Painting course
Urban sketching courses - creative and personalised
Are you ready to see your surroundings with different eyes and put them on paper? Our urban sketching courses are for anyone who wants to capture their world with quick strokes - relaxed, lively and full of fun. Whether beginner, advanced or professional, everyone can learn urban sketching and develop their own style. Grab your sketchbook and off you go.
Introduction to Illustration
A 4-Week PIE Basic Course
- Multi-day Course
- Beginner
- PIE Course Atelier
- 4 × 2.5 hours
Up to 20% discount for Members
Every drawing tells a story.
In this 4-week course, you’ll dive into the art of illustration — the playful and powerful world of visual storytelling.
Whether you love comics, graphic novels, manga, zines, or just want to bring your ideas and characters to life, this course gives you the foundation to start telling stories through your art.
We’ll explore the basics of character design, composition, dynamic poses, and simple inking and shading techniques. You’ll learn how to build images that speak without words — whether you’re illustrating a single scene or starting your own visual universe.
This isn’t about getting it “perfect” — it’s about getting it out of your head and onto the page.
✏️ What to Expect
- Step-by-step weekly guidance from a professional illustrator
- Live demos and examples from comics, manga & more
- Time to practise character poses, scenes & storytelling techniques
- A relaxed space to develop your personal style and ideas
🧠 What You’ll Learn
- Character creation basics (faces, bodies, expressions)
- Poses and movement for dynamic drawings
- Simple composition and layout tricks
- Inking, shading, and linework techniques
- How to tell stories through images — with or without words
🎁 What’s Included
We provide everything you need:
- Paper, pencils, pens, markers & illustration tools
- Full use of our professional studio and resources
Just bring your ideas — and let’s bring them to life.
🤔 Is This Course Right for Me?
Yes — if you’ve ever dreamed of telling stories with your art.
Perfect for beginners or hobby creatives who want to explore illustration, comics, manga, or personal projects — no experience required, just imagination.
🥂 First Class Vibes: Sips & Hellos
We like to kick things off on a warm and social note. During the first class, we’ll take a little extra time to get to know each other — and we’ll toast to the beginning of your creative journey with a welcome drink.
📦 A Few More Things to Know
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and connect with your classmates
- Length: Each 2.5-hour session includes setup, creative work and tidying up, with around 2 hours of active painting, drawing or ceramics
- We’ll safely store your artwork between sessions and package it beautifully at the end
- Cancellations: Tickets are transferable but non-refundable within 36 hours. You can reschedule your spot up to 72 hours before the first class
- Keep practicing! Our Studio Classes are the perfect way to keep that brush moving
Introduction to Urban Sketching
A 4-Week PIE Basic Course
- Multi-day Course
- Beginner
- PIE Course Atelier
- 4 × 2.5 hours
Up to 20% discount for Members
Every sketch captures a moment.
In this 4-week course, you’ll dive into the art of urban sketching — the spontaneous and expressive way of drawing the world around you.
Whether you love city scenes, cafés, architecture, or simply want to document your surroundings in a creative way, this course gives you the tools to sketch confidently on location and bring everyday moments to life.
We’ll explore the fundamentals of perspective in an easygoing yet comprehensive way, along with composition, linework, and quick sketching techniques. You’ll experiment with different materials, tools, and styles — from pencil and fineliner to watercolor — and learn how to adapt your approach depending on the scene.
Classes will take place both in the studio and at different locations around the city. You’ll learn how to choose the perfect spot, capture the atmosphere of a place, and simplify what you see while keeping its essence.
This isn’t about getting it “perfect” — it’s about capturing what’s in front of you, in your own way.
✏️ What to Expect
Step-by-step weekly guidance from an experienced instructor
Live demos on location and in the studio
Time to practise sketching real-life scenes in different environments
A relaxed, inspiring space to develop your personal style
🧠 What You’ll Learn
The basics of perspective (made simple and practical)
How to sketch architecture and urban scenes
Techniques for capturing movement and atmosphere
How to simplify complex scenes while keeping their character
Working with different tools (pen, pencil, watercolor & more)
How to build a sketchbook habit and capture moments on the go
🎁 What’s Included
We provide everything you need:
Paper, sketching tools, and basic materials to experiment with
Access to our studio and guided outdoor sketching sessions
Just bring your curiosity — and we’ll explore the city together.
🤔 Is This Course Right for Me?
Yes — if you’ve ever wanted to draw what you see and capture moments as they happen.
Perfect for beginners and hobby creatives who want to explore urban sketching in a fun, supportive way — no experience required, just a willingness to observe and try.
🥂 First Class Vibes: Sips & Hellos
We like to kick things off on a warm and social note. During the first class, we’ll take a little extra time to get to know each other — and we’ll toast to the beginning of your creative journey with a welcome drink.
📦 A Few More Things to Know
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and connect with your classmates
- Length: Each 2.5-hour session includes setup, creative work and tidying up, with around 2 hours of active painting, drawing or ceramics
- Cancellations: Tickets are transferable but non-refundable within 36 hours. You can reschedule your spot up to 72 hours before the first class
- Keep practicing! Our Studio Classes are the perfect way to keep that brush moving
Introduction to Illustration
A 4-Week PIE Basic Course
- Multi-day Course
- Beginner
- PIE Course Atelier
- 4 × 2.5 hours
Up to 20% discount for Members
Every drawing tells a story.
In this 4-week course, you’ll dive into the art of illustration — the playful and powerful world of visual storytelling.
Whether you love comics, graphic novels, manga, zines, or just want to bring your ideas and characters to life, this course gives you the foundation to start telling stories through your art.
We’ll explore the basics of character design, composition, dynamic poses, and simple inking and shading techniques. You’ll learn how to build images that speak without words — whether you’re illustrating a single scene or starting your own visual universe.
This isn’t about getting it “perfect” — it’s about getting it out of your head and onto the page.
✏️ What to Expect
- Step-by-step weekly guidance from a professional illustrator
- Live demos and examples from comics, manga & more
- Time to practise character poses, scenes & storytelling techniques
- A relaxed space to develop your personal style and ideas
🧠 What You’ll Learn
- Character creation basics (faces, bodies, expressions)
- Poses and movement for dynamic drawings
- Simple composition and layout tricks
- Inking, shading, and linework techniques
- How to tell stories through images — with or without words
🎁 What’s Included
We provide everything you need:
- Paper, pencils, pens, markers & illustration tools
- Full use of our professional studio and resources
Just bring your ideas — and let’s bring them to life.
🤔 Is This Course Right for Me?
Yes — if you’ve ever dreamed of telling stories with your art.
Perfect for beginners or hobby creatives who want to explore illustration, comics, manga, or personal projects — no experience required, just imagination.
🥂 First Class Vibes: Sips & Hellos
We like to kick things off on a warm and social note. During the first class, we’ll take a little extra time to get to know each other — and we’ll toast to the beginning of your creative journey with a welcome drink.
📦 A Few More Things to Know
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and connect with your classmates
- Length: Each 2.5-hour session includes setup, creative work and tidying up, with around 2 hours of active painting, drawing or ceramics
- We’ll safely store your artwork between sessions and package it beautifully at the end
- Cancellations: Tickets are transferable but non-refundable within 36 hours. You can reschedule your spot up to 72 hours before the first class
- Keep practicing! Our Studio Classes are the perfect way to keep that brush moving
Introduction to Comics
A 4-Week PIE Basic Course
- Multi-day Course
- Beginner
- PIE Course Atelier
- 4 × 2.5 hours
Up to 20% discount for Members
Your next comic starts here.
In this 4-week course, you’ll dive into the world of comics — a playful and powerful way to combine images and storytelling.
Whether you love graphic novels, manga, webcomics, or simply want to bring your ideas and characters to life, this course gives you the foundation to start creating your own comics with confidence.
We’ll explore the basics of visual storytelling, including panels, pacing, composition, and character design. You’ll learn how to turn ideas into sequences, build engaging scenes, and guide the viewer through your story — all while experimenting with different styles, tools, and techniques.
This isn’t about getting it “perfect” — it’s about getting your ideas out of your head and onto the page.
✏️ What to Expect
Step-by-step weekly guidance from an experienced instructor
Live demos and examples from comics, manga & more
Time to practise panels, characters & storytelling techniques
A relaxed, inspiring space to develop your personal style
🧠 What You’ll Learn
The basics of comic storytelling (panels, pacing & flow)
Character creation (faces, expressions, body language)
How to build scenes and visual sequences
Simple composition and layout techniques
Inking, linework, and shading basics
How to develop your own short comic or visual story
🎁 What’s Included
We provide everything you need:
Paper, pens, markers & comic tools to experiment with
Full use of our professional studio and resources
Just bring your ideas — and let’s turn them into stories.
🤔 Is This Course Right for Me?
Yes — if you’ve ever wanted to create your own comic or tell stories through images.
Perfect for beginners and hobby creatives who want to explore comics, manga, or visual storytelling — no experience required, just imagination.
🥂 First Class Vibes: Sips & Hellos
We like to kick things off on a warm and social note. During the first class, we’ll take a little extra time to get to know each other — and we’ll toast to the beginning of your creative journey with a welcome drink.
📦 A Few More Things to Know
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and connect with your classmates
- Length: Each 2.5-hour session includes setup, creative work and tidying up, with around 2 hours of active painting, drawing or ceramics
- We’ll safely store your artwork between sessions and package it beautifully at the end
- Cancellations: Tickets are transferable but non-refundable within 36 hours. You can reschedule your spot up to 72 hours before the first class
- Keep practicing! Our Studio Classes are the perfect way to keep that brush moving
Introduction to Calligraphy
A 4-Week PIE Basic Course
- Multi-day Course
- Beginner
- PIE Course Atelier
- 4 × 2.5 hours
Up to 20% discount for Members
Every letter has its own rhythm.
In this 4-week course, you’ll dive into the art of calligraphy — the timeless practice of transforming writing into a visual expression.
Whether you want to create beautiful handwritten pieces, explore a new creative discipline, or simply learn to appreciate the beauty of letters, this course will guide you through the foundations of calligraphy in a calm and inspiring environment.
We’ll explore the principles behind beautiful lettering: form, spacing, rhythm, and composition. You’ll learn how to work with different tools and techniques, from traditional nibs and ink to modern lettering approaches, while developing your own style and understanding of what makes a letter feel balanced and expressive.
This isn’t about perfect handwriting — it’s about slowing down, finding your flow, and discovering the artistic potential hidden in every stroke.
✏️ What to Expect
Step-by-step guidance through the fundamentals of calligraphy
Demonstrations of different techniques, tools, and lettering styles
Time to practise strokes, letters, words, and compositions
A calm and creative space to develop your own artistic expression
🧠 What You’ll Learn
The foundations of calligraphy (tools, materials, and techniques)
How to create consistent strokes and balanced letterforms
The principles of spacing, rhythm, and composition
Working with different inks, pens, and lettering styles
How to combine letters into beautiful compositions and finished pieces
How to develop your own calligraphic style
🎁 What’s Included
We provide everything you need:
Paper, pens, inks, and calligraphy tools to experiment with
Full use of our professional studio and creative resources
Just bring your curiosity — and let’s discover the art of beautiful writing together.
🤔 Is This Course Right for Me?
Yes — if you’ve ever been fascinated by beautiful letters or wanted to learn a new creative skill.
Perfect for beginners and creative minds who want to explore calligraphy as an art form — no experience required, just patience, curiosity, and a love for detail.
🥂 First Class Vibes: Sips & Hellos
We like to kick things off on a warm and social note. During the first class, we’ll take a little extra time to get to know each other — and we’ll toast to the beginning of your creative journey with a welcome drink.
📦 A Few More Things to Know
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and connect with your classmates
- Length: Each 2.5-hour session includes setup, creative work and tidying up, with around 2 hours of active painting, drawing or ceramics
- We’ll safely store your artwork between sessions and package it beautifully at the end
- Cancellations: Tickets are transferable but non-refundable within 36 hours. You can reschedule your spot up to 72 hours before the first class
- Keep practicing! Our Studio Classes are the perfect way to keep that brush moving
Why take an urban sketching course at Paint It Easy?
Would you like to learn urban sketching in a relaxed and inspiring environment? No boring tracing, but real sketching in the city or wherever - with relaxed people and a great atmosphere. Our urban sketching courses are aimed at anyone who wants to look at the world with creative eyes and discover a lot. Perfect for beginners, advanced or even professionals.
Of course. You are very welcome. Our urban sketching courses are for everyone.
Just you and your desire to draw - we provide the right material.
With pleasure. Drawing together is more fun.
Our offers
Forget sterile studio spaces, boring explanations and dusty drawing - we're going outside. Our urban sketching courses offer a creative break in the middle of the urban hustle and bustle. Whether it's a cosy café, lively squares or hidden corners - we'll show you how to capture the atmosphere with pen and paint. Learning urban sketching has never been so uncomplicated and fun.
Creative with heart and pen
We are not a boring art and painting school with strict rules. We are a cool team of artists and sketching fans who share their passion for urban sketching in a trendy and modern setting. We inspire you to try out new techniques, boldly draw lines and see the world through different eyes.
Peter 
Pati 
Eszti 
Coco - +31Zum Team
Urban sketching courses in Zurich and Basel
Our sketching courses take place in the most beautiful places in Switzerland - perfect for learning urban sketching on the spot. Discover new techniques, meet like-minded people and capture urban life with quick sketches. Whether alone or in a group - we have the right format for you.
Urban sketching courses in Zurich Urban sketching courses in Basel
FAQs - Everything you need to know about urban sketching
Urban sketching means: just get started! We'll show you techniques for sketching quickly and expressively - with simple lines, light and shadow.
Urban sketching is spontaneous sketching on location - be it a street café, a market or the skyline of your city. It's about the mood, not perfection.
We recommend handy sketchbooks with sturdy paper that fit easily in your bag - perfect for travelling!
Smooth but hard-wearing paper that can withstand both fineliner and watercolours works best.
Urban sketching was created by Gabriel Campanario, a Spanish draughtsman, and is now a worldwide movement.
«One of the best places in the city to switch off with creative projects, good coffee and a warm atmosphere. The studio offers unique courses and workshops - with a great team that combines knowledge with fun.»
Salony Roongta
«The evenings in the PIE Studio are always wonderful. A place where you can give free rein to your creativity and connect with like-minded people. Don't miss the chance - become part of the community!»
Laura Company
«A great place to get a little happiness boost and be creative! Wonderful people and a great atmosphere - definitely worth a visit. I've already done several drawing and painting courses in the studio and I'm really pleased that there's now a café too!»
Valentijn Broeken
«Paint It Easy is my creative feel-good place in Zurich. Whether painting courses, open studios or brunch & paint - everything is just right here. Great team, relaxed atmosphere and always new ideas to try out!»
Ally Z
«We absolutely loved the Creative Café - delicious food, a relaxed atmosphere and the creative freedom to just get started spontaneously. We painted ceramics, got inspired and immediately wanted to try lino printing on our next visit!»
Janiza Ouarab
