Erin Hill Studio Sketch Classes teach you to sketch a quick impression in the moment. We teach you "How to See" and we take you step by step to becoming a sketcher. No previous experience is needed.

In 2017 we are proud to offer you sketching classes in the scenic Blue Mountains. Our talented tutor Anna Barnes will host you at our Wentworth Falls studio – an incredible sketching location for locals & day trippers alike.

Classes & timetable

Term 1 ’17  Jan 30 – April 8 (10weeks)

Thursdays – 9.30AM – 12.30PM with Anna

Term 2 ’17 April 24 – July 10 (10 weeks)

Tuesday New Sketchers – 9.30AM – 12.30PM with Anna, 

Thursdays General class – 9.30AM – 12.30PM with Anna

Term 3 ’17 July 18 – Sept 23 (10 weeks)

Tuesday New Sketchers – 9.30AM – 12.30PM with Anna

Thursdays General class – 9.30AM – 12.30PM with Anna

Saturday  New Sketchers - 9:00AM - 12.00PM with Anna

Term4 ’17 Oct 9 – Dec 16 (10 weeks)

Tuesday New Sketchers – 9.30AM – 12.30PM with Anna

Thursdays General class – 9.30AM – 12.30PM with Anna

Saturday New Sketchers - 9:00AM - 12.00PM with Anna

Saturday General Class - 1.00PM - 4.00PM with Anna 

Our Sketch locations

We start in a character cafe each week  with warmups and technique, focussing on the subject of the week. We call this ‘Village Sketching’ and we meet at a variety of locations over the 10 weeks. Classes then go outside to sketch a subject with guidance from the tutor.
More location information provided at time of booking.

Cost

$385 for 10 week course.
$150 for Sketch Kit ( one-off cost)

Bookings – email Erin at  erin@erinhill.com.au

or email Anna at erinhillstudiobluemountains@gmail.com

About Travel Sketching

Anybody can learn to sketch with the ErinHill approach! Leave your fears at the door. We will show you step by step how to go about it. Before long you will seeing the world in a new way.

These are not your traditional drawing, illustration or painting classes. Rather a sketch is that simple impression, as you see it in the moment, no matter how wibbly wobbly!  No right or wrong. We have a way of leading you step by step through a program which will have you sketching in your first lesson.

We also get you to work quickly. Time is always limited when you travel so we teach you to sketch in however little time you have. No previous experience needed. Lots of laughs and lots of fun.

If you haven’t sketched with us before, join a 10 week New Sketcher course.

There are 3 parts to all our weekly classes, although we may vary the plan depending on location and weather.

In the Studio (or character cafe) with warmup and techniques sketches.

Go out on location sketching our subject of the week.

Complete the class in a cafe each week. Enjoy further sketching, friendly encouragement and conversation with your fellow class mates and tutor.

We work through a program over the term to give you the core skills needed. You’ll also learn to apply colour in a very simple way. Rather than teaching you to paint, we show you how to apply loose colour to a confident sketch.

The Studio

The Blue Mountains Studio is located in the scenic Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains.

Erin Hill Sketching.

Sketching Holiday. Small group. Get out your sketchbooks and get ready for the most delicious beautiful and friendly country on earth. 

NEXT TOUR:

We are going Sketching in Vietnam. Erin Hill Studio is hosting a 15 day tour of Hoi An. Learn to sketch and be part of a small group culinary adventure with Kathy Wesson, your Erin Hill Sketch Tutor, and myself Anna Barnes your chef and guide. We will visit the local fishing village, see potters, wood carvers and lantern makers in action, see how silk fabric is made, wander the historic streets, relax in the organic herb gardens, and so much more! Enjoy the beautiful historic Unesco protected town of Hoi An in Vietnam. Next tour December 2017.

https://erinhill.com.au/vietnam-sketch-holiday/

Day Trip to Cabramatta. 

Anna Barnes has joined ErinHill Sketching to create our "Sketch and Food" day trips. Anna has studied Fine Arts and Social Anthropology, has her Masters in Design Science and was a top chef in Sydney’s restaurants for 25 years. She is also a very passionate sketcher. She is particularly fond of Vietnam and the foods from that region.
"It all about Vietnam for me. So when I am not in Vietnam, I am in Sydneys little Vietnam, Cabramatta. Join me for lunch and some fresh food shopping. Let me take you to the places where I shop. I can answer your questions and inspire your meals with Sydneys best freshest and most exciting food markets."
We will enjoy a Vietnamese coffee, see women butchers hard at work, bump and hustle with the fiercest of home cooks for the best herbs in town, and explore the local supermarkets for essential ingredients and cooking tools for your next creation. Next we will cram into a tiny loud and busy restaurant that serves delicious authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Grab a chance to see fresh sugar cane juice being made or buy a warm Vietnamese sesame coated doughnut .

Itinerary

10:00am Meet at the Water Buffalo in the Freedom Plaza

10:15 Go shopping for morning tea snacks and sip a Vietnamese coffee in a unique Cabramatta style cafe.

11:00am Light brunch sampling central Vietnams famous soup noodle dish, Bun Bo Hue. 

11:30am I will show you my favourite places to shop. You will learn about the unusual ingredients found in the Vietnamese supermarket and where to find those ingredients needed to cook Vietnamese cuisine at home. You will have a chance to purchase items, and we will have a quick break and go take heavy items back to our cars! Don't forget to bring your cool bag and ice brick on hot days. 

Next visit the fruit and veg shop, the fishmonger and the butcher. I will explain the unique ingredients and you will have a chance to purchase items for your home cooked meals, including tropical fruits to snack on.

Sketch with your group, or let me show you the basics of travel sketching. A sketch is that simple impression, as you see it in the moment, no matter how wibbly wobbly!  No right or wrong. We have a way of leading you step by step where you will put down lines and capture the moment. 
We also get you to work quickly. Time is always limited when you travel so we teach you to sketch in however little time you have. No previous experience needed. Lots of laughs and lots of fun.

1:00pm Sit down to a shared lunch with your group where you will sample and feast on many classic, and also unusual Vietnamese dishes. I can answer questions and explain further the customs and traditions of Vietnamese food eating and culture. (extras and drinks not included, but you are welcome to purchase them separately. I will show you where the bottle shop is if you would like to drink wine or beer at lunch)

2:00pm Finish, and you will be accompanied back to the carpark, or stay on at your leisure.

What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, a cooler bag and icebrick if you intend on purchasing fresh foods. 

Where to meet: We will meet at The Water Buffalo statue. It is located on the walking street know as “Cabramatta Freedom Plaza” that runs between Arthur St and John st. The water buffalo is closest to “Cabramatta Gate” on Arthur street. 

Where to Park: A multi level carpark is located via Dutton Lane. head down Hughes St and you will see the queue of cars waiting patiently to get into the carpark. Don't worry, you will eventually get a park. I usually head straight for the top level. Remember to smile often, it will always be returned!

Toilets: Its best to use the public restroom located on the ground floor of the carpark. It is situated in the middle of the carpark, between the new and the old sections. I recommend a visit before commencing the tour. 

Cost: $150 per person. Minimum 2, maximum 6 people. Paid in full when booking. 50% refund on cancellation if made 2 weeks prior to booked date. If you can find someone else to take your place that is perfectly ok too. 

 We are introducing you to a completely new way to combine your passion for both sketching and great food.

Whats included: Vietnamese coffee or other beverage, and a Vietnamese snack. Shared Brunch dish. Shared Lunch. Personalised commentary, questions answered, and things explained for the duration of the tour. 

Whats Not Included:  Extras and drinks at lunch not included, but you are welcome to purchase them separately. I will show you where the bottle shop is if you would like to drink wine or beer at lunch). You will be given opportunities to shop for those special fresh canned bottled and dried ingredients you only get to read about, and I can help you find the things you would like. Bring your cash for these things, personal purchases not included.

Booking: Please email to make a booking. You can also call Anna on +61490345782. 

This is a fab opportunity for all you foodies who like to sketch & taste to join a workshop with our own private chef and tutor Anna Barnes. There’ll be lunch in a cafe and a little tour around this very scenic location. Perfect for a day trip from Sydney or for local folk.

If you haven’t sketched with us before, you’ll need an A5 ring bound sketchbook, a No 3 size black drawing pen, and a box of 10 – 12 watercolour pencils. A barrel sharpener is useful.

Cost  – Sketchers $135. 

Location – Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains. 

Time - 10am-2pm

Lunches and cafe drinks are not included.

Timetable for 2017 (please see below for private group bookings)

Chocolate truffles – Monday 6th February

Anna hosts our class for beginners in the art of making chocolate truffles using the very best single origin ethical ingredients. See the process Anna will take you through, seeing the tricks to creating these amazing taste sensations. You’ll then decorate your own truffles to take home.

Apple Pies – Monday 5th June

Something for the cooler time of year perhaps.  It’s Apple orchard time in the local valleys. We’ll have an Apple pie pastry demo, and roll and line a pie dish the easy way. Flours used will be locally milled and biodynamic. Organic butter also used, of course. Then we will pile high our freshly cooked lightly spiced caramel apple pie filling. So delicious with fresh local organic apples and Australian organic sugar. Can it get any better than this? Whilst the log fire keeps you warm, enjoy a relaxing session sketching some of the local apples and fabulous still life of baking equipment, baking ingredients and finished baked pies. Expertly tutored by your trained Erin Hill Sketch tutor. Warm pie from the oven served with a delicious coffee made with roasted beans from the local The Little Coffee Company, or a pot of brewed tea from The Blue Mountains tea Co. We might even whip some of the best cream ever, sourced locally, organic and single origin. I wonder what the name of the cow is that gave us this cream? I don’t know, but we thank her! Go home with some little pies for eating later on...

Book by emailing erin@erinhill.com.au

Savoury Pies – Monday 7th August

Jolly freezing up here still!! Pastry and pies are perfect for winter. You will learn about making shortcrust pastry, rolling pastry, classic puff pastry, organic flaky wholegrain spelt pastry and more. We use the best locally milled biodynamic flours, organic butter, and sea salt. Savoury fillings are perfect for this winter season. My popular roasted vegetable cheesy pie, and the creamy delicious chicken and leek pie made with a slow cooked bone broth will sure to please. Tasty, nourishing and healing. Bake, taste, and take some home for dinner. Sketch your ingredients and finished products. You might even like to sketch the recipe. Seasonal local vegetables, and ethical meats sourced from local suppliers. The log fire will be burning. Enjoy an espresso coffee made from beans locally roasted by The Little Coffee Company or you could try a tea from the local Blue Mountains Tea company. 

Come and enjoy a perfect mountains day. 

Book by emailing erin@erinhill.com.au

Sourdough & Cultured Butter – Monday 9th October

See the bread being made from the sourdough starter to hand shaping the loaves and seeing them come out of the oven. Learn some great tricks for shapes and styles. Techniques suited to domestic ovens. No experience needed. Locally milled biodynamic flours used. Minimum 24 hour ferment. Interesting seeds and artisanal flours to try too. 

Sketch the flours, seeds and warm rustic still life set up for you by your experienced sketching tutor, whilst smelling the wafting of the cooking bread. You will be guided gently with some great new ideas and techniques in sketching. Enjoy a cosy winters day by the log fire and warm oven, with an espresso coffee made from beans locally roasted by The Little Coffee Company or you could try a tea from the local Blue Mountains Tea company. Bread is served with some delicious cultured butter, that you will help make. You will see how simple it is to make your own! Take home some sourdough starter and a recipe to get you baking at home the very next day.

Book by emailing erin@erinhill.com.au

Christmas pavlova & lemon curd – Monday 20th November

This month we’ll look at Holiday dessert ideas – particularly pavlovas and meringues. We’ll learn how to make a successful mix and some exciting new ways to present the finished product. 

Remember the fabulous shortcrust pastry you learned in June on Apple Pie day? (don’t worry if you don’t  I can give you the recipe again) Well now you can serve the pastry with a zingy lemony summery feel. Learn to make an easy yet super successful lemon curd to go with your pavlova, or it can be used as the filing for a lemon tart, or lemon meringue pie. 

Enjoy a taste of freshly made pavlova with local seasonal fruits. Ever had a chocolate espresso hazelnut pavlova with cinnamon poached fruit and mascarpone? Well now is your chance. 

You will enjoy it even more with a coffee from the locally roasted beans of The Little Coffee Company, or a freshly brewed tea from The Blue Mountains Tea Co. 

Sketch the day away under the guidance of your trained Erin Hill Sketch Tutor, and be inspired by the colours flavours and shapes of summer in your still life. Take home some mini pavs and top them at home with freshly whipped cream, and what ever fruits you can get locally. Delicious. Now you are set for the Holiday season. 

Book by emailing erin@erinhill.com.au

Private Group "Sketch Your Cake"  3 hours with Anna, helping to make your cakes, decorate, sketch and eat. By appointment. Min 4 people. Your very own private lesson or special celebration morning. Perfect for a hens morning, or birthday treat. Make some of the famous Sugar Merchant Cakes that are sold in the local cafes, whilst the log fire keeps you warm, sketch your cakes and recipes or still life specially prepared for you. Enjoy a coffee from the locally roasted beans of The Little Coffee Company, or a freshly brewed tea from The Blue Mountains Tea Co. Take home a little box of your own cakes, and if you would like to wear and take home a gorgeous "Laughing Bird Studio" locally printed blue mountains apron, let me know and I will order them for your special day. 

Adults $125pp  Young people under 12yrs $75pp

Book by emailing erinhillstudiobluemountains@gmail.com

The thing I love to do most is sit in the streets of Vietnam and sketch. Amid all the noise and movement, I find it helps me to focus on the details and notice things. When I sit and sketch I create memories that can be recalled years later by just flicking through my sketch book. I meet locals this way, and they show interest in my work because I am showing interest in them. I have had many women working in markets come and ask me to sketch them. I have felt much joy in printing and framing and giving them a copy. I have gotten to know many women who work in the markets better this way, and I also have beautiful momentos of the time I spend eating and drinking on the streets. 

I draw food, kitchens and botanicals using coloured pencils. I particularly enjoy focusing on the details and creating beautifully rendered realistic images. Some drawings take many hours to complete. I sell these images as prints in my online shop. Ill post to anywhere in the world.

Seasonal Local Organic

I use ethically sourced organic, seasonal and local produce in my cakes and source my eggs, flour, cream and butter straight from the farmer. I use organic wholegrain locallly milled flours. I make delicious fillings of homemade curds, preserves and organic buttercreams.

My cakes are either ‘naked’ or finished with a light dusting of icing sugar, freshly made soft frostings, buttercreams or couverture chocolate ganaches. My cakes are often simply decorated with the edible flowers I forage from local permaculture gardens.

Currently I am using pastured local truely free range eggs, single origin fair trade certified single origin chocolate, organic grass fed butter, organic sugar, single origin local milk and cream, local in season fruits and vegetables, Australian dried fruits and nuts.

Council approved, NSW food authority registered business. I've been a chef for 20 plus years. Ive been head chef in award winning restaurants, and 2 hat Sydney Restaurants. My Cakes and other sweet treats change regularly. I am Always coming up with something new.

email me for further details

wholesale orders welcome

https://www.facebook.com/sugarmerchantcakes/