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Online Beginner Drawing Course course at Sessions College

Online Beginner Drawing Course

30 hours

4018: Intro to Drawing

Workshop on basic drawing techniques

Think drawing is a gift that has to come naturally? Drawing is a skill that can be developed with practice. In this online beginner drawing course, you'll learn how to draw with proper techniques, discovering how to represent what you see through studies in contour drawing, perspective, positive/negative space, and value. With feedback from an expert instructor, you will improve your drawing and develop a deeper understanding of any subject you are trying to capture as an artist or designer.

Still life drawing by student Joseph Langley

Course At A Glance

Course Features

  • 100% online
  • Project-based
  • Instructor-led
  • Study at your own pace
  • Complete this course in 3-4 weeks

Instructor(s)

The course is taught by the following instructor(s):

Course developed by: Jordon Schranz

Take this course as a standalone or as part of the following program(s):

Course Projects

    1. Intro to Drawing

      How do we learn to draw? By learning to see and represent the world as we see it. The course begins with a discussion of common conceptual barriers to drawing. You will learn what drawing is and explore its many different applications in art and design. In order to prepare to draw, you will learn the purpose of various drawing materials and how to use them.

    2. Making Sense of Space

      Perspective and positive/negative space are two traditional and powerful concepts in drawing. This week's class introduces you to the influence of perspective on the way we see objects in the world. You'll explore how eye level, vanishing point, convergence, and foreshortening affect the appearance of objects in your drawings and learn how 1-, 2-, and 3-point perspective are created. You'll also learn how to identify and capture the positive and negative space in a subject.

    3. Shedding Some Light on the Subject

      Capturing the effects of light is a timeless challenge for artists. In the final lecture you'll explore how light casts a shadow and affects the value in a drawing subject. First you'll examine how the strength, angle, and position of a light source affects a subject. Then you'll learn how to identify mid-tones, highlights, shadow edge, core shadow, reflected light, and cast shadow in your subject. Hatching and cross-hatching are discussed as simple techniques for adding value to a drawing.

Sample Student Work

by William Chislum

Course Outcomes

What Are The Course Projects?

Build a foundation in traditional drawing techniques with blind and open contour drawing, perspective and positive/negative space studies, value study, and still life drawing.

What Software or Supplies Do I Need?
  • Computer with Internet connection.
  • Assorted supplies including: drawing paper, masking tape, drawing board, easel. (A full list will be provided in the course.)
  • Ability to scan or photograph your drawings.
What Will I Learn?

Students in this course can expect to learn to:

  • Consider and describe common barriers to learning to draw.
  • Identify and discuss the many applications of drawing in art and design.
  • Use basic drawing materials with a proper drawing technique.
  • Produce blind and open contour drawings.
  • Examine the role of perspective and positive/negative space in drawing.
  • Represent the effects of 1-, 2- and 3- point perspective.
  • Combine the effects of positive and negative space in a drawing subject.
  • Discover and consider how light casts a shadow and affects the value in a drawing subject.
  • Experiment with mid-tones, highlights, shadow edge, core shadow, reflected light, and cast shadow in a drawing subject.
  • Create a value study capturing a range of tones from highlights to core shadow.
  • Draw a complex still life composed of multiple objects.

Getting Started

Course Registration

  • Enroll today, start tomorrow
  • Study at your own pace
  • Complete within 3 months

Course Tuition and Fees
Tuition$619
Registration Fee* $50
Total Course Price $669

Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from enrollment. All tuition includes a digital materials fee for course content.

Course Registration Form

To register for this course, use the form below to enter your information and desired start date. An Admissions Advisor will contact you to arrange payment and provide you with an Enrollment Agreement.

PD: Course Registration

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

What Are The Courses Like?

Our courses are project-based. There are no set logins, so you can study at your own pace. In each course you’ll complete a series of lectures and projects designed to stretch your creative skills.

How Much Time Do I Need?

This course can be completed in 30 hours or less. You’ll have three months from enrollment to complete the course studying at your own pace. Extensions are available for those who need more time.

Who Are The Instructors?

Our courses are developed and taught by our faculty of professional artists, designers, and photographers. You’ll learn in-demand skills, get feedback on your work, and build a portfolio of creative work.

Is Sessions College accredited?

Yes. Since 2001, Sessions College has been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).