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Skillshare

SKETCHING NATURE: Foundations Course for Beginners

via Skillshare

Overview

In this class you will learn:

  • Common materials used for sketching nature inside and outside
  • Easy sketching techniques
  • Simplifying shapes in the landscape
  • Basics of watercolor
  • Basics of sketching rocks, trees, and other natural elements
  • Introduction to Color Theory, Composition, and Perspective
  • Multiple real time demos
  • And so much more!

Class Outline:

MODULE 1 - PREPARING

  • Lesson 1.1 Setting intentions and managing expectations 
  • Lesson 1.2 Painting on Location
  • Lesson 1.3 Finding your Style

MODULE 2 - DRAWING THE LANDSCAPE

  • Lesson 2.1 Basic techniques
  • Lesson 2.2 Sketchbook Habits
  • Lesson 2.3 Simplifying Landscape Shapes (part 1 & 2)
  • Lesson 2.4 Intro to Value Studies
  • Lesson 2.5 Intro to Composition & Design
  • Lesson 2.6 Intro to Perspective

MODULE 3 - PAINTING THE LANDSCAPE

  • Lesson 3.1 Color Theory Basics
  • Lesson 3.2 Watercolor & Gouache Basics
  • Lesson 3.3 Demo #1 - Watercolor Rocks
  • Lesson 3.4 Demo #2 - Watercolor Trees
  • Lesson 3.5 Demo #3 - Plein air Watercolor
  • Lessons 3.6 Demo #4 - Gouache Forest

Final: Class Project & Homework Suggestions

My teaching style

My goal as a teacher is for students to take away a deeper understanding of the subject, rather than just copy something they see on screen. Understanding the “why” allows you to continue your studies and develop your techniques with a solid foundation.

Want to dive deeper? Check out my other in-depth classes for drawing and painting nature:

  • Rocks
  • Trees
  • Skies & Clouds
  • Water & Reflections

Syllabus

  • 1 Intro
  • 1.1 Setting Intentions
  • 1.2 Painting on Location
  • 1.3 Find Your Style
  • 2.1 Drawing Basics
  • 2.2 Sketchbook Habits
  • 2.3 Simplified Shapes Part 1
  • 2.3 Simplified Shapes Part 2
  • 2.4 Value Studies
  • 2.5 Intro to Composition
  • 2.6 Intro to Perspective
  • 3.1 Intro to Color Theory
  • 3.2 Painting Basics
  • 3.3 Demo: Watercolor Rocks
  • 3.4 Demo: Watercolor Trees
  • 3.5 Demo: Plein Air Watercolor
  • 3.6 Demo: Gouache Forest
  • 4 Class Project

Taught by

Sarah Burns

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