Learn to Draw with the S-Method – PART 1: Stroke Control

Name: Learn to Draw with the S-Method – PART 1: Stroke Control
Rating: 4.9 (26 reviews)

Master the foundational techniques for perfect lines and create your first great drawings

Created bySandra Süsser

Last updated 4/2023

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

First Drawings - Create your first great line drawings with more than 5 projects and numerous exercises.
Diverse Motifs - You'll find at least one project for each of the most popular motifs in the course: abstract art, landscapes, portraits, animals and architectu
Confident Drawing - Learn to draw confident lines - the foundation of any drawing.
Proper Posture - Learn to skillfully vary your drawing pressure and lines with proper drawing and pen postures.
Line Control - Control the length, thickness, emotion and type of your lines.
Basic Shapes - Learn to draw the basic straight and round line shapes.
Drawing Materials - I will help you choose the appropriate drawing medium and materials (traditional and digital).
Patterns - Draw line patterns and learn a first basic form of shading.
All Types Welcome - It doesn't matter if you are a traditional or digital artist. I'll give you tips and examples for both types in the course.
Drawing Mindset - Drawing starts in the mind. I help you create the right conditions for this, so you learn more efficiently and sustainably.
Ciao drawing mistakes! - Avoid the most common beginner's mistakes in drawing with my professional tips regarding stroke control and drawing medium.
Clear Structure - With my well-structured learning plan and unique "S-Method", you'll become a real draftsman in no time.
Creative Community - Exchange ideas with like-minded people in my exclusive "S-Art Community", show your images and learn in the community.
Resources - Get lots of additional resources like timelapse demos and drawing templates.

Course content

7 sections • 56 lectures • 6h 44m total length

Welcome3:55
Master stroke control and line variation with the S-Method to build core drawing fundamentals. Learn about line types, pressure, and prerequisites to create your first drawings.
EXERCISE – Your First Drawing5:19
Determine your starting drawing level by assessing stroke control and your triangle, then complete freehand exercise by copying a template of urban skylines, to improve toward a goal.
EXERCISE – Your Goal2:42
Begin by redrawing a template to establish your triangle as the starting point, then decide whether you draw from templates or imagination and which subjects you want to learn.
The S-Method for Learning to Draw10:39
Master stroke control as the first foundation, then see proportions, learn to structure shapes and volumes with perspective, and finally learn light and shadow to draw what you see.
The Secret of the Best Drawing Material10:46
Focus on drawing fundamentals over materials, practice lots of drawings with affordable pens or pencils, and start traditionally with pen and paper before transitioning to digital tools.
EXERCISE – Choose your Material1:07
Learning & Course Tips19:53
Apply the S-Method by setting clear goals, pursuing a personal project, and practicing with the four steps: watch, practice, reflect, and repeat, plus daily habits and community support.

Introduction – Lines & Muscle Memory8:20
Master confident line work and build muscle memory through warm-up exercises that train stroke control, helping you convey exact shapes and emotions in drawing.
EXERCISE – Draw Emotional Lines16:11
Learn to convey emotion through line quality by exploring straight, horizontal, vertical, and angled strokes. Practice expressive line exercises for sadness, joy, anger, relaxation, and self-confidence.
PROJECT – One-Line-Drawing Flower13:30
Master one-line drawing with stroke control by creating a minimalist flower using a single continuous line, choosing motives, testing strokes, and optional color or digital layering.
DEMO – One Line Drawing Flowers (traditional)11:50
Master traditional one-line drawing flowers with stroke control using the S-method through this demo, aligning technique with the course goals.
DEMO – One Line Drawing Skull (digital)4:22
practice one-line digital skull drawing using stroke control from the S-Method, combining concise line work with expressive form.

Introduction – Line Types1:40
Master three essential line types: curved lines, curved or double curved lines, and straight lines to build precise line control. Begin warm-up practice to fluently draw or simplify shapes.
EXERCISE – Drawing CI Lines5:32
Develop stroke control by drawing parallel straight lines within defined upper and lower boundaries for consistent length and spacing, with cross hatching introduced later.
EXERCISE – Drawing S-Curves4:07
Practice straight-line breakdowns to construct precise S-curves, using a curve template to estimate arcs from start and end points, building guidelines before drawing the final fluid S-curve.
PROJECT – Drawing a Tribal Tattoo12:22
Learn to design tribal tattoos using abstract, intertwined shapes with clear lines and asymmetrical layouts. Practice confident stroke control through templates, sketches, and step-by-step outlining and filling techniques.
DEMO – Tribal Tattoo Drawing (traditional)4:45
Explore a traditional tribal tattoo drawing demo using stroke control from the S-method. Apply the technique to build bold, authentic line work.
DEMO – Tribal Tattoo Drawing (digital)4:22
See a demo of digital tribal tattoo drawing using the s-method stroke control. Learn through this demo how stroke control applies to digital tribal tattoo art.

Introduction – Drawing Posture7:41
Explore how finger, wrist, elbow, and shoulder postures shape line lengths, control, and confidence in sketching while minimizing strain and tendinitis risk.
EXERCISE – Varying Line Lengths4:09
Develop line control in the S-Method by varying lengths and postures, connecting dots with straight and curved lines, and ghost-drawing to train hand-eye coordination and precision.
PROJECT – Drawing Line Mountains18:38
Master the S-Method stroke control to draw line mountains with composition sketches, overlapping peaks, and two shading variants—parallel and organic lines—using templates like Fuji.
DEMO – Fuji San Drawing (traditional)9:24
Watch a traditional Fuji San drawing demo to study line work and fundamental stroke control through practical, hands-on practice.
DEMO – Abstract Line Mountain Drawing (digital)6:18
Explore the s-method's stroke control through a digital demo of abstract line mountain drawing. Learn how to shape dynamic lines and form with confident digital strokes.
DEMO – Line Mountain Drawing (traditional)6:15
Demonstrate traditional line mountain drawing with the S-Method, focusing on stroke control to start lines and convey movement and feeling through deliberate mark-making.
DEMO – Line Mountain Drawing 2 (traditional)7:01
Practice stroke control in a traditional demo of line mountain drawing 2, using the S-method approach to build confident, expressive marks.
DEMO – Tattoo Line Mountain Drawing (traditional)6:30
Demonstrates tattoo line mountain drawing in a traditional style while teaching stroke control, offering practical guidance for precise line work in the S-Method approach.
DEMO – Abstract Line Mountain Drawing 2 (traditional)5:14
Learn stroke control with the S-method through a traditional demo of abstract line mountain drawing, part 1.

Introduction – Line Shapes1:38
Learn to connect lines to form basic shapes like squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, and ovals, and practice straight and circular line shapes to simplify designs and express proportions.
EXERCISE – Drawing Straight Line Shapes2:20
Practice drawing straight line shapes—squares, rectangles, triangles—by ghosting lines, connecting invisible dots, using templates, and varying size, angle, and pen posture to train precision and seeing skill.
EXERCISE – Drawing Circular Line Shapes8:22
Master drawing circular and oval shapes with the S-method stroke control, using shoulder-driven strokes, practicing overlapping circles, and checking axes and proportions while embracing imperfect circles as efficient warm-ups.
PROJECT – Drawing Cartoony Portraits17:35
Learn to draw cartoony portraits by exploring basic head shapes and facial feature placement using simple shapes, layered sketches, and frontal view proportions for playful character design.
DEMO – Drawing Cartoony Portraits with Pencil (traditional)10:58
Demonstrates drawing cartoony portraits with pencil in a traditional style, highlighting stroke control and practical techniques from the s-method for expressive, beginner-friendly portrait sketches.
DEMO – Drawing Cartoony Portraits with Ink (traditional)6:09
Demo shows drawing cartoony portraits with ink using traditional techniques, emphasizing stroke control as part of the S-Method approach.
DEMO – Drawing Cartoony Portraits with Ink 2 (traditional)6:50
Demo on drawing cartoony portraits with ink (traditional) paired with the S-Method's stroke control approach.
DEMO – Drawing Cartoony Portraits with Ink 3 (traditional)5:36
Explore stroke control from the S-Method as you watch a traditional ink demo on drawing cartoony portraits. Apply the techniques to create bold, expressive character illustrations.
DEMO – Drawing Cartoony Portraits with Colorful Markers (traditional)6:10
Watch a demo of drawing cartoony portraits with colorful markers using traditional media, and learn stroke control from the s-method to enhance line quality.
DEMO – Drawing Cartoony Portraits (digital)6:32
Watch a digital demo on drawing cartoony portraits, as part of the S-Method course focusing on stroke control.

Introduction – Varying Line Strength1:18
Explore varying line strength within a single stroke to add liveliness and depth. Darker, thicker lines in shadows contrast with lighter lines in highlights to guide focus.
EXERCISE – Varying Drawing Pressure2:22
Practice varying drawing pressure across parallel lines, ovals, and s-curves to produce dark-to-light strokes. Maintain correct direction and posture while repeating pressure patterns to master stroke control.
EXERCISE – Drawing Patterns3:22
Practice drawing patterns with varied line types, pressures, and sizes using elbow-driven strokes. Copy and trace patterns, explore shading with hatch techniques, and use templates to train immediately.
PROJECT – Animal Portrait Drawing (Tracing)11:27
Practice tracing animal portrait templates to master proportions and create clean, expressive line drawings. Overdraw with large shapes and varying line weight, focusing on key areas while simplifying details.
DEMO – Parrot Portrait Drawing (traditional)9:52
Demonstrate parrot portrait drawing using the s-method stroke control in a traditional style, guiding learners through a practical demonstration of stroke techniques.
DEMO – Bird Portrait Drawing (traditional)5:41
Explore traditional bird portrait drawing through a demo that emphasizes stroke control from the S-Method.
DEMO – Lizard Portrait Drawing (traditional)10:28
This demo showcases a traditional lizard portrait drawing, highlighting an honest, imperfect practice, listening back to one’s work, acknowledging mistakes, and pursuing second chances.
DEMO – Owl Portrait Drawing (traditional)7:10
Master stroke control with a traditional owl portrait drawing demo, applying the s-method to build precise lines and expressive shading.
DEMO – Giraffe Portrait Drawing (digital)6:06
Demonstrate digital giraffe portrait drawing using the S-Method stroke control. Learn practical techniques for confident lines, proportions, and gesture in a concise minute-long lesson.

PROJECT – Before & After Comparison5:22
Create the final project by re-drawing an urban view with layered sketches, moving from light outlines to opaque lines for refined detail, using your new skills.
DEMO – Oblique House Drawing (brush pen / traditional)8:23
See a demo of oblique house drawing using brush pen and traditional media, guided by the S-method's stroke control.
DEMO – House Drawing (pencil / traditional)8:03
Demonstrates house drawing with pencil using traditional techniques. Applies the S-Method stroke control to achieve accurate lines and proportions.
DEMO – New York Skyline (watercolor / traditional)1:31
Engage in a demo of the s-method focusing on stroke control to render a New York skyline in watercolor or traditional media.
DEMO – Amsterdam Architecture (marker / traditional)8:47
Demonstrate stroke control through marker and traditional media, applying the S-Method to sketch Amsterdam architecture with clear lines and expressive technique.
DEMO – Florence Architecture (brown paper / traditional)8:32
Join a demo on Florence architecture drawn on brown paper using traditional methods, showcasing stroke control through the s-method for confident, expressive lines.
DEMO – London Architecture (black paper / traditional)3:24
Explore a London architecture demo using black paper and traditional techniques. Hone stroke control with the S-method.
DEMO – Moscow Architecture (colored markers / traditional)3:13
Explore stroke control with the S-method in a demo focusing on Moscow architecture, using colored markers and traditional drawing tools.
5 Drawing Mistakes & Solutions – Stroke Control & Drawing Material12:53
Master stroke control by avoiding common mistakes: choosing the right media, limiting erasing, varying lines, adopting proper posture, and warming up to build confident, expressive lines.
Show your Results & More Resources1:34

Requirements

Pencil & paper (other material recommendations in the course).
Goal and willingness to learn independently & implement creative projects

Description

You have decided? You want to learn to draw and put your ideas on paper? But you have no idea where or how to start learning and maybe you still have some doubts whether you can really do it?

Then I can give you hope: you need absolutely no talent to learn to draw, but rather concrete knowledge and specific practice.

How do I know this? My name is Sandra, I am a professional artist and besides my practical drawing experience of now more than 15 years, as a lecturer and founder of the "S-Art School" I have already helped 1000s of students to develop creatively as well.

In doing so, I have developed a special series of courses called "Learn to Draw with the S-Method", which is designed to help beginners like you to learn step by step all the important basics you need to learn to draw with good structure and fun - and in such a way that in the end you can draw everything, not just certain motifs.

In this first course of the series, you'll specifically learn everything you need to know about your drawing medium and good line work. After all, lines form the basis of all your drawings. Accordingly, you should first master these before you venture into more advanced concepts.

But don't worry: I'll not only give you numerous exercises, but also many applied projects, so that by the end of the course you'll already have your first great drawings in front of you – for traditional and digital artists alike.

And most importantly, you will develop the right mindset through my special coaching to learn sustainably – that means: it will be easier for you to really stick to it, to build up discipline and to improve faster in drawing through targeted reflection.

The following things you will achieve with the course // you will learn or deepen these concepts in the course:

First Drawings - Create your first great line drawings with more than 5 projects and numerous exercises.
Diverse Motifs - You'll find at least one project for each of the most popular motifs in the course: abstract art, landscapes, portraits, animals and architecture.
Confident Drawing - Learn to draw confident lines - the foundation of any drawing.
Proper Posture - Learn to skillfully vary your drawing pressure and lines with proper drawing and pen postures.
Line Control - Control the length, thickness, emotion and type of your lines.
Basic Shapes - Learn to draw the basic straight and round line shapes.
Drawing Materials - I will help you choose the appropriate drawing medium and materials (traditional and digital).
Patterns - Draw line patterns and learn a first basic form of shading.
All Types Welcome - It doesn't matter if you are a traditional or digital artist. I'll give you tips and examples for both types in the course.
Drawing Mindset - Drawing starts in the mind. I help you create the right conditions for this, so you learn more efficiently and sustainably.
Ciao drawing mistakes! - Avoid the most common beginner's mistakes in drawing with my professional tips regarding stroke control and drawing medium.
Clear Structure - With my well-structured learning plan and unique "S-Method", you'll become a real draftsman in no time.
Creative Community - Exchange ideas with like-minded people in my exclusive "S-Art Community", show your images and learn in the community.
Resources - Get lots of additional resources like timelapse demos and drawing templates.

So, do you want to know more and really learn to draw? Then sign up for my course now!

Who this course is for:

ANY person who wants to learn to draw from scratch and has no experience yet.
hobbyists who want to learn or improve their drawing skills (whether traditional or digital)
advanced artists who want to improve their line work and thus their drawings

Learn to Draw with the S-Method – PART 1: Stroke Control

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction – Prerequisites for Learning to Draw7 lectures • 54min

Stroke Control – Drawing Emotions5 lectures • 54min

Stroke Control – Line Types6 lectures • 33min

Stroke Control – Line Lengths9 lectures • 1hr 11min

Stroke Control – Line Shapes10 lectures • 1hr 12min

Stroke Control – Line Strength9 lectures • 58min

Conclusion – Summary & Further Resources10 lectures • 1hr 2min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: