What will you learn in this first module of the course?

 “Key Unit 1 – Getting You Started” is the foundation stone of the course.

Before we start drawing I will teach you how we will be using photo references and how to think like an artist. We will then do some Training-Your-Eye exercises. Then I will show you how to draw a simple line drawing accurately using my Dot & Grid Method.  I will demonstrate, step by step with clear instructions, how to do a line drawing of my duck "Agatha", using my Dot&Grid method.


What's included in this module?

  1. 1
  2. 2

    • 2.1 Introducing the Training-Your-Eye exercises

    • 2.2 Training Your Eye - Exercise 1

    • 2.3 Training Your Eye - Exercise 2

    • 2.4 Training Your Eye - Exercise 3

    • 2.5 Training-Your Eye Exercises Summary Sheet
  3. 3

    • 3.1 Introducing the Dot&Grid Method (and my ducks!)

    • 3.2 The Dot&Grid Method - The Materials You Will Need

    • 3.3 The Dot&Grid Method - How it Works

    • 3.4 Agatha - Part 1: The Dots

    • 3.5 Agatha - Part 2: The Line Drawing

    • 3.6 Agatha - Part 3: The Grids

    • 3.7 Agatha - Part 4: The Finishing Touches

    • 3.8 How and Why to Use Fixative

    • Closing message (and Review link)

Online Course Reviews

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5 star rating

Well presented course

Lee Jones

This is the course to start you on your drawing journey. Clearly providing and explaining the foundations needed.

This is the course to start you on your drawing journey. Clearly providing and explaining the foundations needed.

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5 star rating

Agatha the Duck!

Deb Harrison

Beautifully explained and taught. I enjoyed drawing Agatha and thought Vanessa did a wonderful job 'virtually' to guide me along the way.

Beautifully explained and taught. I enjoyed drawing Agatha and thought Vanessa did a wonderful job 'virtually' to guide me along the way.

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5 star rating

loved it!

Danielle Bruna

It's great Vanessa, I loved it. Takes me back to when I first started in your class so many years ago! I highly recommend Vanessa's drawing classes, I have s...

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It's great Vanessa, I loved it. Takes me back to when I first started in your class so many years ago! I highly recommend Vanessa's drawing classes, I have seen her work wonders with bringing out the artist in very skeptical beginners!

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5 star rating

Agatha Duck

Kerry Pintado

Loved drawing Agatha and enjoyed the process. Such an ingenious technique!

Loved drawing Agatha and enjoyed the process. Such an ingenious technique!

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5 star rating

10/10

Shirley Plowright

10/10

10/10

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5 star rating

Fantastic!

Anne Hoyt

I've have so much fun Vanessa! Thank you! looking forward to the next lesson.

I've have so much fun Vanessa! Thank you! looking forward to the next lesson.

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FAQ

  • What is the ideal order to do the modules?

    Key Unit 1 - Getting you Started
    Project 1 - The Vintage Key
    Key Unit 2 - Switching on the Creative Side of your Brain
    Project 2 - The Cat's Eye
    Project 3 - The Sparrow

  • Does it matter if I do them in a different order?

    You will find it frustrating if you don't do them in order because the course has been designed so that each module builds on the ones before it.

    For instance you need to do Key Unit 1 before any of the projects because this is where I teach you the Dot&Grid Method and the basics of how to draw.

    The projects get more challenging as you progress, but they are achievable because your skills will build with each level. For instance the technique I teach you to draw the fur in The Cats Eye is then used when we do the fluffy feathers in The Sparrow, it is assumed knowledge.

    If you are unsure, it is easy to find out what you need to have done, just check "What modules do I need to have done before this" which is on the information page of each module.

  • How long does the course take?

    The course has no fixed time frame. Each course module has a different number of lessons, and the lessons vary in length, usually 5 to 20 minutes each. This is not allowing for the time when you are drawing.

    You can go as fast or slow as you wish, there are no deadlines. Most people take weeks or even months to complete the entire course (ie all modules).

    Relax, enjoy the journey!

  • Is the course suitable for kids?

    The course is great for older kids (teenagers) who want to learn how to draw detailed realism. It is not recommended for younger children.

  • Why are the modules different prices?

    The pricing is based on the type of content as well as the length of the module.

  • What devices can I watch it on?

    You can watch it on any device that receives the internet, eg your smartphone, ipad, laptop, whatever suits you. Personally I think it works better on a larger screen like an ipad/laptop because it makes it easier to see the detail.

  • What art materials will I need and are they expensive?

    The course has been designed to keep the cost of art materials at a reasonable level. The pictures are all drawn using graphite pencils, which are relatively inexpensive. You will need a sketchbook, some erasers and a few other bits and pieces. You will also need a set of grids, you can make these yourself from the template provided in the course or get them from me, they are not expensive but they are essential. Click the link below to see the full materials list.

ART MATERIALS?

The art materials you will need for the course should be easy to find online or at your local art shop. Click here to view the materials list:

MATERIALS LIST

Start drawing today!

Key Unit 1 - Getting You Started

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