New Town Perspectives: city centre sketching tours with the Edinburgh Sketcher

Description

Learn how to quickly capture the world around you in ink and watercolour.

Known locally as the Edinburgh Sketcher, ink and watercolour artist Mark Kirkham is well-known on social media for the sketches he creates on the streets of Edinburgh, and beyond.

On his new series of 2026 tours, Mark will guide you around his favourite New Town sketching spots starting in Dublin Meuse, picking out details in architecture and nature that will help describe the techniques he has picked up over a decade of sketching around Edinburgh.

Each class will touch on details, perspectives, depth and composition. You will begin with quick 5 minute exercises to relax the hand and build confidence, and work up to a longer, detailed vista. The locations will be chosen to suit the weather conditions.

You will start at The Arienas Collective, where you will have access to toilet facilities and drinking water, and can leave any belongings before heading out on your tour. You will return to The Arienas Collective to add a few finishing touches, and for welcome-back refreshments.

Mark's sketching tours are perfect for all levels, from beginners to those who would like to learn more about his unique speed-sketching style, or to practice sketching with ink and watercolour.

All materials, access to equipment and refreshments are included in the price. An optional Edinburgh Sketcher kit will be available to buy on the day, subject to availability.

A note about the Scottish weather

We're used to a bit of wind and rain in Edinburgh, so please do check the forecast before you leave and dress weather-appropriately. In the event of extreme weather conditions, you will sketch indoors instead using a range of visual references.

More information

The Arienas Collective workshops, courses and events are run from a welcoming and supportive environment within a Georgian mews home in Edinburgh’s City Centre New Town. We invite you to join us, leave any day-to-day worries behind and immerse yourself in being creative.

Spaces on our workshops and courses are limited so that our creative team of artists and makers can offer you the hands-on help and support you need to make the most of your time with us.

Our taster and introductory workshops focus on teaching creative skills and methods you can continue practising at home, using affordable materials and equipment. Where more expensive equipment is required we will mention this in the workshop description.

All the equipment and materials you need are included in the price, unless stated otherwise.

Light refreshments from local suppliers are provided. On full day workshops you are welcome to bring your own lunch to eat inside or out. There is also a wide range of independent sit-in or takeaway delis, cafés, and restaurants, plus a range of supermarkets all within a 5-10 minute walk.

Accessibility

The workshop space is on the first-floor of our Georgian mews home and unfortunately we do not have lift access. Blue badge holders can park outside our front door on the single yellow line by arrangement.

Allergies

The workshop space is in our open plan living space and is not nut free. Please let us know about any skin or food allergies before booking. We offer a dairy-free milk and gluten free snack alternative.

Minimum number no refund policy

To ensure we can always pay our creatives a fair fee, we require a minimum number of bookings for each workshop and for this reason bookings are non-refundable. Should we have to cancel due to low numbers, we will offer you the option to swap to an alternative date or workshop, or to request a refund.

We do our very best to avoid cancellations. Since we often get late bookings, we keep our workshops on sale for as long as possible. We realise that some of you travel from afar, so if you book a space and have not yet received an email confirming your workshop is going ahead and need to make plans for your trip, please get in touch before booking any travel or accommodation so we can update you on booking numbers. Or check in before booking.

Private workshop bookings

Most of our workshops are also available to book for: private get-togethers with family and friends; themed wedding and birthday celebrations; corporate team building and well-being purposes; and in-store retail events for your customers. If you’d like to know more please Email Lynn.

Age restrictions

Our workshops are planned with adults in mind. Many are suitable for teenagers, but some may require under 16s to be accompanied for insurance purposes. Please check with us before booking.