Startup Library: Learn to Draw DVD

Master the foundational drawing skills every beginning artist should know.

Want to learn how to draw but not sure where to start? This is the class for you! Gain the basic skills you need to create realistic, accurate drawings with expert guidance from internationally acclaimed artist Patricia Watwood. Follow along with Patricia as she guides you step by step to complete four projects, each one designed to help you use different techniques such as hatching, shading, rendering form and more. By the end of class, you’ll have four finished works and a new set of skills show off with pride!

NOTE: Any PDF materials associated with this class are not provided with the DVD-only purchase. You must have streaming access to download those materials. To purchase the combination DVD + Streaming form of this class, click here.

The Leaf: Setup & Block-In (31:37)
Meet Patricia, your expert guide to drawing, and begin by going over everything you’ll need for your first drawing project: a leaf. Start with a block-in, which will serve as the foundation for each of your projects, as you learn to map out lines and angles using techniques such as enveloping and subdividing.

The Leaf: Contour (18:35)
Continue blocking-in your leaf by creating clean, linear contour lines on top of it. Work your way around the shape as you connect the points in between; you’ll see how the block-in acts as a roadmap for the contour. Also, find out how to render realistic shapes.

The Leaf: Dimension & Detail (41:43)
Complete your leaf by cleaning up the contours and adding graphic details. Learn how to use hatching and shading techniques to make your drawing more dimensional. Understand the difference between soft and hard edges, and how line quality affects the appearance of objects in space.

The Skull: Building a Geometric Framework (17:55)
Patricia goes over the measuring tools you’ll need for your second project: a deer skull. Start by laying down geometric lines to create the framework. Discover how a knitting needle (or similar object) helps ensure accurate proportions, curves and shapes.

The Skull: The Block-In & Measured Contour (28:34)
Develop your skull drawing by blocking it in, similar to your first project. Keep in mind that for this one, it’s important you take the time to check the accuracy of your measurements, angles and curves to create a realistic drawing.

The Skull: Tones & Shadows (38:50)
Complete your skull drawing by adding dimension, details and visual interest. Accent your drawing with contour and tone to make your skull really pop off the geometric background.

Onion & Leeks: Block-In of Organic Shapes (29:23)
Start your third project, a still life drawing of an onion and some leeks, on a piece of colored paper. Patricia discusses the importance of lighting, then shows you how to block in mass tone and value in addition to shapes.

Onion & Leeks: Light & Rendering Form (27:56)
Once you’ve blocked in the tones and values for your drawing, develop your shapes by learning to refine light and shadows. Patricia will show you how to use both light and dark values to make your onion look more round and voluminous (rendering form).

Onion & Leeks: Local Color & Adding Detail (27:47)
Complete your onion-and-leek still life by refining the shape of your leek and adding final details and contour lines. Learn how to shape a cylindrical form and approach local color changes with success.

Pitcher & Mason Jar: Block-In of Geometric Forms (21:17)
If you like order and precision, you’ll love your third and final project: a pitcher-and-mason-jar still life. Start by exploring the basics of perspective and structural drawing. Find out how to block in symmetrical shapes as you create the contour of the pitcher, taking into account the spout and handle.

Pitcher & Mason Jar: Ellipses (23:49)
Turn your attention to the ellipses you see in both the pitcher and mason jar. Learn helpful tips and tricks for crafting these notoriously challenging shapes, how to prevent, spot and correct common mistakes and create guidelines for realistic results.

Pitcher & Mason Jar: Creating Dimension (50:17)
You’re almost done! Once you’ve made contour drawings of the pitcher and mason jar, add in highlights, shadows and details to complete your still life. Patricia even shares her tips for refining, finishing and presenting your work so you can proudly show it off.

Patricia Watwood
Patricia Watwood is an American figurative painter. She earned her MFA from the New York Academy of Art, where she later went on to teach, in addition to teaching workshops across the country. Her work has been exhibited at galleries worldwide and was included in the historic presentation of Contemporary American Realism in museums throughout China. Patricia’s paintings focus on mythology, allegory and contemporary human life, and have twice graced the cover of American Artist magazine.

How will I receive my DVD class?
Your class DVD will be shipped in the mail using the address you provide at checkout. You will not have streaming access to this class in your Craftsy Account unless you purchase(d) it separately. If you’d like to own this class in BOTH on-demand streaming form and DVD, we recommend you purchase that combination item on Craftsy.com.

Will the companion materials come with my DVD class?
Any downloadable class PDF materials are not included on the DVD, so you will not have access to those materials. While the video instruction on your DVD is complete, you must have streaming access to download the PDF materials associated with the class. You can purchase streaming access or a combination DVD + Streaming access on Craftsy.com.

Do I have to purchase a Craftsy Membership to get my class?
No, you do not. Every DVD-only class purchased on Craftsy.com includes the physical DVD in the mail. The physical disc(s) are yours to keep forever, with or without a Craftsy membership.

Are DVDs included in a Craftsy Membership?
No, they are not. DVDs can only be purchased on an individual basis and are not included in Craftsy memberships. For non-members, DVDs are a flexible way to purchase only the classes you love best. For members, DVDs are a great choice to build an at-home library you can keep forever and enjoy any time, with or without Internet access.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do ship most physical products, including DVDs, to several International destinations. In addition to the USA and Canada, we ship to Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and most Western European countries. If you live outside these countries, you can still purchase digital items including memberships, individual streaming classes, and pattern downloads.

Do your DVDs work on international players?
Yes, our DVDs should be compatible with any DVD player in use today. All our videos have been created with all current Region Codes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8). If you have trouble viewing a DVD purchased from Craftsy.com, please contact Customer Service.

What is your return policy?
We want to be sure you’re satisfied. If you have trouble playing your DVD, if the content is not correctly presented on the DVD, or you are dissatisfied with the content of your class, we will work with you. Contact Craftsy Customer Service via email or phone. Upon your request, and upon your return of the DVD to us, we will refund your purchase price or send you another DVD to replace a damaged or incorrect DVD, whichever is your preference.