Sketching Fundamentals

This class comes with a "pay what you want" feature. Please select your version and enter the amount you want to give into the field on the right side.

This class is a foundational drawing class that will teach you basic sketching techniques. In this in-depth introduction, you will:

• learn how to see like an artist,
• explore different drawing techniques step by step,
• create quick sketches from observation and
• learn how to become confident with your line work.

I will show you how you can master basic drawing skills step by step. We will take a look at materials, mark-making and textures, understanding shadow and perspective, explore drawing techniques that complement each other, practice a lot so that you get visible results, and most importantly, you will learn how you can draw anything.

Although I created this class with a focus on sketching the natural world, the techniques presented will help you to draw any subject, and it‘s a great foundation for anyone who wants to start a sketching practice.

There will be a variety of demonstrations to show how I apply the concepts to a real sketch - with many different nature subjects: for example landscapes, trees and animals, and there will be lots of exercises and assignments for you to start your drawing practice and build skills.

This is a class focused on basics, so you will only need the most basic drawing tools: pencil, colored pencil, eraser, drawing paper. You don't need any special skills, the class is aimed at beginners or artists who want to revisit the fundamentals.

I hope you will join me for this class to explore sketching fundamentals and learn how to draw everything in nature with more confidence.

Here are two free lessons from the course:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMyCFTOWDKA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cem9r3MOzus

Choose how to take this course:

You can either take this course as a self-directed course at your own pace and start right away, or join me for a structured 6-week course with in-depth individual feedback.

• For the self-directed version: You can start learning immediately!
• For the feedback version:
  You will need 1-3 hours every week for the lessons and assignments.
  The feedback course will be in your own pace: There will be no live video calls or streams you need to attend, you can work through the weekly lessons on your own, and send in your work to me - all communication and feedback will happen via email.
  The guided course will start on September 09 and end on October 20 2024.
  ENROLLMENT CLOSED! The course will return in 2025!

Please choose your version on the right and enter an amount in the pay-what-you-want field.

You will keep access to all class materials afterwards.

Materials:
You will need an HB pencil, eraser, sharpener, a pad with drawing paper and a colored pencil of your choice. You can bring other drawing tools (pens, ink, marker, etc.) if you want to explore them, but they're not required. We will not cover color or painting techniques in this class.

Please note I can not extend or change the dates for the feedback phase since I too have a schedule. I will offer the feedback class again in the future, and hopefully it will work out then. :-)

Please also note I can only offer a full refund before the class has started. Once the class has started and especially if I have already sent you feedback, I will not be able to give you a full refund anymore.

Student testimonials for the guided course:

"Julia is an exceptional teacher as well as a gifted artist! I can’t believe the way her course gently encouraged students to spread their wings. I shall return to the videos frequently and I must say that this is the best online course I’ve ever done. There were no student forums to ‘chat’ and share work, no hype, just brilliant teaching in a calm environment and an emphasis on practice and skill-building. Best of all was the feedback: so helpful and supportive. I’ve learnt so much in a short time and am hugely grateful to Julia for her patience and support. I’ve got so much to learn, but I feel I can now keep up a regular drawing practice and that is entirely down to this course. Thank you so very much."
- Gill

"I feel like I learned so much in these weeks and have so much to practice and experiment with. I really enjoyed learning with Julia and receiving her feedback each week. It is going to feel a bit lonely now to go back to practicing on my own!"
- Anne

Student testimonials for the self-paced course:

"This was an amazing class! Julia is a wonderful teacher and she shares so many valuable techniques, tools and tips. I enjoyed this class very much and found it really inspiring. I now look at my environment with so much interest and see a million things around me that I want to draw. Thank you Julia, I look forward to exploring your other courses too."
-Sabina

"This is an invaluable course for anyone wanting to draw from nature. From the beginning with foundational drawing skills, down through encouragement as to how to continue on the journey, it was an enjoyable, informative and motivating course. Thanks Julia for a great experience."
-Fran