Welcome to Derby Sketching Club

Derby Sketching Club (established 1887) is a Derby institution. We are an enthusiastic group of artists who meet together to sketch, paint and share a love of art. Our members come from a variety of backgrounds and experience ranging from beginners to professionals. The club provides a creative environment with the opportunity to refine skills amongst like-minded friends. Sessions are untutored, Everyone works at their own pace using their own materials.

At our regular meetings at Mickleover Community Centre we work from live models, for life drawing and for portraiture. We also have informal still-life sessions at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, Pickford’s House or Derby Museum of Making to sketch the exhibits. Demonstrators come to inspire us several times a year.  See our ‘What’s On’ page for an up-to-date programme of activities.

In the summer months, we get together at local tourist spots to paint the beautiful Derbyshire landscape. Venues include: Darley Park, Sudbury Hall, Markeaton Park, Cromford Canal, Hopton Hall and Elvaston Castle. Two or three times a year we go by coach to visit art exhibitions in other cities.

Derby Sketching Club members are entitled to take part in the annual Trophy Exhibition at Markeaton Park Craft Village where work can be offered for sale. Members can also have Gallery space on this website to showcase their work. We have social get-togethers including an annual club lunch every February. Once on our mailing list and Whatsapp group, members are kept up to date with news about club and local art events.

Annual membership costs £40. Each session attended at Mickleover Community Centre then costs £5.

We welcome guest artists to our regular sessions at Mickleover Community Centre. Cost to visitors is £10 per session. As a courtesy to the model we would ask that you please arrive in plenty of time for the start of the session.