What the course is about

This course is designed to help you approach architectural sketching in a calm, practical, and enjoyable way.

Through a varied range of projects, you will learn how to draw and paint buildings, architectural details, and charming urban scenes with greater confidence.

The course covers key techniques such as pencil sketching, waterproof pen work, observing shape and proportion, understanding perspective, and using watercolor to create light, shadow, texture, and atmosphere.

You will also practice washes, foliage, and architectural details, while learning to balance precise structure with looser, more expressive marks.

Who will find this course useful

This course is suitable for confident beginners as well as those with some prior experience who want to build confidence and develop a more expressive approach to sketching.

It will especially appeal to anyone who enjoys drawing buildings, windows, doors, lanterns, balconies, greenery, and the small details that give a place its unique charm.

Above all, the course is designed to help you enjoy the process, trust your eye, and create sketches full of character, atmosphere, and life.

Course program

Lesson 1

Getting Started

An introduction to the course, along with a welcome message from the instructor.

Lesson 2

List of materials

In this lesson, I will show you all the materials you'll need for the course.

Lesson 3

«Lantern, Shutters & Foliage in Perspective»

Duration: 2 hours

In this lesson, we'll explore how to sketch a classic lantern framed by shutters and soft foliage—the kind of detail that adds charm and atmosphere to any urban scene.

You will learn to:

  • keep lines clean, shapes expressive, and proportions believable;
  • understand how light interacts with foliage;
  • use tone and shadow to make your sketch pop with depth and mood.

Lesson 4

«Le foy Chateau»

Duration: 2 hours

In this lesson, we'll draw a classic château doorway, exploring symmetry, proportion, and the quiet strength of structured design.

You will learn to:

  • draw facade step by step;
  • approach symmetrical compositions with confidence;
  • break down decorative elements into manageable shapes;
  • create depth and sophistication.

Lesson 5

Simple Watercolour Fills for Architectural Sketching

In this lesson, you'll practice versatile washes and fills that can be applied to walls, shadows, skies, foliage, aged surfaces, and architectural details.

Lesson 6

«50 Cheyne, Chelsea»

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

This tutorial focuses on one of my favorite spots in London—the flower-covered façade of 50 Cheyne, a beloved restaurant on the Chelsea Embankment.

You will learn to:

  • simplify it into a calm, elegant pen and watercolour sketch;
  • sketch floral facades and decorative shopfronts;
  • combine crisp architecture with loose, lively greenery.

Lesson 7

«Paultons Square»

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

In this lesson, we'll capture one of London's beautiful Georgian garden squares—a style of architecture known for its elegance and symmetry.

You will learn to:

  • break down the facade into simple shapes;
  • capture the balance and symmetry that define Georgian architecture, tall sash windows, elegant cornices, slender iron balconies and clean horizontal lines.

Lesson 8

«Gran Via, Barcelona»

Duration: 2 hours

In this lesson, we'll capture the charm of a beautifully detailed building on Barcelona's iconic Gran Vía.

You will learn to:

  • bring elegance, character, and atmosphere into your work;
  • draw balconies, decorative windows, and leafy green accents;
  • simplify ornate details without losing their impact;
  • balance architectural structure with the loose, expressive flow of watercolour.

Lesson 9

How I Choose Subjects for My Paintings

In this lesson, I'll explain how to choose interesting subjects, explore a variety of architectural details, and begin finding inspiration for your own work.

Lesson 10

«Chelsea Open Air Nursery»

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

This lesson invites you to capture the storybook charm of the Chelsea Open Air Nursery.

You will learn to:

  • tackle a small but detailed architectural subject;
  • focus on balance, proportion, and foliage without overcomplicating your composition;
  • simplify architecture;
  • layer natural elements like greenery and trees;
  • capture atmosphere through thoughtful use of shadows and washes.

Lesson 11

«Enchanting Arches»

Duration: 4 hours

Inspired by classical arcades, this lesson focuses on rhythm, perspective, and the beauty of repeating forms.

You will learn to:

  • construct the scene using a clear one-point perspective;
  • draw graceful arches, hanging lanterns, and climbing foliage;
  • manage curved architectural elements with confidence;
  • keep repeated details feeling fresh rather than mechanical;
  • use soft watercolour washes to create a gentle sense of light and space.

Lesson 12

«Elevated French Château»

Duration: 4 hours

Inspired by a picturesque château and developed from imagination, this lesson offers a rewarding challenge with elegant details and atmospheric effects.

You will learn to:

  • draw charming balconies, lanterns, and cascading foliage;
  • approach complex forms with confidence;
  • break down ornate elements into simple shapes;
  • use gentle watercolour washes to create a luminous, romantic effect.

Lesson 13

Conclusion

A final summary of the course, along with parting advice for your continued creative growth.

Mayad

Allos

Architectural illustrator

  • I've been painting since 2017
  • I've been teaching drawing since 2018
  • I've created more than 500 paintings
  • I've worked in luxury residential design

Instructor's
Works

Course materials

1. Brushes:

  • Pro Arte Series 203 Brush Size 0;
  • Pro Arte Series 203 Brush Size 4;
  • Pro Arte Series 101 Brush Size 8;
  • Zytang Brush Size 4;
  • Zytang Brush Size 8.

2. Paper:

  • Bockingford NOT Paper;
  • Bockingford HP White Pad;
  • A4 Watercolour Paper (21x29.7 cm, 8.27x11.69 inches).

3. Pen & Ink Accessories:

  • Micron 003 Black Pen;
  • Micron 005 Black Pen;
  • Micron 005 Light Grey Pen;
  • HB Automatic Pencil;
  • Mono Zero Eraser;
  • Standard Eraser;
  • 15cm Grid Ruler;
  • 30cm Ruler.

4. Watercolours & Paints:

  • Lemon Yellow;
  • Burnt Sienna;
  • Neutral Tint;
  • Sap Green;
  • Deep Sap Green;
  • Naples Yellow Reddish;
  • Cobalt Blue;
  • Imperial Purple;
  • Payne's Grey;
  • Titanium White;
  • Lemon Yellow Gouache;
  • Sap Green Gouache;
  • Deep Sap Green Gouache;
  • Oxide Black;
  • White Gouache.

5. Other:

  • Watercolour Palette (18 wells);
  • Spraying Bottle;
  • Masking Fluid.

Pricing

Standard
 
  • 13 lessons: theory + practice + developmental exercises
  • 8 architectural watercolors
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze
  • The opportunity to watch the analysis of other participants' artworks
  • Access to course materials without time limits
  • Review of your artworks and answers to questions in the comments for 60 days from the start of the course
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with a course expert
  • +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next workshop. Valid for 3 months
200 $
$ €
SIGN UP!
Plus
 
  • 13 lessons: theory + practice + developmental exercises
  • 8 architectural watercolors
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze
  • The opportunity to watch the analysis of other participants' artworks
  • Access to course materials without time limits
  • Review of your artworks and answers to questions in the comments for 60 days from the start of the course
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with a course expert
  • +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next workshop. Valid for 3 months
250 $
$ €
SIGN UP!
Premium
 
  • 13 lessons: theory + practice + developmental exercises
  • 8 architectural watercolors
  • Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
  • Course Unfreeze
  • The opportunity to watch the analysis of other participants' artworks
  • Access to course materials without time limits
  • Review of your artworks and answers to questions in the comments for 60 days from the start of the course
  • Personal one-hour online consultation with a course expert
  • +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next workshop. Valid for 3 months
500 $
$ €
SIGN UP!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I can't draw at all. Should I take this course?

Absolutely! The course is designed to start with simple exercises and gradually move toward more complex projects. This step-by-step approach helps you ease into the process and achieve strong results.

The course is also beneficial for experienced artists, as it will help you refine your technique and deepen your visual understanding.

At the end of each lesson, you will upload a photo of your work. The instructor will provide feedback in several formats: written comments, visual annotations directly on your artwork, and audio notes.

Each lesson also includes a comment section where you can ask any questions related to the learning process.

If you choose a plan without feedback, the duration depends entirely on your personal pace.

For plans that include feedback, active instruction typically lasts two months from the moment you activate the course.

Overall, it's best to move at a comfortable pace and truly enjoy the creative process.

It's never too late to start drawing. In fact, about 30% of our students are over 50. They successfully develop their skills, strengthen their creative thinking, and find joy, inspiration, and mental refreshment through art.

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