Foundations of Drawing Technique

Every realistic drawing starts with a single line — and the way you draw that line matters.

In this course, you’ll build the essential technical skills that support all realistic drawing: line control, grip, pressure, and precision.

Whether you're starting fresh or returning to the fundamentals, this is where you’ll develop the skills that make accurate, expressive drawing possible.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Set up your drawing area using 4 key principles to avoid distortion
• Sharpen and hold your pencil for precision, control, and variety in line quality
• Adjust line pressure, value, direction, softness, and sharpness with intention
• Use specific pencil strokes suited to different stages of the drawing process
• Shift fluidly between soft and sharp lines — and between light and dark values
• Use a kneaded eraser as a drawing tool (not just for erasing)
• Modify, soften, and smooth out values using your pencil and kneaded eraser
• Understand the value range of different pencils — and create clean, even transitions

Why This Is Essential

These initial, foundational exercises may not be dramatic or flashy — but starting with them is what separates years of struggle from a successful, realistic drawing practice.

Realistic drawing requires control, precision, and nuanced handling of your materials. This is where — and how — you begin building the control that will show up in every line you draw from this point forward.

More than that, you’ll start to build a relationship with your drawing supplies — learning how they respond, how they feel in your hand, and how to work with them, not against them.

This Course Is Perfect For:

• Beginners building core technique from the ground up
• Intermediate artists ready to refine control and consistency in their technique
• Anyone who has struggled with “shaky” drawings and wants steadier hands and cleaner results

Includes:
✔️ 8 video lessons (about 90 minutes) with specific practice exercises
✔️ Printable workbook with key learning checkpoints
✔️ Demonstration-based instruction from a professional artist + educator

Let's build your drawing foundation!