Neighborhoods of New York

Your first introduction to the bustling streets of New York City is on the corner of East 25th and Lexington. You’ll learn how to translate the energy of the city onto your page, capturing the intricate details that make this place alive. From the towering presence of the Chrysler Building to the tangle of fire escapes, street signs pointing in every direction, the ever-present flow of cars and pedestrians at crossings, and even the water tower standing sentinel above it all.

This workshop isn’t just about drawing buildings; it’s about feeling the pulse of the city, learning to simplify complexity, and embracing the imperfect beauty of quick, confident sketching. By the end, you won’t just see New York differently—you’ll see yourself differently, too.

In our second workshop, we explore the timeless charm of Greenwich Village — a place where history, creativity, and architectural intrigue converge. Here, we’ll sketch a striking wedge-shaped building that seems to reach toward the viewer, its sharp angles offering a masterclass in perspective.

A nearby streetlamp, layered with street signs and urban textures, becomes a focal point of intricate detail, while the pedestrian crossings and distant canyon of 7th Avenue pull us into the rhythm of city life. But this isn’t just about capturing buildings — it’s about sketching atmosphere. Greenwich Village is alive with stories, and through pen, brush, and color, you’ll learn to translate its vibrant energy onto your page. Whether you're drawn to the challenge of complex textures or the romance of historic streets, this workshop will give you the skills—and the confidence—to bring it all to life.

Discover the quieter, village-like charm of New York in the third Neighborhoods of New York workshop, set in the heart of Chelsea. Here, where multiple streets converge, we’ll sketch a lively yet intimate streetscape filled with dynamic contrasts. Ornate details decorate the modestly scaled buildings, while classic New York fire escapes weave intricate patterns against their facades. The scene is alive with pedestrian crossings, eclectic street signs, and pockets of greenery that soften the urban landscape.

This workshop is about balance — knowing when to dive into fine details, like the embellishments of a historic building, and when to simplify, letting the composition breathe. Chelsea’s unique blend of energy and tranquility makes it a perfect setting to refine your sketching approach, capturing not just buildings, but the character of a neighborhood that feels both vibrant and welcoming.

In the fourth Neighborhoods of New York workshop, we cross the East River into Brooklyn to sketch one of the city’s most breathtaking landmarks - the Brooklyn Bridge. With its majestic arches and sweeping cables, the bridge is both a structural masterpiece and a dream for urban sketchers. From our vantage point in a nearby park, we’ll capture not only the bridge itself but also the striking Manhattan skyline, creating depth and contrast in our compositions.

This scene offers a rich interplay of bold architecture, intricate patterns, and natural elements, such as lush greenery softens the urban landscape. Beyond the Brooklyn Bridge, glimpses of the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges add even more layers to explore. This workshop is about more than just sketching a New York icon — it’s about embracing Brooklyn’s spirit, where historic charm meets modern vibrancy. With every line and wash of color, you’ll bring to life the energy of a borough that has long been a hub of creativity and culture.

In the fifth Neighborhoods of New York workshop, we step into the heart of Chinatown, where the energy of Pell Street unfolds in a vibrant display of color, culture, and movement. This scene is a feast for the senses; lanterns strung overhead filling the sky, intricate Chinese signage fills the storefronts, and historic tenement buildings with their distinctive fire escapes frame the lively streetscape.

The bustling flow of people, the rich textures of shopfronts, and the dramatic perspective leading toward a striking vanishing point all offer endless sketching possibilities. This workshop is about more than just capturing architecture; it’s about embracing the movement of Chinatown, a place where history, culture, and daily life intersect. You’ll bring this dynamic neighborhood to life, learning to sketch not just what you see, but what you feel in one of New York’s most captivating districts.

In the final Neighborhoods of New York workshop, we bring our sketching journey to a fitting close on Broadway - where history and modern city life collide in a breathtaking composition. At the heart of our scene stands the iconic Trinity Church, its neo-Gothic spire reaching skyward, framed by the sleek lines of Manhattan’s soaring skyscrapers. This contrast of old and new offers an exciting opportunity to explore perspective, texture, and light.

As we sketch, we’ll capture the intricate details of the church’s façade, the serenity of its tree-lined graveyard, and the bustling energy of Broadway just beyond its gates. This workshop is about mastering complexity - balancing the calm of long standing architecture with the movement and dynamism of city life. With each stroke, you’ll learn to bring depth and atmosphere to your sketches, ending this course with a piece that embodies the spirit of New York: timeless, energetic, and endlessly inspiring.

4 Quick Sketching Workshops

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New York is a fast-paced city, full of movement, energy, and ever-changing scenes. Learning to sketch quickly is an essential skill for capturing its dynamic streets, bustling cafés, and iconic landmarks before the moment passes. That’s why we’re including 4 exclusive Quick Sketching Workshops as a free bonus!

In these sessions, Ian Fennelly will show you how to break down complex urban scenes into fast, expressive sketches using simple techniques — helping you keep up with the city's unstoppable rhythm.

Sketchbook Tour

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Step into Ian’s sketchbooks and journey through the streets of New York as he shares his pre-sketches and final pieces. Watch as he breaks down his thought process, reflecting on the rhythm of the city, the character of its neighborhoods, and the details that bring each scene to life—from the worn brick facades to the café tables waiting for their next customers. See how his sketches evolve, capturing the essence of the city’s ever-moving streets and the stories they hold.

Urban Sketchers Feedback Gallery

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Buy this course and you'll also gain access to our thriving online feedback gallery.

This is a safe and private place where urban sketchers of all abilities can share their work without judgement - while getting positive, constructive feedback from supportive, like-minded sketchers who are all rooting for you!

There's no better place to learn, overcome challenges and build your confidence and skills than the Urban Sketch Feedback Gallery.

Yes. This is over-the-shoulder learning with Ian Fennelly.

Ian is an experienced and engaging teacher and has broken each workshop down into easy-to-follow stages. Within each of those stages, he takes you through each step in the process while explaining everything he is doing, slowly and methodically.

You have the flexibility to slow down, pause, or speed up each tutorial to match your learning pace. Some students also prefer to watch the videos first and then watch them again and sketch along. The choice is yours!

Plus, with lifetime access, you can revisit the course as many times as you like.

The entire course spans approximately 12 hours, but it's organized into short, manageable lessons. You have the option to repeat any scenes with Ian for additional practice.

While it's a comprehensive course, you benefit from lifetime access, allowing you to proceed at your own relaxed pace and on your schedule.

Our learning platform is incredibly user-friendly. Each workshop tutorial features step-by-step videos, supplemented with additional guidance and interactive elements to enhance your learning experience. Just navigate through the lessons and play the videos as you proceed.

Yes, you'll receive lifetime access to the course along with all accompanying downloads and resources. It never expires, allowing you to learn at your own pace, on your schedule, and any device.