Introduction to Drawing Fundamentals | Line, Tone, Figure and More

Sandy Nichols

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(74)

Professional illustrator and former University drawing instructor guides young artists how to first see, plan then draw.

Class Experience


Drawing is the foundation of any visual art. Before one becomes a painter, designer, etc, having basic drawing skills is a huge asset. Having a fundamental understanding of composition, lighting and tone will benefit any visual artist, including a photographer. It is often said “colour gets all the glory, but it is tone that does the heavy lifting.”

I've planned simple drawing exercises to help students break the habit of drawing something without actually looking at it first. This course...

Students will learn to see and draw subjects the way a classically trained artist would.
Students will learn to break down complex objects first into simple, broad shapes.
Media Exploration (ink & brush, drawing pens, charcoal pencil)
They will learn basic art terminology and apply it to their drawing.

After receiving my diploma in Visual Communications at a Canadian art college (four year program) many years ago, I began my career as an illustrator. My work has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including five children’s books. 

I also recently taught university level illustration and Design Drawing for seven years. These courses covered the fundamentals of academic drawing, including perspective and figure drawing with live models. Students at the university (whether majoring in fine art or design/photography in their second year and beyond) were required to take drawing fundamental classes. Learning to observe, interpret and communicate what you're seeing is truly the first step to all visual arts.

I've simplified the content to be age appropriate, and to take small progressive steps as our class time permits. For students with more experience and knowledge, they are free to work at their own pace during class time. The class lesson can adapt to the level of individual student(s).

Homework Offered
The homework assigned is to complete the weekly drawing (if not completed during class-time).  It will be shared at beginning of next class for feedback. 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Self assessment and feedback from myself and/or others in the group.
Grades Offered

01. A coil ring sketchbook measuring 8.5 X 11 inches (approximate). Ideally the paper in the book should white, paper weight around 98lb and medium grain. This will be adequate for our needs as ink washes will be minimal
2. Painter's tape (or masking tape)
3. Pencils (from hard graphite to soft) a range of four should suffice. 
4. A white eraser (Staedtler is a good brand that won't leave streaks). A kneaded eraser 
5. Pad of toned paper *Can be substituted with brown wrap paper/large brown paper bag - cut it flat and use inside for drawing.
6. Calligraphic brush (any round brush that tapers to a point will work)
7. Drawing ink & small plastic vessesl to hold small amounts of ink (like the plastic tray that comes with water colors or styrofoam egg carton)
8. White chalk or conte crayon (conte: similar to charcoal but harder and can be used for fine detail)
9. Black drawing pen (fine point sharpie, felt tipped pen, etc)

*As we are briefly exploring materials for now, there is no expectation to have the very best, professional supplies. If you cannot find any of these or wish to use something already on hand, we can likely make it work or find a substitute. 

*If your learner wants to substitute any or all of the above with Procreate (and is familiar with it) I welcome that. *I do not teach how to use Procreate however.

Available times

Pacific

Table of available sections

Meet the teacher

Sandy Nichols

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(74)

Greetings parents and learners!

My name is Sandy Nichols. After receiving my diploma in Visual Communications at a Canadian art college many years ago, I began my 35 year career as an illustrator. My work has appeared in a variety of...