and adjusting the light side/local colour
- Putting it all together
Each week contains:
Theory
Indoor Exercises
Outdoor Demo
Gallery (examples from Liz's sketchbooks)
Exercises
Questions, Feedback and Takeaways
Bonus Material
Livestream replays from previous Live Versions
- Refining the dark side and adjusting the light side/local colour
- Putting it all together
Each week contains:
Theory
Indoor Exercises
Outdoor Demo
Gallery (examples from Liz's sketchbooks)
Exercises
Questions, Feedback and Takeaways
Bonus Material
Livestream replays from previous Live Versions
Part 6: Review Week 2
1 week
Review of selected work from the classroom showing further applications of the Part 4 and 5 concepts.
Part 7: Building of the Week
12 bonus demos of very difficult buildings for when you've learned the basics!
SketchingNow courses have been designed to build on each other so you will see the most progress in your own sketching by working through them in a logical order.
Buy Buildings as a standalone course or buy the Urban Sketching bundle and save!
Buildings
Course
Course
In Buildings
- Learn to see buildings in terms of volumes, that will make them much easier to sketch
- Develop a structured way of working so no building is too hard to draw
- Use a value-based way of applying colour to make your building sketches lively
- Understand the basics of perspective and how to use it when sketching buildings.
- Sketch a variety of buildings both from photos and out on location
$249 USD
- Life time access to all course content and join future group events for free
- 30-day money-back guarantee if the course isn’t for you
Urban Sketching Bundle
In Buildings
- Learn to see buildings in terms of volumes, that will make them much easier to sketch
- Develop a structured way of working so no building is too hard to draw
- Use a value-based way of applying colour to make your building sketches lively
- Understand the basics of perspective and how to use it when sketching buildings.
- Sketch a variety of buildings both from photos and out on location
PLUS
In Edges
- Improve your ink and wash sketches and say more with less!
- Create sketches with more depth by varying the edges of your drawing and painting
- Learn to simplify and interpret complex scenes when sketching on location
- Create lively watercolour sketches with strong colours and values
- Life time access to all course content and join future group events for free
- 30-day money-back guarantee if the course isn’t for you
Money back guarantee
We offer a money 30-day back guarantee for SketchingNow courses. If you are unhappy with the course for any reason, let us know and we will refund your payment within the first 30 days of the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials do I need for Buildings?
Basic requirements:
- a medium to hard pencil (HB-2H)
- a fine pen – such as a 0.3 fineliner or fountain pen (EF or F nib) with permanent ink if you plan to add watercolour washes over the top
- some form of colour (watercolour pencils or watercolour paint or coloured pencils or markers)
- paper suitable for your choice of medium
You could also do this course using your iPad (or other tablet) if you are more comfortable sketching digitally. Any instruction will be focus on architecture sketching techniques rather than tips for using the device/app.
- a medium to hard pencil (HB-2H)
- a fine pen – such as a 0.3 fineliner or fountain pen (EF or F nib) with permanent ink if you plan to add watercolour washes over the top
- some form of colour (watercolour pencils or watercolour paint or coloured pencils or markers)
- paper suitable for your choice of medium
You could also do this course using your iPad (or other tablet) if you are more comfortable sketching digitally. Any instruction will be focus on architecture sketching techniques rather than tips for using the device/app.
Is the course live or pre-recorded?
The course contains over 20 hours of pre-recorded videos which can be watched at any time.
During a Live Version (which only happens every 12-24 months) there are some bonus livestreams. Replays of previous livestreams are available in the classoom.
During a Live Version (which only happens every 12-24 months) there are some bonus livestreams. Replays of previous livestreams are available in the classoom.
Can I work through the course at my own pace?
Yes! All SketchingNow courses are available as self-paced courses at all times. All you have to do is signup and you can start working through the lessons straight away!
- You have full access to all lessons on enrollment within the custom-built SketchingNow classroom.
- You can interact with fellow students inside the classroom, comment on each other’s work in the homework galleries and discuss all kinds of art topics within the forum.
- You can ask Liz questions related to the course in the dedicated question section for each lesson.
- If you want some accountability in working through the lessons, you can sign up to receive weekly lesson reminder emails. Each week you will receive a new email to prompt you to move on to the next part of the course.
- You have full access to all lessons at the time of enrollment and free access to all future Group Self-paced and Live Versions for that course.
- You have full access to all lessons on enrollment within the custom-built SketchingNow classroom.
- You can interact with fellow students inside the classroom, comment on each other’s work in the homework galleries and discuss all kinds of art topics within the forum.
- You can ask Liz questions related to the course in the dedicated question section for each lesson.
- If you want some accountability in working through the lessons, you can sign up to receive weekly lesson reminder emails. Each week you will receive a new email to prompt you to move on to the next part of the course.
- You have full access to all lessons at the time of enrollment and free access to all future Group Self-paced and Live Versions for that course.
What is a Group Self-paced version of Buildings?
Group Self-Paced Versions occur within specific courses each year. There is no extra charge to participate.
- From time to time Liz will suggest a specific course to work through in preparation for an upcoming Live Version.
- She will suggest a start date and a schedule for going through the course. You'll get the benefit of working through the exercises together and getting lots of helpful and supportive comments from the group.
- You can ask Liz questions related to the course in the dedicated question section for each lesson.
- If you have enrolled for the specific course previously, you can join a Group Self-paced version of that course for free.
- From time to time Liz will suggest a specific course to work through in preparation for an upcoming Live Version.
- She will suggest a start date and a schedule for going through the course. You'll get the benefit of working through the exercises together and getting lots of helpful and supportive comments from the group.
- You can ask Liz questions related to the course in the dedicated question section for each lesson.
- If you have enrolled for the specific course previously, you can join a Group Self-paced version of that course for free.
What is a Live Version?
Live Versions are special events that occur within specific courses each year. There is no extra charge to participate.
- Every year Liz chooses a few SketchingNow courses to go through with a group. Together we work through the lessons and keep each other motivated and inspired!
- You will get the benefit of working through the exercises together and getting lots of helpful and supportive comments from the group.
- Each week you'ill be prompted to move on to the next section of the course and participate in bonus live streams where you can ask questions, see reviews of selected work from the classroom and hang out with the group.
- Every livestream will have unique discussions and demonstrations related to the current lesson and there will be lots of opportunities to ask Liz questions in real-time.
- Livestreams will be held at alternating time slots to accommodate people in all time zones and replays will be available in the classroom after the event.
- Liz will be in the classroom regularly looking at the work uploaded and answering questions.
- If you have enrolled for the specific course previously, you can join any Live Version of that course for free
- If you get behind during the Live version, you can finish off the lessons at any time.
- Every year Liz chooses a few SketchingNow courses to go through with a group. Together we work through the lessons and keep each other motivated and inspired!
- You will get the benefit of working through the exercises together and getting lots of helpful and supportive comments from the group.
- Each week you'ill be prompted to move on to the next section of the course and participate in bonus live streams where you can ask questions, see reviews of selected work from the classroom and hang out with the group.
- Every livestream will have unique discussions and demonstrations related to the current lesson and there will be lots of opportunities to ask Liz questions in real-time.
- Livestreams will be held at alternating time slots to accommodate people in all time zones and replays will be available in the classroom after the event.
- Liz will be in the classroom regularly looking at the work uploaded and answering questions.
- If you have enrolled for the specific course previously, you can join any Live Version of that course for free
- If you get behind during the Live version, you can finish off the lessons at any time.
Do I need to have any special social media accounts?
Everything you need to access the lessons, post homework and interact with others is contained within the SketchingNow classroom.
The only exception are the Livestreams (during Live Versions) which will occur on Youtube. A YouTube account is needed to interact with the live chat but without it you can still watch the livestream and send your questions via email. Replays will be available.
The only exception are the Livestreams (during Live Versions) which will occur on Youtube. A YouTube account is needed to interact with the live chat but without it you can still watch the livestream and send your questions via email. Replays will be available.
Will Buildings help me sketch all kinds of buildings in my own style?
All SketchingNow courses are specifically aimed at helping you develop your own style of sketching and the Buildings course is no exception!
Rather than simply 'copy-me' type demos, SketchingNow Buildings teaches concepts (not just techniques) and encourages you to develop your own preferences and a system that you can apply to the buildings you want to sketch.
Buildings combines the benefits of both live and on-demand content. It contains in-depth prerecorded videos and detailed downloadable PDF handouts so that you can access the content at any time that suits you.
Buildings combines the benefits of both live and on-demand content. It contains in-depth prerecorded videos and detailed downloadable PDF handouts so that you can access the content at any time that suits you.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
Buildings is an intermediate course that relies on the core skills explained in detail in my Foundations and Watercolour courses. However beginners have done the course and seen great improvements in their work.
If you are an absolute beginner I recommend you check out my Foundations course first.
If you are an absolute beginner I recommend you check out my Foundations course first.
Do I have to sketch outside to do this course?
Buildings contains a combination of indoor and outdoor exercises but it’s not essential to do on location sketches to benefit from the course.
It is totally okay to do the outdoor exercises using your own photos of local buildings or architecture from your travels. But sketching on location is different from sketching from photos and I'll be encouraging everyone who can to sketch their chosen building on location.
It is totally okay to do the outdoor exercises using your own photos of local buildings or architecture from your travels. But sketching on location is different from sketching from photos and I'll be encouraging everyone who can to sketch their chosen building on location.
The Buildings course is focused specifically on sketching architecture
Please check out:
Foundations for general drawing instruction
Watercolour for essential painting skills
