Drawing Courses Catalog

Our complete catalog of Drawing Courses.

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ABOUT OUR DRAWING PROGRAMS

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Drawing Program

The Drawing Program is about active learning in art. We you to embrace your artistic journey by application of our concepts. Our method involves watching, pausing, and practicing. We strive to demystify complex concepts and ensure you grasp the fundamental artistic principles.

Supplies Needed

All the items that you need to get started are included in this kit.

START TODAY!

Our Introduction and Continued Drawing Program(s) are ready for you to get started today.

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DRAWING 101: Foundational Elements of Drawing

Module Breakdown | 4 Modules (56 Videos, Ranging from 5 min. to 25 mins.)

Classical Drawing is a Fundamental Aspect of Art that is often overlooked. There is a direct correlation between those who learn to draw at a high level and who paint at a high level. In this module, you will learn the basic of drawing from the old masters and techniques that I have used for over 40-years.

Enroll in Drawing 101

Take Me to Drawing 202

Foundational Introduction | 13 Videos

1.1 | Understanding The Value Scale

Learn the importance of developing a touch.

1.2.1 | TouchPoint Drawing Introduction

TouchPoint drawing is a way of drawing what I see with precision and accuracy.

1.2.2 | TouchPoint Drawing To Measure The Eyes

Eliminates the need for a ruler, allowing for flexible and accuracy.

1.2.3 | TouchPoint Drawing To Measure-The Face

A methodical process where every change is represented by a dot on the page.

1.2.4 | Enlarging In Proportion

The systematic process of determining halves and fourths

1.3.1 | Shading the Box-Light Side

Precision and patience with the meticulous art of shading.

1.3.2 | Shading the Box- Medium Side

Start with medium box and concept called Half-Tone.

1.3.3 | Shading the Box-Dark Side

Where strokes on paper create a symphony of values.

1.3.4 | Shading the Box-Finishing

Discover the subtle dance between light and dark.

1.4.1 | Single Pear and Strawberry-Drawing the Box

Discover the practicality of enclosing objects within containers to facilitate measurements.

1.4.2 | Single Pear and Strawberry-Drawing The Pear

Identifying specific points where the object touches or changes direction.

1.4.3 | Single Pear and Strawberry Segmenting Shading

Significance of maintaining temperature, texture, and color vibrancy in correspondence with proximity.

1.4.4 | Single Pear and Strawberry Value and Tempature

The gradual shift of value is directly connected with the value and color, temperature, and tone.

This program is designed to introduce you to every possible choice that may arise in your art: understand the change in value, develop your touch and eye, and comprehend that the value scale can be divided into planes -- creating a three-dimensional image.

Touchpoint Drawing Measuring Proportions | 3 Videos

2.1 TouchPoint Drawing: Torso

Learn the fundamental principles of portrait drawing.

2.4.1 TouchPoint Drawing: Advanced Eye Drawing

Using a pencil and, for clarity, a red marker.

2.4.2 TouchPoint Drawing: Advanced Eye Introduction

Explore the art of measurement in drawing, where the size of your subject matters less than the method applied.

As an artist, when you have learned this simple and easy way to draw, the amount of freedom to experiment becomes tremendous.

TouchPoint Drawing is a fantastic method for learning how to measure accurately and proportionately. Once you start painting, you will reap enormous dividends from learning how to draw.

Lost and Found, Contrapposto | 29 Videos

03.03.01. Measure the Arm

Demonstrate how to measure an object and enlarging it.

03.03.02. Shading the Arm

Focus on drawing the little negative shapes and incorporating curves.

03.03.03. Lose and Find Arm with Sargent

The concept of losing and finding edges in a drawing.

03.04.03. Lost and Found: 1 of 3 Figures with Velasquez

The focus is on understanding the techniques employed by the artist, who is replicating a work by Velasquez.

03.05.02. Lost and Found: 1 of 3 Figures with Velasquez, P2

We focus on understanding light and shadow in drawing.

03.05.02.01. Lost and Found: Velasquez-Class Talk

Discussion about painting, we discuss insights into the process of creating art.

03.06.01. Techniques to Soften an Edge Introduction

Looking at the nuances of painting techniques related to drawing, particularly in Sargent's work.

03.06.02. Cross Hatching the Hair: Lord Ripplesdale

We discuss the use of different brushes in painting, particularly focusing on the round brush.

03.06.03. Cross Hatching: Meghan Lips

We demonstrates the use of a cleaned and dried bristle fan brush for creating broken crosshatch lines.

03.06.04. Cross Hatching: Ben Portrait

We explore the importance of attention, mood, and maintaining shapes.

03.06.05. Finishing Ben's Edges Softening

We consider the initial plan to create a lighter or darker background for the subject's shirt also known as Figure Ground Relatiuonships.

03.07.01. The Cowboy Lay In

We delve into the concept of art mapping and its broader connection to storytelling within art.

03.07.02 Cowboy Macro Introduction

We delve into the concept of art mapping and its broader connection to storytelling within art.

03.07.03 Cowboy Macro, Part 2

We explore different tools and techniques for charcoal drawing.

03.07.04. Cowboy Contrapposto

We explore different tools and techniques for charcoal drawing.

03.07.05. Cowboy Finishing Up

We look at the intricacies of drawing, emphasizing a focus on the Macro-Micro and Mini Micro.

03.07.06 Cowboy Finishing Up

The importance of maintaining a variety of values and creating a visual flow within the drawing.

Introduction to Figure-Ground Relationships

03.08.01. Oyster Gathers: Erase Laying In Toning

We begin by expressing admiration for Sargent's painting of Oyster Gatherers and its ability to convey movement.

03.08.02. Oyster Gathers: Erase Elements of Art

We begin the drawing process by freely placing the main figure on the canvas.

03.08.03. Oyster Gathers: Erase Start Figure Ground

The visual tools such as color and contrast to guide the viewer's attention.

03.08.03.01. Oyster Gathers: Erase Adding Dark Charcoal

03.08.04. Oyster Gathers: Erase Finishing Darks

This is the biggest and most important concept to own. Bringing attention to the areas that tell your story also means ensuring that you do not draw attention to the areas you don't want the viewer to focus on.

Touchpoint Drawing for Beginners | 17 Videos

04.01.01. The Lamb Drawing In

Techniques for accurately depicting shapes and proportions using a window and points.

04.01.02. The Lamb Shading

Continue the process of drawing and shading a lamb using the Touchpoint Drawing technique.

04.02.01. The Pelican Start

The culmination of our shading exploration

04.02.02. The Pelican Start of Shading

Understanding the play of light and shadows on the pelican.

04.02.03. The Pelican Shading the Body

The importance of controlling values in a drawing to guide the viewer's attention.

04.02.04. The Pelican Finishing

Focus on establishing values and textures, emphasizing the importance of contrasting light and dark areas.

04.03.01. The Rhino Measuring

Emphasize the accurate rendering of shapes and proportions using a window and points to visualize positive and negative spaces.

04.03.02. The Rhino Shading

The focus is on illuminating the rhinoceros by identifying the light source and subsequently shading the drawing to create a sense of depth and form.

04.03.03. The Rhino Seeing Planes

We look at how drawing is an exciting journey, and as I delve into the art of shading, understanding the dynamics of light and shadow becomes pivotal.

04.03.04. The Rhino Shading Planes

Delve into a crucial aspect of our drawing—the interplay of values.

04.03.05. The Rhino Finishing

Focus turns to creating cohesion and guiding the viewer's gaze.

04.04.01. The Cat Drawing In

Diving into the art of drawing objects accurately and in proportion by focusing on positive and negative shapes.

04.04.02. The Cat Shading

Employing the value scale ruler, we ensure consistency in shading.

04.04.03. The Cat Finishing

We encounter a challenge with the pupil, aiming for a darker shade.

04.05.01. Giraffe Draw In

Drawing the giraffe's face gradually adding detail.

04.05.02. Giraffe Middle

Focusing on identifying the shadows and highlights to add depth to the drawing.

04.05.03. Giraffe Chris

Focus on enhancing specific features of the giraffe to create a sense of depth and realism.

When you are a true beginning artist, this module will serve as a great review of the first three modules. We also introduce another way to measure, which many find even easier than the ruler and plumb lines taught in Module 1. Without a doubt, this is easy and "fun."

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READY FOR ADVANCE DRAWING?

Our Continued Drawing Program is ready for you to get started today.

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DRAWING 201: Continued Elements of Drawing

Module Breakdown | 3 Modules (68 Videos, Ranging from 5 min. to 25 mins.)

Direct Approach is seeing Shapes and Half-Tone Values. In this module, you will continue to learn the fundamentals of drawing from the old masters. When you are completed, you will be equipped to embark on your personal journey with the pencil.

Enroll in Drawing 201

Take Me back to Drawing 201

Notan and Half Tone | 32 Videos

05.00.01. Introduction Half Tone

We discuss the process of creating a drawing inspired by a black and white photograph.

05.00.02 Impressa Zugu Case

We talk about the preference for a specific case that accommodates different angles for the pen, making it convenient for occasional use.

05.00.03. For Want of a Nail Talk

We find ourselves navigating the intricacies of art, contemplating the relationships between colors, values, and textures.

05.00.04. Each Shape Represents Something

We dive into the essence of art, unraveling the intricate dance between relationships and values.

05.00.05. Halftone Quality of Light Sargent Girl with Basket

Explore the process of analyzing and understanding a painting, focusing on the work of John Singer Sargent.

05.00.06. Composition the Message

Discussion centers around the concept of composition in art, particularly in the context of the works of John Singer Sargent.

05.00.07. O.K. to Struggle Testimony

I will share a personal story of facing challenges in life, particularly in the realm of family dynamics and personal struggles.

05.00.08. Value Scale Transparent Color Just Keep Working

Importance of working on a painting until it's right, emphasizing the idea of perseverance and riding the wave of the creative process.

05.00.09. Studies Protect Transparent Colors

Explore the intricacies of painting, dissecting the balance between color and value. I share my journey of realizing the importance of studying and merging techniques to capture the elusive quality of light without sacrificing the vibrancy of color.

05.00.10. Summary

We delve into the meaning behind artistic elements such as shape, color, and the relationship between light and dark.

05.01.01. Introduction to Halftone Block Head

We look into the historical progression of artistic techniques, particularly focusing on the use of the value scale.

05.01.02. Half Tone Definition

The art world uses the word Half-Tone three different ways, I will explain the various ways and show you how you really can and shoulkd have command all three ways.

05.01.03. Finishing Block Head Half Tone

We look at the process of shading a three-dimensional object, referred to as the "blockhead," to illustrate the concept of the half tone.

05.01.04. Medium Darks and Darks Changing Value

We embark on a journey through the intricate details of the eye, breaking down its sections to unravel the subtleties of light and shadow.

05.01.05. Finishing Block Head Value Scale

We navigate the intricate landscape of shading and planes, exploring the nuances of light and shadow.

05.02.01. Advanced 3 Pears and Strawberries: Making Boxes

We embark on a journey where I demonstrate the art of measuring and placing objects with precision.

05.02.02. Advanced 3 Pears and Strawberries: Drawing in Pear

We continue our exploration of drawing techniques, and I share insights into the process as we navigate through the intricacies of creating dimension in our drawings.

05.02.03. Advanced 3 Pears and Strawberries: Blocking HalfTone

We embark on the practical application of the concepts discussed earlier. Now, we're tasked with the challenge of drawing the subject three times on the page, with the fourth rendition intended as a polished, finished piece.

05.02.04. Advanced 3 Pears and Strawberries: Marking Values

We delve into the intricacies of understanding how light behaves on objects, using a pear as our primary example.

05.02.05. Advanced 3 Pears and Strawberries: Light Side

We transition from discussing the theoretical aspects of shading to the practical application.

05.02.06. Advanced 3 Pears and Strawberries: Pear Dark Side

Demonstrate how to effectively apply different pencils to create depth and realism.

05.02.07. Advanced 3 Pears and Strawberries: All Dark Sides

Breaking up the monotony by delicately dabbing the eraser, introducing variation without disrupting the overall integrity of the shading.

05.02.08. Advanced 3 Pears and Strawberries: Main Strawberry

We decide to deviate from the usual soft edges, considering the shiny and smooth texture of the fruit.

05.02.09. Advanced 3 Pears and Strawberries: Second Strawberries

We work together to establish the overall tonal balance, ensuring that the dark object appears darker than the strawberry.

05.02.10. Advanced 3 Pears and Strawberries: Pear Far Right

We are exploring the structural adjustments of the pair drawing, focusing on refining our touch and blending techniques.

One of the major decisions every artist should understand before starting an image is the single most important concept in controlling your mood in your art. We start in Drawing in Black and White Value, but please do not miss the direct correlation with Color, Temperature, and Intensity.

Portrait Drawing from Sargent | 19 Videos

06.00.01. Introduction into Shape

Share my insights on what drew my attention to a particular drawing by John Singer Sargent.

06.01.01. Rosina Ferrara: Shape Introduction

Capture the essence of the subject by focusing on shapes and their relationships.

06.01.02. Rosina Ferrara: Capri

Discussing the use of Willow and Vine charcoal, explaining that Vine is lighter.

06.01.03. Rosina Ferrara: Shapes in Face

Process of lightly identifying the placement of various elements.

06.01.04. Rosina Ferrara: Shapes with Eraser

Starting with the darkest parts closer to me, we work to capture the bone movement without going as dark as it rolls.

06.01.05. Rosina Ferrara: Shapes Darks

We look at the darkest parts of the drawing with the goal in creating movement and variation.

06.02.01. Yates after Sargent Free Form Shape

Blocking in shapes, erasing pencil marks, and aiming for around 10 values, leaving whites untouched.

06.02.02. Yates after Sargent Free Form with Measuring

Blocking in shapes and diligently erasing pencil marks to maintain around 10 values, ensuring that what will be white stays white.

06.02.03. Yates after Sargent Measuring Finishing

Sketching it in, taking a ruler—available in our inventory—and snapping a line down from the eyebrow to the chin.

06.04.01. Lady Churchill: Introduction to Shape and Sargent

You will see how my eye was caught by recently was a drawing by John Singer Sargent, particularly one of my initial choices.

06.04.02. Lady Churchill: Who Was She

Principles like S-curve contour, Posto, and the reasons for bringing contrast, color, texture, or pattern to an area.

06.04.03. Lady Churchill: Start Measuring, Throw Away Sketch

Begin by determining a central line that aligns with multiple elements in the picture, such as the eyelid, eyebrow, side of the nose, middle of the mouth, or other significant features.

06.04.04. Lady Churchill: Pre-Sketch

Focused on harnessing the power and detail that charcoal offers, particularly in conveying strength and subtlety of values.

06.04.05. Lady Churchill: Finishing the Lay-In

Begin by contemplating the best starting point, considering where to place lines that I can later smear without worrying about visible marks.

06.04.06. Lady Churchill: Laying in Shape

Guide you through the meticulous process of finding the foundational elements of the portrait. It's a step-by-step exploration of facial features, measuring and questioning, seeking the placement of the chin, the position of the lip, and the alignment of various components.

06.04.07. Lady Churchill: Right Eye

Focused on refining the intricacies of the portrait, particularly the subject's eyes.

06.04.08. Lady Churchill: Nose

We find ourselves dissecting the meticulous details of Sargent's technique.

06.04.09. Lady Churchill: Eye

Engrossed in the details of the drawing. In this segment, we're examining the nuances of facial features, honing in on specific areas that capture the essence of expression and form.

06.04.10. Lady Churchill: Finishing the Drawing

Demonstrate the technique of making deliberate marks, varying the pressure and direction to capture the essence of Lady Randolph Churchill's features.

John S. Sargent was one of the greatest artists of the 19th century. Allow Chris to take you through these drawings one step at a time, explaining what, why, when, and where Sargent did what he did and how he used these art tools to speak for him.

Sargent's Oyster Gathers | 19 Videos

08.01.01. Oyster Gathers: Introduction Path

Sargent's artistic approach, as I guide you through the intricacies of his painting techniques.

08.01.02. Oyster Gathers: Contrapposto

Sargent's demonstration of what I refer to as a figure-ground relationship—where the figure alternates between being darker and lighter than the background, creating a dynamic sense of movement.

08.01.03. Oyster Gathers: Macro and Micro Introduction

Our focus revolves "art mapping" and strategically deciding where the viewer's attention should be directed.

08.01.04. Oyster Gathers: Start of Hand

The use of half-tone paper, specifically medium-toned paper.

08.01.05. Oyster Gathers: Finishing Hand

Considerations of contrast and texture play a significant role in shaping the outcome.

08.01.06. Oyster Gathers: Finishing the Basket

Considerations of contrast and texture play a significant role in shaping the outcome.

08.01.07. Oyster Gathers: Shoulder

We strive to convey the narrative of the painting by focusing on key elements such as drapery, folds, and the interplay of light and shadow.

08.01.08. Oyster Gathers: Toward Head

Dissecting the techniques employed by the artist to guide the viewer's gaze and create a harmonious composition.

08.01.09. Oyster Gathers: The White Hat

Our focus centers on manipulating texture and contrast to guide the viewer through the intricate details of this drawing.

08.01.10. Oyster Gathers: The Skirt

The absence of color necessitates careful consideration of contrast, texture, and the overall composition to convey depth and create focal points.

08.01.11. Oyster Gathers: Shoe

Utilizing dry brush marks to infuse excitement and guide the viewer's gaze dynamically from the right side to the left and back again.

08.01.12. Oyster Gathers: Person in Back

We take time to contemplate the negative space, infusing orange over red—a technique reminiscent of Monet.

08.01.13. Oyster Gathers: Person Back

We observe the meticulous play of light and shadow, revealing the artist's strategic use of color and contrast.

08.01.14. Oyster Gathers: Leg Person Back

How it becomes apparent that the artist has invested considerable effort in establishing a nuanced figure-ground relationship.

08.01.15. Oyster Gathers: Completing Two Figures

The process of replicating Sergeant's work, it becomes evident that accountability to fundamental drawing principles is paramount.

08.01.16. Oyster Gathers: Person on Back Left

Continue to explore the intricacies of Sergeant's artistic approach, our attention is drawn to the meticulous details in the portrayal of the figures and their surroundings.

08.01.17. Oyster Gathers: Person Left Dress

Our focus is drawn to the strategic use of color and contrast employed by Sargent.

08.01.18. Oyster Gathers: Left Person Shoes

We observe the artist's deliberate choices in using vine charcoal to avoid the darker tones that willow charcoal might introduce.

08.01.19. Oyster Gathers: Finally Finished

Sargent employs, particularly in highlighting the play of light and dark. The focus on the white highlights and the careful consideration of contrast immediately catch my attention.

Going through each step Sargent was aware of, one at a time, covering all the major concepts that you, the artist, should know. Each concept is reviewed by Chris. This covers figure-ground relationships, lost and found edges, macro, micro, and mini micro plus the the three "L"s: Likeness, Location, and LeMood.