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Created byCindy Wider

Last updated 7/2024

English

What you'll learn

Use basic shapes to easily construct drawings and outlines
Develop a real understanding of light and shade
Gain mastery of shading techniques to create the illusion of depth and form
Create drawings in one-point, two-point and three point perspective
Create a realistic drawing using just six pencil techniques
Understand the basics of portraiture by creating a child portrait

Course content

16 sections • 97 lectures • 10h 30m total length

Essential Skills Introduction0:46
In this series of essential skills I'll be showing you the very beginning steps of learning to draw. We'll start right from how to hold your pencil for sketching. These essential skills form a valuable foundation for drawing so many objects.
Cindy Wider's Beginner Artist Community Facebook Group0:30
Welcome to your Drawing Family! Connect with fellow students, share your drawing journey in Cindy Wider's supportive Facebook Group created especially Cindy's students.
Sketching5:46
In this lesson I'll show you how to hold your pencil for sketching, and then how to sketch.
Halving Lines3:44
It's vital that you master the ability to halve a line or halve an area. In this lesson you'll learn how to halve a line without using a ruler.
Angles3:01
The ability to compare a line to horizontal or vertical is vital when drawing a likeness to a subject. In this essential skill I'll show you how to compare angles so you can create better drawings immediately.
Introduction to Basic Shapes1:22
Discover how the simple concept of basic shapes helps you easily work out the structure of your subject so that its so much easier for you to draw.
Drawing Rectangles4:01
An easy way to draw accurate rectangles by hand.
Drawing Triangles2:55
An easy way to draw accurate triangles by hand.
Drawing Circles3:23
An easy way to draw accurate circles by hand.
Drawing Ellipses9:07
An easy way to draw accurate ellipses by hand.
Drawing Bell Shapes3:24
An easy way to draw accurate bell shapes by hand.
Essential Skills Summary0:22
A summary of all the essential skills you've learned so far.

Introductions to Projects0:48
Learn how to work with the project resources provided to create your your awesome outline drawings. The subjects might look cute and cuddly but don't be deceived. They will challenge you at just the right level to test your learning so far!
Peppie the Pup: Downloadable Course Books0:08
Downloadable course book for the Peppie the Pup project
Peppie the Pup - Part A: Construction Drawing15:54
Discover how to create the outline drawing of Peppie the Pup from basic shapes.
Peppie the Pup - Part B: Outline Drawing16:41
Learn how to create your Peppie the Pup final outline drawing from your construction drawing.
Tallulah Ted: Downloadable Course Books0:07
Downloadable course book for the Tallulah Ted project
Tallulah Ted: Part A: Construction Drawing12:26
Tallulah Ted: Part B: Outline Drawing3:56
Learn how to create your Tallulah Ted final outline drawing from your construction drawing.

Learn to See Shapes in Objects0:08
Bonus course book which helps you further learn how to see basic shapes in everyday objects, which is really useful when you are drawing from life or from photographs.
Simple Man-made Objects0:10
Extra bonus construction drawing practice course book containing a selection of simple man-made objects.
Marmalade the Rabbit Project0:05
Oscar the Cat Project0:13
Bonus downloadable construction drawing practice course book for Oscar the Cat.
Cyril the Squirrel Project0:06
Bonus downloadable construction drawing practice course book for Cyril the Squirrel.
Cuddly Cat Bobby Project0:18
Bonus downloadable construction drawing practice course book for Cuddly Cat Bobby.

Get started with Six Pencil Techniques0:28
Get oriented with the Six Pencil Techniques section of this course. First of all you'll practise all the individual pencil techniques and then you'll complete 'The Old Hay Shed Project' which cleverly allows you to use every single technique that you've learnt so far.
Drawing supplies required for all sections of the course which follow0:33
For all sections of the course which follow (including this one) you'll need just a few extra drawing supplies. All should be readily available at your local art supplies store.
Introduction and Smooth Shading Technique16:49
Learn how to create a beautiful smooth shading technique.
Broad Stroke Technique2:03
Learn how to prepare your pencil and master the broad stroke pencil technique.
Chisel Point Technique3:33
Learn how to prepare your pencil tip and create the perfect chisel point stroke.
Fine Lines Technique1:37
Learn how to draw wonderful fine lines.
Hatching Technique2:12
Discover the best way to create the very useful hatching stroke.
Cross Hatching Technique1:25
Learn to create a beautiful pencil cross hatch.
Erasing Techniques7:02
You can use your eraser to draw too! Learn how to use your eraser for artistic effects.
Six Pencil Techniques Summary0:15
Summary of all the pencil techniques that you have learnt so far.

Introduction and Project Resources0:18
Downloadable resources for the Old Hay Shed Project.
Introduction and the Graphite Transfer Method11:02
Before you can create the Old Hayshed you'll need an outline drawing on your paper. In this video you'll learn various ways you can transfer an image from one sheet of paper to another.
Pencil Stroke Placement and Shadow Areas15:56
For the Old Hay Shed first of all you'll start with the shadow areas...
Trees and Leaves25:22
Now it's time to have fun creating the trees and the leaves. They are going to look great when you use the pencil techniques you've just learnt.
Background Elements20:12
Next you'll add some background elements like the bushes. Again the illusion is created by using just a few pencil techniques.
The Roof Area7:31
Deft use of the broad stroke instantly creates the illusion of a corrugated steel roof.
Completing the Foreground10:02
And for the grande finale you'll fill in the foreground elements, again using the pencil techniques you've just learnt to add the finishing touches. Admire your work! You did this!

Tulips in a Tub Project0:03
Bonus downloadable six pencil techniques course book for the Tulips in the Tub project.
Giant Cherry Cupcake Project0:03
Bonus downloadable six pencil techniques course book for the Giant Cherry Cupcake project.
Happy Campers Project0:03
Bonus downloadable six pencil techniques course book for the Happy Campers project.
Shining Lighthouse Project0:03
Bonus downloadable six pencil techniques course book for the Shining Lighthouse project.

Three Ways to Shade Introduction0:13
In the Three Ways to Shade section you'll learn three different ways to apply shading to your paper, Gradation, Soft Edge and Hard Edge. But first, you'll create a value scale which you will use in your shading projects a little later.
Create a Value Scale18:24
A value scale helps you to decide exactly how light or how dark you should shade your drawings. You will use this technique time and time again throughout your drawing journey.
Gradation11:25
Have you always wondered how you can shade from one level of darkness through to a lighter tone? Wonder no more! I'll show you how to created a lovely smooth shaded gradient.
Soft Edge8:47
Learn how to make the edges of your shaded areas soft beautiful.
Hard Edge5:08
Need a hard edge between the light and dark areas in your drawing? This is how you do it!
Three Ways to Shade Summary0:19
Summary of the techniques you'll be mastering in the Three Ways to Shade section.

Introduction to the Theory of Light and Shade (plus resources)5:41
I'll show you how to recognise the major areas of light and shade in objects so you can render them in a beautifully realistic way.
Shade a Cube9:37
Learn how to realistically shade the most basic of 3D shapes... the cube!
Shade a Sphere2:54
Use your gradient shading skills to realistically render a lovely sphere with the illusion of depth and form.
Shade a Cone3:39
It's amazing how just a basic cone shape can really test your skills when you shade it realistically. I'll show you how.
Shade a Cylinder3:47
All the shading techniques you've been mastering so far can be use in the cylinder. It's an excellent test of your technique.
Theory of Light and Shade Summary0:18
Summary of everything you've learnt so far in the Theory of Light and Shade.

Silver Kettle Introduction and Project Resources0:16
A silver kettle seems like such a simple object, but it will be a real test of your shading skills to make it look metallic, shiny and realistic. But don't worry. If you've successfully completed the exercises up to this point you are more than ready for the task!
Silver Kettle Tutorial22:31
A step-by-step walk through of creating the Silver Kettle, with every stage explained.
Silver Kettle Speed Drawing11:29
See the creation of the entire shaded silver kettle from start to finish. Use it as a reference when you create your own silver kettle.

Requirements

Suitable for complete beginners - absolutely no experience necessary
Pencils (HB, 2B and 4B) and a sharpener
A4 paper sketchpad
Plastic eraser (plus optional putty eraser & battery eraser)
Cotton buds (or optionally a paper stump)
Fine grain sandpaper (240 grit or similar)
A Ruler
A printer (if you want to print the course books and example outline drawings)
plus a genuine desire to really learn how to draw!

Description

Have you always wanted to learn to draw?
Have you struggled to take your drawing skills to the next level?

You’re in exactly the right place. This course is for beginners and will take you to an advanced level. It's also for those who want to gain confidence with the fundamentals.

I start you off nice and easy - Basic shapes and construction drawing

Master these and you’ll feel your confidence growing already. Lots of fun introductory projects like ‘Peppie the Pup’ build your skills step-by-step.

Then move to intermediate then advanced. Wow! It looks so realistic! - Shading and Form

Those skills you’ve admired in other artists for so long can be your skills too. Projects like ‘The Shoe Well Travelled’ will challenge you (but you are up to the task!) Your drawing will almost ‘pop’ off the page, amazing yourself and those around you.

One of the most admirable skills in art - Portraiture

Capturing a likeness is one of the most admirable skills in art. It’s so satisfying. Render individual facial features and create a wonderful child portrait.

The Foundation to drawing most things - Perspective and Proportion

How can you represent the three-dimensional world on a flat piece of paper? How do things we see change as they get closer, further away or turn towards us? These questions are all answered with perspective. Your eyes are now open to a whole new way of seeing and drawing.

Plus an extra bonus...
My fun, quick and easy approach to drawing people and cute characters using construction drawing.

This is the beginner to advanced drawing course you've been looking for...

Even if you think you're not naturally talented my super easy methods and in-depth explanations will set you on the path from your first pencil lines into creating professional grade artworks.

I've been teaching beginner artists for over 30 years. I know exactly what you need to get started the right way, and I've jam packed it into this course.

Plus, if you have any questions at all throughout your drawing journey, just ask. I'm right here for you.

With more than 9000 students enrolled the written reviews tell you all you need to know

"I am really enjoying this course. The explanations are brilliant and there is so much material (among videos, documents and exercises) to explore! However what I love most is the possibility to be part of the course related FB group. That is amazing indeed!! Cindy does give a lot of feedbacks and all the members and the administrators are great!!" - Giorgio

"I'm learning things that seem so simple but have increased my artistic ability ten fold" - Gideon Swanson

"I learned a lot right from the beginning... I always wanted to draw and this lady is bang on." - Elizabeth Brown

"The step by step instruction is so in-depth, easy to follow and produces real results. Cindy and Tannis as well as the online facebook support group that goes with the course provides an extra dimension of responsive and kindly criticism and loads of support." - Helen Hanby

"Cindy Wider is a beyond amazing teacher! She constantly interacts with her students and gives lots of encouraging comments, helpful tips to make sure everyone gets the help they need... You'll never feel alone and got lost in the path of being a better artist!" - Zehra Eylem Kazgöz

"Great match for me - and the FB group discussion and feedback has been super wonderful, too!" - Ann Petrochko

" I love that she’s so thorough with the basics and love her accent too." - Rebecca Douglass

"Clear and appropriate for beginners... I have noticed that she is very active and helpful in the facebook drawing community... Impressed with everything so far." - Shak Man

" Cindy is very engaged with her students and is always very kind, supportive and encouraging!" - Patricia Gliniecki

"Great to have a course that starts off with the foundations and then builds upon them." - Andrew Bensch

"This course is perfect for complete beginners." - Lindsay Ferrara

My students say we have "the best Facebook group on the internet!"

When you enroll in this course you can join my Facebook group "Cindy Wider's Beginner Drawing Family". It really is the most supportive and friendly community you'll find anywhere. My students call themselves 'DrawPj'ers" (after my website). DrawPj stands for Draw in your Pj's - the little blocks of time. Don't wait until you retire to claim your talent for drawing.

It's family friendly place where you can ask questions and request feedback from the community. When you're feeling confident you can share what you've learned with others taking the same exciting journey.

I'll be there too with my team too. I look forward to meeting you and seeing all the wonderful things you create.

Who this course is for:

Complete beginners
Students with some experience (but who need fundamental drawing skills to progress)
Hobby Artists
Students setting out on the journey to becoming an artist, illustrator or designer
Crafters who want to go beyond pre-made designs
Adults and Children (10+)

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Essential Skills - Just Pick Up Your Pencil!12 lectures • 38min

Essential Skills - Projects7 lectures • 50min

Essential Skills - Bonus downloadable projects6 lectures • 1min

Pencil Techniques - 'Six Pencil Techniques'10 lectures • 36min

Pencil Techniques - Major Project: The Old Hay Shed7 lectures • 1hr 30min

Pencil Techniques - Bonus downloadable projects4 lectures • 1min

Shading - 'Three Ways to Shade'6 lectures • 44min

Shading - 'The Theory of Light and Shade'6 lectures • 26min

Shading - Bonus downloadable projects4 lectures • 1min

Shading - Major Project: Silver Kettle3 lectures • 34min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: