Beginners Drawing

The ideal drawing course for beginners. Super easy pencil drawing method. Everything explained in detail.

Last updated 2022-01-10 | 4.4

- 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

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

* 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 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.

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.

Look at the world in a whole new way - 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...
For additional inspiration I've include an extra bonus section where I detail my approach to drawing people and cute characters using construction drawing.

This is the beginners 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 towards creating professional grade artworks.

I've been teaching beginner artists for over 20 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. My team and I are right here for you.

With more than 4100 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 "The 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).

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+)

Course content

16 sections • 97 lectures

Essential Skills - Just Pick Up Your Pencil! 12 lectures

Essential Skills Introduction Preview 00:46

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.

The Beginner Drawing Family Facebook Group Preview 00:30

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.

Sketching Preview 05:46

In this lesson I'll show you how to hold your pencil for sketching, and then how to sketch.

Halving Lines Preview 03:44

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.

Angles Preview 03:01

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 Shapes Preview 01:22

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 Rectangles Preview 04:01

An easy way to draw accurate rectangles by hand.

Drawing Triangles Preview 02:55

An easy way to draw accurate triangles by hand.

Drawing Circles Preview 03:23

An easy way to draw accurate circles by hand.

Drawing Ellipses Preview 09:07

An easy way to draw accurate ellipses by hand.

Drawing Bell Shapes Preview 03:24

An easy way to draw accurate bell shapes by hand.

Essential Skills Summary Preview 00:22

A summary of all the essential skills you've learned so far.

Essential Skills - Projects 7 lectures

Introductions to Projects Preview 00:48

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 Books Preview 00:08

Downloadable course book for the Peppie the Pup project

Peppie the Pup - Part A: Construction Drawing Preview 15:54

Discover how to create the outline drawing of Peppie the Pup from basic shapes.

Peppie the Pup - Part B: Outline Drawing Preview 16:41

Learn how to create your Peppie the Pup final outline drawing from your construction drawing.

Tallulah Ted: Downloadable Course Books Preview 00:07

Downloadable course book for the Tallulah Ted project

Tallulah Ted: Part A: Construction Drawing Preview 12:26

Tallulah Ted: Part B: Outline Drawing Preview 03:56

Learn how to create your Tallulah Ted final outline drawing from your construction drawing.

Essential Skills - Bonus downloadable projects 6 lectures

Learn to See Shapes in Objects Preview 00:08

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 Objects Preview 00:10

Extra bonus construction drawing practice course book containing a selection of simple man-made objects.

Marmalade the Rabbit Project Preview 00:05

Oscar the Cat Project Preview 00:13

Bonus downloadable construction drawing practice course book for Oscar the Cat.

Cyril the Squirrel Project Preview 00:06

Bonus downloadable construction drawing practice course book for Cyril the Squirrel.

Cuddly Cat Bobby Project Preview 00:18

Bonus downloadable construction drawing practice course book for Cuddly Cat Bobby.

Pencil Techniques - 'Six Pencil Techniques' 10 lectures

Get started with Six Pencil Techniques Preview 00:28

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 follow Preview 00:33

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 Technique Preview 16:49

Learn how to create a beautiful smooth shading technique.

Broad Stroke Technique Preview 02:03

Learn how to prepare your pencil and master the broad stroke pencil technique.

Chisel Point Technique Preview 03:33

Learn how to prepare your pencil tip and create the perfect chisel point stroke.

Fine Lines Technique Preview 01:37

Learn how to draw wonderful fine lines.

Hatching Technique Preview 02:12

Discover the best way to create the very useful hatching stroke.

Cross Hatching Technique Preview 01:25

Learn to create a beautiful pencil cross hatch.

Erasing Techniques Preview 07:02

You can use your eraser to draw too! Learn how to use your eraser for artistic effects.

Six Pencil Techniques Summary Preview 00:15

Summary of all the pencil techniques that you have learnt so far.

Pencil Techniques - Major Project: The Old Hay Shed 7 lectures

Introduction and Project Resources Preview 00:18

Downloadable resources for the Old Hay Shed Project.

Introduction and the Graphite Transfer Method Preview 11:02

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 Areas Preview 15:56

For the Old Hay Shed first of all you'll start with the shadow areas...

Trees and Leaves Preview 25:22

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 Elements Preview 20:12

Next you'll add some background elements like the bushes. Again the illusion is created by using just a few pencil techniques.

The Roof Area Preview 07:31

Deft use of the broad stroke instantly creates the illusion of a corrugated steel roof.

Completing the Foreground Preview 10:02

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!

Pencil Techniques - Bonus downloadable projects 4 lectures

Tulips in a Tub Project Preview 00:03

Bonus downloadable six pencil techniques course book for the Tulips in the Tub project.

Giant Cherry Cupcake Project Preview 00:03

Bonus downloadable six pencil techniques course book for the Giant Cherry Cupcake project.

Happy Campers Project Preview 00:03

Bonus downloadable six pencil techniques course book for the Happy Campers project.

Shining Lighthouse Project Preview 00:03

Bonus downloadable six pencil techniques course book for the Shining Lighthouse project.

Shading - 'Three Ways to Shade' 6 lectures

Three Ways to Shade Introduction Preview 00:13

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 Scale Preview 18:24

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.

Gradation Preview 11:25

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 Edge Preview 08:47

Learn how to make the edges of your shaded areas soft beautiful.

Hard Edge Preview 05:08

Need a hard edge between the light and dark areas in your drawing? This is how you do it!

Three Ways to Shade Summary Preview 00:19

Summary of the techniques you'll be mastering in the Three Ways to Shade section.

Shading - 'The Theory of Light and Shade' 6 lectures

Introduction to the Theory of Light and Shade (plus resources) Preview 05:41

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 Cube Preview 09:37

Learn how to realistically shade the most basic of 3D shapes... the cube!

Shade a Sphere Preview 02:54

Use your gradient shading skills to realistically render a lovely sphere with the illusion of depth and form.

Shade a Cone Preview 03:39

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 Cylinder Preview 03:47

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 Summary Preview 00:18

Summary of everything you've learnt so far in the Theory of Light and Shade.

Shading - Bonus downloadable projects 4 lectures

Bob the Boat Project Preview 00:02

Bonus downloadable shading course book for the Bob the Boat project.

Puddles the Boot Project Preview 00:02

Bonus downloadable shading course book for the Puddles the Boot project.

Frangipani Dreams Project Preview 00:02

Bonus downloadable shading course book for the Frangipani Dreams project.

The Holiday Project Preview 00:02

Bonus downloadable shading course book for the Holiday project.

Shading - Major Project: Silver Kettle 3 lectures

Silver Kettle Introduction and Project Resources Preview 00:16

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 Tutorial Preview 22:31

A step-by-step walk through of creating the Silver Kettle, with every stage explained.

Silver Kettle Speed Drawing Preview 11:29

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.

Shading - Major Project: A Shoe Well Travelled 5 lectures

'A Shoe Well Travelled': Introduction and Resources Preview 00:48

Test your new skills to realistically render a leather shoe with all its textures and details.

Part a: Introduction, first layer and sole stitching Preview 13:32

Part b: Impressing technique in shoe folds Preview 10:24

Part c: Laces and leather stitching Preview 10:38

Part d: Rubber sole and summary Preview 03:52

Portraiture 10 lectures

Facial Features Introduction and Resources Preview 00:18

Practice drawing individual facial features ready for the next stage where you will draw a complete portrait.

Shaded Drawing of the Human Eye (intro and tutorial) Preview 10:16

Shaded Drawing of the Human Eye (speed drawing) Preview 03:06

Shaded Drawing of the Human Nose (tutorial) Preview 06:51

Shaded Drawing of the Human Nose (speed drawing) Preview 03:47

Shaded Drawing of Human Lips (tutorial) Preview 11:40

Shaded Drawing of Human Lips (speed drawing) Preview 02:30

Shaded Drawing of the Human Ear (tutorial) Preview 05:06

Shaded Drawing of the Human Ear (speed drawing) Preview 01:33

Mark the Positions of the Individual Features on a Face Preview 16:40

Portraiture - Major Project: Isha (Child Portrait) 5 lectures

Child Portrait - Introduction and resources Preview 00:15

Draw a portrait of a child.

Portrait of Isha part a - construction drawing and outline Preview 07:51

Portrait of Isha part b - hair Preview 14:31

Portrait of Isha part c - face and jumper Preview 08:25

Portrait of Isha (speed drawing) Preview 16:17

Perspective + Bonus downloadable project 7 lectures

Introduction to Perspective Preview 10:48

An introduction the concepts of perspective. After watching this video you'll have a real appreciation of what perspective is and how it can be applied to drawing.

Project: Draw Wooden Floorboards Preview 07:36

A simple perspective project to get you started. When you've completed this project you'll understand how to create a simple one-point perspective drawing.

Project: Draw a Simple Interior with Floor Tiles Preview 07:45

A slightly more complex one-point perspective exercise applied to a drawing of a simple room to further enhance your understanding. Add your own personal touches to the view through the window :)

Draw Simple Rectangle Shapes Preview 10:59

Your first simple steps into two-point perspective. When you complete this exercise you'll have great understanding of how two point perspective works.

Project: Draw a Simple House in 3 point Perspective plus optional 'Cosy Cottage' Preview 07:04

Learn how to use three point perspective to draw a simple house. Optionally download and read the bonus 'Cosy Cottage' extension course book and decorate the simple house to make it uniquely yours!

Bonus downloadable Perspective Project - Cosy Cottage Preview 00:10

To finish off the course with a fun exercise, try using all your skills to add finishing details to the simple house and make it into a cosy cottage. Use the downloadable course book for inspiration.

Perspective Foundations Summary Preview 00:22

Summary of the new skills you've learned in the Perspective Foundations section

Bonus Extra Inspiration - How to Draw People and Characters 4 lectures

How to Draw Cute! (Part A) - live webinar recording Preview 01:02:12

Live webinar recording hosted by Mark Mitchell (from Marks and Splashes) where he interviews Cindy about 'How to Draw Cute!'. This video is packed with useful tips!

How to Draw Cute! (Part B) - live webinar recording Preview 41:04

Second part of the live webinar recording hosted by Mark Mitchell (from Marks and Splashes) where he interviews Cindy about 'How to Draw Cute!'. Cindy critiques student drawings that they submitted before the show.

Draw People and Characters Preview 00:36

Discover my method for drawing people and creating cute characters completely from imagination. This downloadable course book contains absolutely invaluable information.

Practical Application of Fundamental Techniques - 'Baking for Mummy' Preview 12:09

In this section I explain how I applied all the fundamental techniques that I've shown you when I created the children's picture book illustration 'Baking for Mummy'.

Conclusion - Where to go from here 1 lectures

BONUS LECTURE: Take your skills to the next level Preview 00:48

Take your skills to the next level with other courses from Cindy Wider