Time to Meet Our Tutors
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ERIN HILL
Tony McNeight
Kirsten Pitot
Alisa Cooper
Tricia Sullivan
Gaye Pitt

ERIN HILL

International Travel Sketch Tutor

Erin is the founder of Erin Hill Sketching.

It began in Sydney NSW Australia in 2012 when she opened a studio in a small at a beach-side shop determined give everyone
with an artistic impulse, the opportunity to grow that urge into artistic fulfilment.
She had long believed that everybody was capable of being an artist by embracing what she called “travel sketching”.
Today that term is used world-wide to describe the practice of making a fast but fulsome impressions of a variety of subjects,
using techniques not taught at conventional art schools.
On the spot. At the location. In the moment.
With a minimal of art materials and pigments. Spontaneous and joyful.
At its core is a fresh way of seeing and understanding what we are looking at.
Form becomes shape then an image on the sketchbook page

Erin’s system was developed following childhood artistic success,
and success as an advertising design art director and illustrator culminating in the formation of her own commercial studio
undertaking major commissions in Australia and New Zealand accruing the skills needed to simplify a visual story in a very limited time.
Speed, spontaneity, layering pigments, from pencils, paints or a twig - mixed with courage -
bought a freshness to image-making and confidence to beginners and experienced artists alike.
This was where the seeds of her Travel Sketching techniques began and evolved into her teaching system which now successful in classes workshops and art tour groups worldwide.
Tutors in the Erin Hill Sketching Group carry forward these principles, adding their own ideas techniques
and graphic innovations and passion to a system which is still evolving and
bringing confidence to students in Europe, North America and Australiasia.
And a fresh way to see the world.

KIRSTEN PITOT

South Coast NSW Australia

‘Sitting in a cafe sketching before the rush of the day, and I suddenly realised I felt like I was on holiday.
Thought about that a bit more, and realised that sketching ALWAYS makes me feel like I’m on holiday!
Every sketch is a mini holiday.’
- Kirsten Dec 2024

Hi - I'm Kirsten, and I’ve sketched all my life, but it was always black-and-white for me,
until I stumbled into the colour-filled world of Travel Sketching.
I instantly fell in love with Erin’s techniques, taught to me by talented tutor Gaye.

I then travel-sketched my way through Europe, through lockdowns, and through life’s ups and downs,
and was elated when Erin invited me to become a tutor too!

I absolutely love introducing new people to the simple but deeply satisfying methods, watching them flourish and, along the way, develop lasting bonds with fellow students.

Sketching has taken me through careers in film (props design), animation, most recently as a children’s book illustrator and,
of course, sketching tutor!

When it comes to teaching others, I particularly enjoy helping each student to work through any challenges they feel they have.

My speciality is teaching people who are hard-of-hearing,
and I’m really excited to offer sketch classes in Auslan as well.  I look forward to meeting you in class.

ALISA COOPER

Lower North Shore Sydney Australia

‘We had such a fabulous 6 weeks. Loved every minute and we’re all sad it’s over, but so inspired to continue our sketching journeys!
Alisa was the most talented, patient and kind instructor!’

Creativity has always been a significant part of my life.
While I've explored various art forms such as quilting and pottery, my journey into travel sketching began with Erin.
More recently with Kirsten.

Initially, I hesitated, thinking I needed to be an accomplished artist to be a sketcher,
but I soon discovered the magic that happens when I followed the steps and let go of my inhibitions.

Throughout my career, which often involved high-stress environments and team building,
I’ve learned the importance of life balance and connections with others.

Travel sketching has allowed me to fully immerse myself in the present, leaving work and responsibilities behind.
It's introduced me to wonderful people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have become lifelong friends.

Now as a tutor, I'm thrilled to share with you the joy of discovering new places,
keenly observing the world, and capturing it on paper.

The experience is both meditative and rewarding, and I can't wait to have you join in. See you soon!

TRICIA SULLIVAN

Gold Coast Queensland Australia

‘Had so much fun and learnt so much! Not nearly as scary as I thought and came away thinking I can do this.’ - Catherine

I think that not having an artistic background is my strength.
I was lucky enough to learn from the best – Erin Hill – and I am living proof that following Erin’s step by step process will help you to create a sketch that you feel happy about. If I can sketch it, anyone can!

I met Erin in 2022 on her sketching trip to Sicily, and I followed that wonderful experience with several classes in Australia too. I liked Erin’s relaxed style of sketching and her use of colour. That’s how as an experienced tour guide I became hooked on sketching.
I now run International Sketch Tours to places I adore - Morocco, Puglia, Croatia, Sicily - and more to come.

What I love about Travel Sketching is that you are capturing a moment in time – a feeling – a memory. You can produce something a little more personal than a photograph and it makes you slow down, appreciate the moment, and to have fun with it. Oh, and the colours we use are gorgeous too! Our sketches are light, bright, and happy. You will feel uplifted as you are creating them. It’s just fun!

I will show you how to create your own sketches through Erin’s step by step classes. They are easy to follow.

I will take you to interesting, enjoyable places to create our sketches – to colourful cafés, little wooden chapels, interesting architecture, gardens, rivers, beaches and many more places. Our sketching sites will all be on the Gold Coast from the beach to the hinterland, and you will be notified each week where we are to meet and what we will sketch.

So, if you are looking for a mindful hobby, for some “me time,” if you want to meet a likeminded group of people and spend an enjoyable few hours each week sketching, then join us on our course.

I promise you there are no calories in the cakes that we sketch…..

GAYE PITT

Southern Highlands NSW Australia

“Discover the joy of sketching with Gaye.
Join her hands-on classes in the picturesque village of the Southern Highlands where art meets inspiration.
Perfect for beginners and seasoned sketchers alike!”

I was born in Manly and grew up in Balgowlah on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, the family often holidaying in Bundanoon. It was there at Throsby Park that I gained my horse riding skills.
Ive always drawn and sketched in any available material and sculpted in clay from an early age .Alexander Mackie College was where I studied and received my BeEd. In Visual Art.

Teaching in High Schools gave me the chance to be a creative influence to many students. Hopefully I’ve guided the boys I taught to see the world through drawing.
As a tutor with Erin Hill Sketching, I can now show many adult students that they can indeed learn to sketch, once shown those all important observation skills.

I have my studio where we have our classes and often too, we sketch in nearby cafes in The Southern Highlands.
I’d love to meet you and take you on a brand new journey of discovery, of relaxation, of mindfulness, and the pleasure of doing something entirely for our own joy.

TONY McNEIGHT

Auckland New Zealand

Hi. I’m Tony McNeight, a passionate and experienced sketch tutor who heads up Erin Hill Sketching NZ.

My mission is to inspire creativity and confidence through my background
as a graphic designer in the advertising industry.
Since opening in Auckland New Zealand in February 2016, I’ve now guided countless students to discover their artistic voice through engaging, hands-on sketch workshops and classes.
Learning to simplify the complexities of sketching is an important part of our teaching.

I like to make art accessible and enjoyable for beginners and ongoing sketchers alike.
My approach combines technical skill-building with a deep appreciation for self-expression,
fostering a welcoming and encouraging environment where creativity thrives.

You won’t believe how much pleasure you’ll get from sketching. Absolutely no experience needed. Truly.