Learn Travel Sketching with us
Time to Meet Our Tutors
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ERIN HILL
Tony McNeight
Kirsten Pitot
Alisa Cooper
Tricia Sullivan
Gaye Pitt
Francesca Zygmunt
ERIN HILL
International Tutor
Travel Sketching has been my particular passion for more than two decades and art has been my single focus since early childhood.
During my career as an Advertising Art Director and illustrator I accrued the skills needed to simplify a visual story in a limited time, with as few strokes as possible. This is what I apply to sketching.
Family and a 4 year sabbatical at Julian Ashton School of Art Sydney,
then a Studio established for teaching sketching came out of it all.
I’m the founder of Erin Hill Sketching which began in Manly NSW Australia in 2012,
with one or two sketch classes a week
and soon became weekday, weekend and evening classes.
This led to the creation of my teaching system which is so successful in all our classes workshops and tours worldwide.
It is this system which is the foundation of our tutor training program.
When I’m in Kingscliff NSW Australia between October and April each year, I do take classes.
From May to October I teach in France, UK, Italy, Turkey, and USA.
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Apart from myself, we have very passionate and caring tutors, trained in the EHS system who have their own studios in Australia and NZ.
This is giving many more people the opportunity to learn the joy of sketching
and a new way of seeing the world.
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Sketch Classes with Erin
Australia Kingscliff Fridays. France Intro to Sketching. USA Natick Intro to Sketching
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Sketch Workshops with Erin
Australia and USA
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Sketch Tours with Erin
Naples/Amalfi, South of France, London UK, Cappadocia Turkey, Urban Sketching Retreat Fiji
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KIRSTEN PITOT
South Coast NSW Australia
‘Intro to Sketching’ with Kirsten
‘Next Steps’ with Kirsten
‘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
‘Intro to Travel Sketching’ with Alisa
’Next Steps sketching’ with Alisa
‘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
‘Introduction to Travel Sketching’ with Tricia
’Next Steps’ Sketching with Tricia
’Taste of Sketching’ Sundays with Tricia
‘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 I became hooked on sketching.
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
Bundanoon Southern Highlands NSW Australia
‘Introduction to Travel Sketching’ with Gaye
‘Next Steps Sketching’ with Gaye
’Taste of Sketching’ with Gaye
“Discover the joy of sketching with Gaye.
Join her hands-on classes in her studio in the picturesque village of Bundanoon, 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 in my Bundanoon home 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.
Francesca (Fran) Zygmunt
Geelong Victoria Australia
Introduction to Sketching Classes will begin in April - Term 2 2025
Living in the vibrant bay city of Geelong, Victoria, I am a self-taught artist who discovered my passion for art as an adult.
My artistic journey began with oil painting 8 years ago, where I found joy in capturing the essence of pet portraits, florals and anything in between.
However, the demands of daily life often left me time poor. Searching for a way to “scratch the creative itch,” I stumbled into the world of sketching. Its simplicity and immediacy became the perfect outlet, allowing me to capture moments and ideas quickly and expressively, no matter how busy my day.
I’ve embraced travel sketching as a practice that has added depth and meaning to my life. Inspired by Erin's loose and fresh style, I have been inspired to sketch with freedom and spontaneity, celebrating the beauty of imperfection.
I believe that travel sketching isn’t just about exploring faraway places—it starts at home.
Whether it’s the unique charm of Geelong’s waterfront or the small details in a local café, I love turning everyday moments into artistic expressions. It is about documenting memories.
As an enthusiastic lifelong learner and teacher, I am passionate about sharing this journey with others.
If you've always dreamed of picking up a sketchbook but didn’t know where to start, I’d be delighted to guide you.
I have been in your shoes! Let’s sketch the world together, starting with the beauty in our own town.
TONY McNEIGHT
Auckland New Zealand
See all Tony’s Classes Workshops and Tours
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.