IAN FENNELLY'S...
4-Week Sketching Experience
Go from a blank page to confidently completing a frame-worthy sketch!
Guided step-by-step and supported by a kind and encouraging community
You’ve admired sketches online. You’ve bought the sketchbook. Maybe even tried to follow along with a YouTube video and quietly closed it when your pen didn’t do what theirs did.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
And more importantly – you’re not too late.
This December, we invite you to slow down, tune out the noise, and sketch your way through the historic streets of Edinburgh, one line at a time… with Ian Fennelly as your guide.
This isn’t just a sketching course. This is a gentle rebellion against self-doubt, perfectionism, and the belief that art is only for the “naturally talented.”
Dave
Urban Sketch Student
“I enjoyed discovering that I could do something I would never have thought I could possibly do.”
What's Included In the 4-Week Experience...
A structured, beginner-friendly, immersive learning experience – led by one of the most beloved urban sketchers in the world: Ian Fennelly.
It’s called an ‘experience’ because this is so much more than just more training. Here’s what you’re getting when you join us…
Keith
Urban Sketch Student
Your 4-Week Sketching Schedule
Week 1: 2nd December
Introduction & Outline Stage (90 Mins)
7pm (UK TIME) The Edinburgh Experience begins with confidence. Thanks to your pre-sketch and preparation, you're not starting from a blank page. You're already in the rhythm. Ian welcomes you with warmth and encouragement, setting the tone for four weeks of creative exploration. Next, guided by Ian’s step-by-step approach, you’ll shape the scene with a confident outline. To finish, you’ll refine your work with a fine liner, adding just enough detail to bring your sketch to life - without losing its charm or simplicity. This is about more than technique. It’s about learning to see, to trust your hand, and to enjoy the process.
Nov 09, 2017Week 2: 9th December
Watercolor Stage (90 Mins)
7pm (UK TIME)
This session begins with Ian reviewing and critiquing five student outline sketches from Week 1 - offering clear, actionable feedback to help you refine your line work and elevate your structure.
Then, you’ll step into the world of watercolor, getting hands-on with the essential tools and materials. You’ll build your own color chart, explore both on-page and off-page mixing techniques, and learn how to manage water flow for control and clarity.
Once you're confident, you'll apply what you've learned in two focused watercolor sessions - where Ian shows you how to create depth, vibrancy, and atmosphere on the page. By the end, you won’t just understand color - you’ll feel confident using it to bring your sketch to life.
Week 3: 16th December
Brush Pen & Tone Stage (90-Mins)
7pm (UK TIME)
This session opens with a critique of five watercolor pieces from Week 2, where Ian shares key insights to deepen your technique and control.
Then, you’ll get hands-on with a new tool - the brush pen. Through a detailed live demo, Ian reveals how this expressive instrument can add bold contrast, depth, and movement to your work.
You’ll then apply these techniques in two focused sketching segments, learning how to use the brush pen to inject tone, texture, and personality into your perspective.
By the end, you’ll not only understand the brush pen - you’ll feel empowered to use it with confidence and flair.
Week 4: 6th January
Detail Stage (90-Mins)
7pm (UK TIME)
In this final session, Ian begins by critiquing five brush pen sketches from Week 3 - helping you sharpen your technique and refine your artistic voice.
Then, you’ll fully immerse yourself in your final scene through three focused segments that bring the sketch to life with intricate detail. This stage is all about layering in texture, depth, and storytelling - with Ian guiding you every step of the way.
By the end, you’ll not only complete a piece you’ll be genuinely proud of - you’ll also walk away with the confidence and skill to begin crafting your own captivating scenes from scratch.
Week 5: 13th January
Celebration Stage
7pm (UK TIME)
After a brief catch-up break, we’ll gather one last time to celebrate your progress and reflect on the creative journey we’ve shared. You’ll be amazed by how far you’ve come - and it’s important to pause and truly acknowledge that transformation.
Ian will host a final group Q&A, offering personal insights and answering your lingering questions. Then we’ll wrap things up on a high note - with a special contest where one lucky participant will win a signed Ian Fennelly pre-sketch to commemorate the experience.
Ken
Urban Sketch Student
What People Said About The Last 4-Week Experience...
The feedback and results from the last 4-Week Experience was better than we even imagined. Here’s just a few of the comments shared from participants of the previous cohort…
What Does 4 Weeks of Live Coaching with Ian Fennelly Cost?
Ian Fennelly is one of the world’s most sought-after sketching instructors – his week-long retreats typically run between $4,000–$5,000, and he’s fully booked until 2027.
So even if this 4-week experience were priced at $1,000, it would still be an exceptional value – offering hands-on training, personal feedback, expert guidance, a supportive community, and direct access to Ian over an entire month.
But we understand that kind of investment isn’t realistic for everyone – and we want to make this experience accessible to as many sketchers as possible.
Because we’ve seen firsthand the dramatic transformation this kind of focused experience can create – in both your skill and your confidence.
That’s why…
The 4-week sketching experience IS FREE FOR UrbanSketch+ MEMBERS
Join UrbanSketch+ and Take Part in the 4-Week Live Edinburgh Sketching Experience – Starting December 2nd
When you join UrbanSketch+ (monthly or annual), you’ll be automatically registered for Ian Fennelly’s 4-Week Sketching Experience – now updated and even more immersive.
You’ll get:
- Immediate access to the pre-sketch and preparation module – free to try before you commit
- A faster start – we put pen to paper at the start of week 1’s session
- Weekly homework and critiques to keep you on track
- New perspective exercises based on Edinburgh’s dramatic scenes
- A live, structured format that keeps you moving and inspired
UrbanSketch+ already includes a rich library of tutorials and a vibrant community but this live experience accelerates your progress with real-time guidance and creative accountability.
Lori
Urban Sketch Student
Join today and also you’ll get instant access to two valuable bonuses that give you an immediate head start:
BONUS #1: Early Access Preparation Module
The moment you sign up, you’ll unlock instant access to Ian’s Preparation Module. You’ll get 5 focused lessons that eliminate every “I don’t know what to do” moment before Week 1 even begins.
Here’s what’s included in your Preparation Module:
- Introduction to Victoria Street – Ian walks you through the scene you’ll be sketching, explaining why this particular Edinburgh location is perfect for learning his methodology.
- Choosing Your Materials – No guessing about what to buy. Ian shows you exactly which pencils, pens, brushes, and paper to use (and why).
- Understanding the Scene – Learn how to see the structure of Victoria Street before you even put pencil to paper.
- Pen Placement – Ian demonstrates his exact approach to mapping the scene, so you know where to start and how to build confidence from the first mark.
- Initial Line Drawing – Follow along as Ian creates the foundational sketch, revealing his thinking process every step of the way.
Once you understand these five steps, sketching Victoria Street becomes far less intimidating – and even more fun. And you’ll be ready to hit the ground running on December 2nd!
BONUS #2: Pre-Sketch Module
Value:
Before Ian teaches you anything, he solves the scene himself. And you get to watch the entire process.
This isn’t a polished demonstration. It’s Ian working through Victoria Street in real-time – making decisions, testing approaches, figuring out what works and what doesn’t.
The pre-sketch module includes five training lessons where you see:
- Pre-Sketch Part 1: How Ian maps the initial structure using simple lines and shapes
- Pre-Sketch Part 2: Building the composition with a fine liner, adding windows, doors, elevation details
- Pre-Sketch Part 3: Adding tone with brush pens to work out light, shadow, and depth
- Pre-Sketch Part 4: Detail work—where Ian discovers the textures, patterns, and character of the scene
- Pre-Sketch Review: Ian reflects on what he learned, what he’d do differently, and how this informs the final sketch
Why this matters: The pre-sketch is where Ian works out all the problems for you.
By the time you start your sketch, you already know what challenges to expect and how to handle them. It’s like having a map before starting a journey.
BONUS #3: Homework Challenges (Optional)
Value:
Four weeks is already transformative. But what if you want to progress even faster?
After each session, you’ll get optional homework – focused practice that deepens what you just learned without adding pressure.
- Week 1: Apply the composition structure to three scenes from your own life.
- Week 2: Build color confidence with mixing exercises between sessions.
- Week 3: Practice brush pen techniques on simple subjects before your main sketch.
These aren’t mandatory. You may choose to do them all. Or you might skip them entirely. Either way, you’ll finish with work you’re proud of.
But here’s what we’ve noticed: Students who practice between sessions show up to live calls more confident. They ask better questions. They finish stronger.
The homework isn’t about doing more work. It’s about making the four weeks count even more.
Join the Most Supportive Sketching Experience of the Year
You’ve seen what’s possible and you’ve heard how much the last group loved it. Real progress. Real support. Real confidence.
Ian Fennelly’s 4-Week Sketching Experience gives you real-time coaching, simple step-by-step guidance, and the kindest community to cheer you on while you sketch.
Ian’s in-person retreats usually sell out years ahead and cost thousands. When you join UrbanSketch+ you can take part in this entire live experience for free! Plus you’ll unlock two member only bonuses and our full library of sketching resources.
If you’ve been wondering how to finally make real progress, say yes today. Let Ian guide you to a sketch you’re proud to frame and skills you’ll keep for life.
Choose your membership plan below to reserve your place for the Live Edinburgh Experience starting on December 2nd:
Monthly
You'll Get-
Monthly Training from Ian Fennelly
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4-Week Live Sketching Experiences (twice yearly)
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Monthly Feedback Sessions
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Monthly Art Challenges
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Live Q&A’s
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Live Webinars
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Private Sketching Community
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20% Discount on all Courses
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Extended Courses
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Much more!
Annual
You'll Get:-
Bonus: The 4-Week Landscape Sketching Experience
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Get 2-months FREE!
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Monthly Training from Ian Fennelly
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4-Week Live Sketching Experiences (twice yearly)
-
Monthly Feedback Sessions
-
Monthly Art Challenges
-
Live Q&A’s
-
Live Webinars
-
Private Sketching Community
-
20% Discount on all Courses
-
Extended Courses
-
Much more!
Frequently asked Questions
Ian Fennelly has built an extraordinary reputation as one of the world’s finest urban sketchers and most sought-after teachers.
Ian’s distinct style of on-location art, engaging teaching methods, and all-round creativity has earned him a passionate global following.
‘Layers of Looking’ is the perfect introduction to the wonderful world of urban sketching.
Turning up ‘live’ is not mandatory and the beauty of this experience is the ability to watch the recordings in your own time.
We understand that December is a busy period, and we have members across all different time zones who may struggle to make the live training times.
You’ll get the recording of each session within 24-hours. On top of this, we’ve built in lots of opportunities for you to catch up if you fall behind, including a short catch up break before the celebration session.
There are many differences:
- You’re sketching a single scene rather than lots of different scenes.
- You will build up your scene over 4 weeks in 4 separate stages.
- The training is slower paced.
- There is more detail and stages to this live training experience than there is in an online course.
- Ian is with you live during each online session. He’ll be there to guide you, answer your questions, give you feedback and encouragement throughout the journey. Importantly, he’ll ensure you don’t develop any bad habits that could derail your progress for years.
- There is built-in accountability. Often life gets in the way of our progress, but when you know you’re turning up the following week it will encourage you to keep going.
- Taking an online course can be lonely. But in a group based learning environment like this, you’re sharing a journey with lots of other people who are all at different stages of their development. This gives you tremendous encouragement and confidence.
During the week following each session, you can submit a photo of your work and state anything you’re struggling with on that particular stage. Ian will select a handful of the submitted works-in-progress and share his feedback to the entire group at the start of the next session.
Submitting your work is not mandatory. Oftentimes we learn just as much from hearing the feedback to other people’s work.
Yes. If you’re a beginner, then you’re in the right place and your development will be swift. Many people wait before they get coaching and feedback, but this only leads to the start of bad habits. This program will help you make rapid progress and ensure you’re on the right track at the start of your sketching journey.
No. When you join UrbanSketch+ before December 2nd you are automatically enrolled into the 4-Week Experience, completely free. You will get ongoing access to the session recordings provided you remain an active member of UrbanSketch+.
After December 2nd, the 4-Week Experience will not be available to new UrbanSketch+ members. It will be available only as a separate paid product.
Yes you can! Once you reach the order page, please select to add on an additional copy for no extra shipping.
You can also bundle your book with Ian’s “Sketching Stories” and “Finding Your Inspiration” for no extra shipping fees.
Rest assured, we’ve designed this coaching experience to suit EVERYONE at every stage of their sketching journey. Even those picking up pens for the first time in years.
- This will be slow-paced training so that even the newest sketchers can keep up.
- If you don’t finish the stage by the end of each session, then you have a full week to finish it before the next session.
- There is a special ‘catch up’ period period. This gives everyone ample opportunity to finish off the stages, re-watch the recordings, and be ready for the final detail stage which will be delivered on
January 6th.
Yes. UrbanSketch+ has been designed for artists at all levels. If you’re an accomplished artist, then UrbanSketch+ will help you sharpen up your skills and techniques while pinpointing areas that can be improved.
Every week, we’ll send you a Zoom link by email. Just click on the link at the time stated to join us Live.
If you can’t make a session or don’t want to sketch ‘live’ then just watch the recording and sketch along later, in your own time.
UrbanSketch+ is a special members-only community that is crammed with training, tools, resources and a thriving community of urban sketchers. We are giving the 4-Week Sketching Experience to members completely FREE.
No. It doesn’t matter whether you join UrbanSketch+ as a Monthly or an Annual member, provided you’re a member on December 2nd you will automatically added to Ian Fennelly’s 4-Week Live Online Sketching Experience.
- ZERO-RISK Money-back guarantee -
We stand by a 30-day guarantee on Plus membership plans. If you’re anything less than THRILLED within the first 30 days of joining – just let us know. We’ll cancel your membership and issue you with a full, no-hassle refund. We take all the risk. You are fully protected.