Do you dream of drawing beautiful things? Does the use of color seem confusing or complicated? Are you a beginner artist, or maybe someone who wants to take their skills to the next level? Then this course is for you!

In this comprehensive course, you will discover the basic techniques and skills you need in order to drawing anything: from how to hold your pencil, draw an accurate sketch, choose vibrant colors, create textures, and understand edges.

Colored pencils are fun and simple to use, and they are NOT just for children! Professional artists appreciate them for their vibrant colors, creamy texture, and incredible layering and blending abilities. There’s no mess, no smells, and no complicated set up or clean up, which makes them perfect for learning about color, light, and texture.

My goal for this course is not simply to have you copy what I do. Rather, I will teach you how look at things with new eyes: To find colors within colors and understand how objects are formed through light and shadow. Together we will create drawings that are accurate, realistic, and beautiful.

Student Reviews:

Dena’s course is excellent! Her love and enthusiasm for drawing is contagious. The course is well structured, super informative, and just plain fun! I haven’t finished going through the course yet, but am already seeing such improvement in my skills. Highly recommended! (Sarah G.)

When Dena said in her introduction that she hoped we would see things differently I thought that was a nice “pitch” but it is actually what has happened to me! I now look at things and see how light reflects, where shadows fall, and I see more colors in an object than I would normally. These lessons have really brought out my inner artist in a such a short time. I am having a great time and get “lost” in time while I am drawing. I can’t wait to see what Dena’s next series will teach me! (Chana Heller)

This course from Dena has helped me make enormous progress with my art and illustration abilities. I’ve now moved way beyond the “stick- man” stage to where I can now create actual drawings thanks to Dena and her very informative and fun video course. I’ve been busy creating and applying the lessons. I still have lots (tons!) of practice to do but I’m amazed at how much vibrancy is possible from colored pencils and using your techniques. Thank you, Dena! (Steve Thorsell)

Course Curriculum:

This course includes:

• 10 easy-to-follow lessons
• 11 hours of video content
• Homework exercises and reference photos
• Printable step-by-step guides for each lesson

Lesson 1: Introduction and Materials

Lesson 2: Basic Colored Pencil Techniques

Lesson 3: Shading with Complementary Colors

Lesson 4: Layering to Achieve Vibrant Colors

Lesson 5: Using Value to Create Depth

Lesson 6: The Magic of Burnishing

Lesson 7: The Importance of Edges

Lesson 8: Creating Texture: Wood, Stone, & Fur

Lesson 9: Creating Texture: Sparkle & Shine

Lesson 10: Drawing Nature

Includes 2 bonus videos:

• “Color Theory for Artists” is full of fascinating information about the way our eyes see colors, the way our brain reacts to color, and examples of how artists use these theories in their paintings.
• “How to Create an Accurate Sketch” will show you how to create a sketch using a photograph. Having an accurate sketch is the basis for a good drawing or painting. If there’s something wrong with your sketch, then you will probably not be pleased with the final artwork. In this video I will show you 3 ways to create a sketch with confidence and accuracy.

Teacher Bio:

Hi! I’m Dena Ackerman, a fine artist, illustrator, writer, and art instructor, specializing in portrait art and illustration. I have illustrated over 30 books and created hundreds of custom paintings for private collectors, businesses, and magazines. 

With ten years of teaching experience in private groups and at the START Academy of Art in Beit Shemesh, I delight in helping students acquire confidence, build essential skills, and enjoy the learning process.

Every journey begins with the first step. I believe in building a strong foundation of drawing and painting skills in order to open up the vast, exciting world of artistic expression. Through art, we share our personal experiences, thoughts, and observations about life. Learning to draw and paint will give you additional means of self-expression; one more way to make the world a more beautiful and meaningful place.