Learning How to Draw: A Mindset, Method, and Exercises

Discover the Joy of Drawing: A Practical Guide for Beginners

Unlock your artistic potential with this accessible and enjoyable 65-minute drawing class! Based on workshops by award-winning Japanese illustrator Yuko Shimizu, this course provides a practical approach to learning how to draw, empowering everyone to embrace the creative process. Gain essential drawing skills and eye training to build your illustration practice, regardless of your current skill level.

What You'll Learn:

• Drawing with Pen and Paper: Yuko demonstrates how to achieve impressive results using inexpensive art supplies. Learn that you don't need expensive materials to take risks and experiment with your art. Discover the power of forgetting the eraser for a more confident drawing experience.
• Blind Contour Drawing: Master this unique technique to improve observation skills. Learn to draw a face (or any object) without looking at your paper, focusing on capturing contours with simple lines. Practice with a partner or in front of a mirror.
• Drawing Hands: Conquer the challenge of drawing hands! Using the blind contour method, you'll learn to focus on the most important aspects of complex forms.
• Drawing Small Objects: Transform everyday objects into compelling still life drawings. Practice observational drawing, turning mundane items like an eraser into the foundation of a full composition.
• Using Anchors: Learn to create depth and complexity in your drawings by using a primary object as an "anchor" for a larger image. Explore spatial relationships between multiple elements. Learn how to anchor landscape drawings by drawing through a window frame.
• Drawing from Memory: Strengthen your visual memory through observational drawing exercises. Practice drawing an image from memory before observing it in real life, then refine your memory drawing after observation.
• The Rodchenko Challenge: Inspired by the work of Soviet photographer Alexander Rodchenko, this challenge encourages you to draw everyday objects from unexpected viewpoints, fostering creative problem-solving.
• Insights from a Professional Illustrator: Yuko shares insights from her botanical illustration work, demonstrating how color techniques build upon the fundamental drawing skills taught in the class.

Who is this class for?

This class is perfect for:

• Beginner Illustrators: A solid foundation for developing your illustration skills.
• Creative Enthusiasts: Anyone who wants to rediscover the joy of drawing with confidence.
• Artists Seeking Refreshment: A valuable resource for revisiting fundamental skills and breaking creative blocks.

Key Benefits:

• Develop essential drawing skills.
• Improve observation and visual memory.
• Learn to draw with confidence and enjoy the process.
• Build a strong foundation for your illustration practice.
• Exercises you can return to year after year for practice and relaxation.

Yuko emphasizes the importance of practice and encourages you to incorporate drawing into your daily life. Take your sketchbook everywhere, join drawing classes, and experiment with blind contour sketches. The more you draw, the more technically accomplished you will become!