Learn How to Draw: Foundational Techniques

Course Overview

The principles of drawing broken down into my three key principles: Proportion, Angle and Tone


What you'll learn:

By the end, students will learn how to effectively use the three key principles of drawing: Proportion, Angle and Tone.

In this course, Iwill draw a picture from a photograph while describing my approach in detail. I believe that regardless of the medium or subject you want to draw, there are three key principles that should be mastered first:

1. Proportion - Identifying the relative sizes and positionof the main features in your picture is key to having an accurate drawing. By marking out on your page roughly where the main features will go, it will help you make a plan of what to draw and where to start from.

2. Angle- Angles help convey the perspective of the picture. By accurately drawing the angles of the main features you can convey a strong sense of depth.

3. Tone - Using light, dark and shades in between is essential for creating a sense of space and volume within the picture. How light falls on the objects within the picture tells you about the kind of space you are in. With my method Iwill show you how to divide the picture into 5 grades of tone and how to shade them to create a sense of space and volume.

After mastering these three principles, one can learn how to draw or paint with other mediums and learn to appreciate their differences. In this course I will teach you using charcoal as I think it is ideal for practising the three principles without worrying about color. Charcoal also has the advantage that you can shade large areas quickly, and you can erase it with tissue paper or putty rubber.

I am passionate about teaching and will be happy to receive your pictures and give you feedback and encouragement!

(Please note that we obtained the following content based on information that users may want to know, such as skills, applicable scenarios, future development, etc., combined with AI tools, and have been manually reviewed)



Learners can learn a variety of skills from this course, including how to accurately identify proportions, angles, and tones in a drawing. They will also learn how to use charcoal to create a sense of space and volume in a picture, as well as how to shade large areas quickly. Additionally, learners will gain an appreciation for the differences between various mediums and how to use them to create a desired effect. Finally, they will receive feedback and encouragement from the instructor to help them improve their skills.

[Applications]
By completing this course, students will have a better understanding of the foundational techniques of drawing. They will be able to apply the three key principles of drawing: Proportion, Angle and Tone to create accurate drawings. They will also be able to use charcoal to shade large areas quickly and erase it with tissue paper or putty rubber. With this knowledge, students can then apply these techniques to other mediums and learn to appreciate their differences. Additionally, they can share their drawings with the instructor for feedback and encouragement.

[Career Paths]
1. Illustrator: Illustrators create visual representations of ideas, stories, and concepts. They use a variety of mediums, such as pencil, ink, paint, and digital media, to create artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, and other publications. Illustrators must have a strong understanding of the principles of drawing, including proportion, angle, and tone, which are essential for creating accurate and visually appealing artwork. The demand for illustrators is increasing as more companies are looking for creative ways to communicate their message.

2. Animator: Animators create animated films, television shows, and video games. They use a variety of techniques, such as hand-drawn animation, computer-generated imagery, and stop-motion animation, to create characters and stories. Animators must have a strong understanding of the principles of drawing, including proportion, angle, and tone, as well as a good understanding of the principles of animation. The demand for animators is increasing as more companies are looking for creative ways to communicate their message.

3. Graphic Designer: Graphic designers create visual solutions to communication problems. They use a variety of mediums, such as typography, photography, and illustration, to create artwork for websites, magazines, advertisements, and other publications. Graphic designers must have a strong understanding of the principles of drawing, including proportion, angle, and tone, as well as a good understanding of the principles of design. The demand for graphic designers is increasing as more companies are looking for creative ways to communicate their message.

4. Art Teacher: Art teachers teach students the principles of drawing, including proportion, angle, and tone. They also teach students about the history of art, the different mediums used in art, and the techniques used to create artwork. Art teachers must have a strong understanding of the principles of drawing, as well as a good understanding of the principles of design. The demand for art teachers is increasing as more schools are looking for creative ways to teach art.

[Education Paths]
Recommended Degree Paths:

1. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): This degree program focuses on the development of artistic skills and techniques, as well as the history and theory of art. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the visual arts, and to prepare them for a career in the field. Students will learn how to use various mediums, such as charcoal, to create art, as well as how to use the principles of proportion, angle, and tone to create a sense of depth and space. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of the history and theory of art, and will be able to apply this knowledge to their own work.

2. Master of Arts in Visual Arts (MAVA): This degree program is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the visual arts. It focuses on the development of advanced artistic skills and techniques, as well as the history and theory of art. Students will learn how to use various mediums, such as charcoal, to create art, as well as how to use the principles of proportion, angle, and tone to create a sense of depth and space. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of the history and theory of art, and will be able to apply this knowledge to their own work.

3. Master of Fine Arts (MFA): This degree program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the visual arts. It focuses on the development of advanced artistic skills and techniques, as well as the history and theory of art. Students will learn how to use various mediums, such as charcoal, to create art, as well as how to use the principles of proportion, angle, and tone to create a sense of depth and space. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of the history and theory of art, and will be able to apply this knowledge to their own work.

4. Doctor of Philosophy in Visual Arts (PhD): This degree program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the visual arts. It focuses on the development of advanced artistic skills and techniques, as well as the history and theory of art. Students will learn how to use various mediums, such as charcoal, to create art, as well as how to use the principles of proportion, angle, and tone to create a sense of depth and space. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of the history and theory of art, and will be able to apply this knowledge to their own work. They will also be able to conduct research and develop new theories and approaches to the visual arts.

Developing Trends:

1. Digital Art: Digital art is becoming increasingly popular, and many artists are now using digital tools to create art. This includes the use of software such as Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as 3D modeling programs.

2. Mixed Media: Mixed media art is becoming increasingly popular, as artists are combining traditional mediums such as charcoal with digital tools to create unique works of art.

3. Conceptual Art: Conceptual art is becoming increasingly popular, as artists are exploring new ways of expressing ideas and concepts through their art.

4. Installation Art: Installation art is becoming increasingly popular, as artists are creating large-scale artworks that are designed to be experienced in a physical space.