Bristol Sketching Tour for Beginners and Improvers

Start at Queen Square - a green haven of calm in Bristol. Here, we will start with quickfire sketches of the statue of King Richard III, then learn about the Bristol Riots and history of some of the surrounding houses.

Compare the contrast between old and new at the Bristol Old Vic, one of Bristol's many theatres and creative spaces. On the left is their new foyer with hard lines and big windows. On the right is the grand original building. Learn about it's history as Theatre Royal, Coopers Hall and how it came to be.

Sketch straight lines for wooden beams outside one of Bristol's oldest pubs. Hear stories about the characters who have visited this pub from Blackbeard to the ghosts that live here today! And get a feel for what it may be like during a busy evening drinking on King Street

Draw quickly in the bustling market at the centre of the old town. Learn about where Bristol first became a county, and why the clock on the exchange has an extra minute hand. Take a quick break here too and use the loo, grab a drink and rest your pens and pencils.

From the cities oldest streets, we'll follow where the old walls used to stand. Through alleyways, we'll reach St John on the Wall - one of the old town's many churches. Learn about it's history as an entry and exit point of Bristol, where a water spring still exists and where the river used to run. As we walk, spot glimpses of street art covered buildings.

Continue along the city walls to find an art gallery hidden up an alleyway. Today, this is home to many artists in the heart of the city, but it used to be an old printing factory. Learn about this area's connections to printing, newspapers and journalism.

Visit the plinth where the Edward Colston statue once stood. The statue had originally been erected without any public demand before struggling to be removed for many years. We'll talk about how it was thrown into the harbourside, and what should be there in its place. As we draw, look for skateboarders and people moving through the space.

Finally in the heart of Bristol's Harbour, we'll stop at Pero's Bridge. Learn about who Pero Jones was and Bristol's historic links to the Transatlantic Trade of Enslaved People. There is lots to see and draw here from Arnolfini, Watershed, the Bristol Ferry Boats and many of the restaurants and bars.

Pass through this busy square filled with fountains and attractions. Take more time to draw people and buildings in this area. From the watery blocks of fountains, the big, round, mirrored planetarium, to We The Curious and the curiosities within.

Finish your tour in College Green. This green open space sits at the bottom of Park street - filled with shops and cafes. Study beautiful old buildings such as the Central Library, Cathedral and City Hall. Here, we can share some of our favourite drawings and what we've learnt in our time together.