I believe that encouragement is one of the most valuable gifts we can receive, and this art course is designed to offer just that. Whether you're 5 or 95, the principles you'll learn here are timeless and universal. I've found that art and design skills can be quickly grasped by anyone with average ability, and as you progress through these steps, you'll see your drawing and artistic skills flourish. We begin by honing our pencil work, focusing on the fundamentals of shapes, proportions, perspective, and the magic of light and shade to bring your drawings to life. As you advance, you'll explore the vibrant world of color, enhancing your ability to convey action, character, and emotion. We'll build confidence with pen work, delve into the expressive potential of pastels, and eventually embrace the fluid beauty of watercolors. Finally, we'll venture into the rich textures of oil painting and mixed media. This journey is crafted to inspire and encourage you every step of the way, and I am thrilled to be part of your artistic growth.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Use the point of your 6B pencil to draw the fur. Press lightly and let the fur strokes point outwards from the face towards the outside of the head. Add shading on the underside, but don't press too hard; you can always add more later.
Shade the Ear
Focus on the lower side of the ear. Use the point of your pencil to add a few lines, keeping the shading light and subtle. This adds depth to the ear.
Use the Side of the Pencil
Turn your pencil sideways and use the side of the lead for broader shading. Apply very light shading, keeping it slightly away from the bottom edge to create a soft transition.
Create Shadows on the Jug
For the jug, use the side of your pencil to create smooth, shiny shadows just in from the edge. Keep the shading light towards the bottom as light reflects off the table. Avoid making the shadows too wide or dark.
Add Cast Shadows
Identify and add cast shadows, such as the teddy's shadow on the jug. The darkest part of the shadow should be right next to the object casting it. Use the side of your pencil and keep the pressure light.
Shade the Orange
Add a dark shadow at the bottom of the orange where it rests on the table. Leave a small space for the light reflecting off the tablecloth. Use light pressure and avoid shading the top.
Finalize with Cast Shadows
Look for additional cast shadows, like the teddy's shadow on the table. Use the side of your pencil to create these shadows, keeping them light and extending them behind the orange.
Pro tipUse the side of your pencil for smooth, broad shading and the point for detailed lines.
Embark on your artistic journey by honing your foundational skills with pencil work. Begin by mastering shapes, proportions, and textures, and gradually incorporate light and shade to bring your drawings to life. As you progress, introduce color to your pencil drawings to express emotion and character, and experiment with pen, wash, and pastels for added depth and detail.
Warm-up exercises are essential to train your hand-eye coordination and build confidence. Start each session by practicing simple patterns, focusing on accurate replication and proportion. This preparation will enhance your control and precision as you move on to more complex subjects, such as still lifes and detailed compositions.
As you refine your drawing, pay attention to the big shapes and sub-shapes within your subject. Use light lines to sketch and adjust proportions, and gradually add details and textures. Remember to incorporate shadows and highlights to enhance the three-dimensional quality of your work. With practice and patience, your drawings will become more expressive and realistic.
Points to remember
Start with pencil to build foundational skills.
Always begin with a warm-up exercise to improve control.
Use your fingers to measure consistent distances.
Measure new elements against existing shapes for accuracy.
Use halfway marks to guide curves for perfect circles.
Draw lightly to allow for easy adjustments.
Leave spaces between lines where light hits for texture.
