Toby SketchLoose

In-person workshops and retreats

SketchLoose: Hands on sketching workshops
Join me for a variety of on-location sketching workshops in some of the UK's most inspiring towns and cities, and across Europe. 

These workshops are designed to help you loosen up your lines, simplify complex scenes and capture the essence of a place with confidence and creativity.

In-person workshops and retreats

Explore the current offerings and itineraries below.

Sketching loose for beginners, Cambridge, 31 January - 1 February 2026

Weekend course

A small-group weekend course. We will be based in 'Artworks and Artspace' - easy to get to from the centre of town or the park and ride services. We will spend the weekend exploring the basics of ink and watercolour sketching. By the end of the weekend, you'll have loads of art to be proud of!

Two places left  

Granchester, Cambridge, 21-22 February 2026

Weekend retreat

Join Toby and Colin in the historic and picturesque village of Granchester, located just on the outskirts of Cambridge for a diverse weekend of sketching.

Find out more here  

Lower Slaughter, Cotswolds, 11-12 April 2026

Weekend retreat

Without a doubt our most popular venue and with good reason. It's incredibly pretty and there are so many wonderful views to sketch. We take up residence of the village hall and have to pinch ourselves how lucky we are to be there. A must do event.

Find out more here  

Chiaraluce, Italy, 17-23 May 2026

One week retreat

This course is now fully booked but you can contact the hosts via their website to be on the waiting list in case of cancellations.

Find out more here  

Mevagissey, Cornwall, 6-7 June 2026

Weekend retreat

Join Colin and Toby for another weekend retreat in Cornwall. Back by popular demand, this beautiful village has masses of character and even more boats. We've been here before and we loved it.

Find out more here  

Dordogne, France, 5-11 September 2026

One week retreat

The last couple of spaces are available to book direct with the hosts in France. The link is down below. I will be staying in the 'off site' accommodation, a couple of minutes walk down the road if you'd like to join me there.

Find out more here  

Belfast, October 2026

Weekend retreat

Awaiting confirmation but anticipated for 2026 will be Colin and Toby's return to Belfast and the MAC. We expect to open bookings in early 2026.

Find out more here  

Pop-up workshops

One-day workshops

Currently awaiting new dates so keep your eyes peeled. Last year every single date sold out and it was an absolute blast.

Find out more here  

What types of workshops do I run?

Find out more about each type below, including typical schedules/activities and timings.

One day sketching workshops

Relaxed and friendly, and usually en plein air. Expect small groups and a lot of hands of time with me.

Find Out More

Weekend sketching retreats

Immersive weekends in various UK locations. Action packed with the added benefit of two hands-on tutors, Toby and Colin.

Find Out More

Week retreats in Europe

New for 2026, I'll be teaching some week-long workshops in Italy and France. Each European retreat is thoughtfully designed to make the most of the unique character and beauty of the area. Check out the in-person workshops and courses section for available retreats and their custom itineraries.

Testimonials

     

 Toby’s in-person workshop delivered in every way. Great locations, well-thought out demos, warm ups and practical exercises plus one on one immediate feedback and constructive input. Impactful and simple to apply tips and techniques sure to improve anyone’s sketching practice. Small groups for personal attention and a fun vibe. Highly recommend! 

Maggie B: Sketching in Bourton
     

 Absolutely amazing Bath sketching weekend with Toby and Colin! Both are fabulous teachers and sketching with them in a group was great, we all learnt so much. It taught me how to shut up that inner voice that says 'you can’t do it and shouldn’t even try' and that lesson will stay with me. 

Marianne L: Bath Weekend
     

 After participating in two of Toby's workshops, I can confidently say they were truly enriching experiences. Toby’s supportive and encouraging approach made them particularly memorable. He was mindful of the fact that many of us were entering unfamiliar territory, having never shared our artwork or sketched in public before. The workshops were clearly enjoyable for everyone, and we all walked away feeling inspired and more confident in our creative abilities. 

Jacqui B: St Neots and Cambridge Sketching Days
     

 I really enjoyed the sketching weekend - thank you for all your encouragement and positivity. Your demonstrations and tuition were excellent, and made even complicated scenes seem approachable and fun. It was really good to sketch outside with a small group of like-minded people. I came away with renewed confidence and determination to keep sketching and to keep enjoying it as much as I did in St Neots and Cambridge. Thank you! 

Jo B: St Neots and Cambridge Sketching Days
     

 This course has given me more freedom to be loose, and flow more with my line drawing. I found the perspective tips very helpful. The continuous line technique is a wonderful skill for me to continue to explore now I am home. Toby and Colin’s different uses of watercolour was fascinating and I will be playing with both styles to incorporate them and eventually find my own way. I would definitely join another weekend of learning and connecting with great people. 

Michele K: Bath, Lower Slaughter, Mevagissey and Cheltenham Retreats!
  

Previous workshops: Here's what happened

St Neots June 2025

A beautiful day in amazing sunshine. Check out this blog post to read (and see) what we got up to!

Lower Slaughter 2024

A four day workshop in the Cotswolds with an amazing and enthuastic group. Check out what happened in the VLOG linked below.

Bath 2024 Weekend Retreat

Here is a 'behind-the-scenes' of a sketching weekend we Colin and I. Here we had 16 wonderful artists join us in the epic Bath. The link will take you to our VLOG.

SketchLoose.co.uk
If you're looking for friendly sketching courses, with personal feedback on all your course art and projects, then join my online courses on SketchLoose.co.uk!

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