Traveler's Urban Sketchbook: Beginners Guide to Sketching

Sketching made easy through Contour Lines and Proportional Drawing Techniques. Part 1 of a 4 part series of classes!

4.50 (166 reviews)

Udemy

platform

English

language

Creativity

What you will learn

Contour line drawing and proportional drawing - the foundational skills for sketching.

How to draw simple and complex objects indoors.

How to draw simple and complex objects outdoors.

Why take this course?

In this four part series of classes, Part One: Beginner's Guide to Sketching, covers the two foundational skills of a good sketch: Contour Line Drawing and Proportional Drawing. These two techniques are enough to get you started on your way to becoming a proficient and happy sketcher! Join Marilee as she walks you though drawing four different objects that appear indoors and outdoors, and grow in complexity, using each of the two techniques. Then complete the class assignments drawing your own objects in your house or backyard, finding how easy it is to create interesting and successful sketches. Some shading is also covered in this course.

Marilee will also share with you her favorite sketchbooks, pens and tools that she carries in her pack when she travels and sketches. Join her in the first class of this four part series and start your journey to becoming the sketcher you have always wanted to be!

Marilee is a college professor in Southern California who teaches drawing, painting and sketching. She has been working as an educator for over 20 years. She likes to say that her favorite pieces of art are her students. So sign up for one of her classes and enjoy the ride!

Screenshots

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Reviews

Carol

June 2, 2023

The exercise was useful to me to get used to using the pen and practicing seeing an object. it would have been helpful to know what pen to use and kind of paper to draw on. It must have been an oversight to not have a list of materials needed for this class.

Jane

January 15, 2023

The first lesson on contour drawing, a photo of a crumped piece of paper was used. This picture did not remain the same throughout the entire lesson, which was a bit disconcerting. I’m use to drawing what I see. When the instructor draws more than is represented in the photo, like a side to a planter when none is visible in the actual picture, it confuses me as to exactly what she wants her student to do. I find her instruction on drawing the essence of an object or surroundings without filling in too much detail, helpful.

Deborah

December 30, 2022

Awesome demonstrations. I am sure I will take so much from what is being presented in the course. I am a beginner acrylic painter...I know that I will be able to use all of this with what I do. Ms. Nielson is a very methodical teacher. I enjoy her style of teaching. Great course.

Elizabeth

November 9, 2022

The course was very interesting….great foundation for drawing. It is a fast paced course….but you can always rewatch the videos, which I did. Looking forward to her other courses.

Annette

September 2, 2022

It's okay. The teacher goes pretty fast. I find I need to watch it once and go through it at least 2x to get it. Otherwise I end up not drawing along and just watching her.

Laura

June 6, 2022

She seemed to gloss over some things, the last project seemed especially hurried and even with rewinding and rewatching it was a struggle to understand. Some of the images in the resources were different from what she was working on (the second plate wasn’t shown at all, and the fountain was ver stretched compared to hers). It would be more helpful to have each image in its own file.

Joanne

August 6, 2021

I have done a fair amount of drawing in the past, but have let it lapse. This course has kept me on point and remembering what I learned in the past. I want to stay engaged with it as I have friends telling me I have a talent. I want to keep at it. The course has provided ideas of subjects to sketch. Much needed during Covid.

Robyn

July 7, 2021

I am loving this course - its making me feel really capable :) Sometimes I feel that the photo of the image she provides is taken from a slightly different angle from the angle she is sketching from - this means that I get a little confused about some of the shadows and light she sketches in. That being said, the methods she is teaching are so helpful! A great course.

Camille

April 21, 2021

Useful information and great examples to draw, but as a true beginner, I found it difficult to draw in pen and ended up switching to pencils.

Maria

February 5, 2021

Course is great, some confusing parts. Another confusion is...what is Part 2? Part 3? Part 4? The other courses listed under this instructor do not say what part they are.

Bronson/Mark

January 13, 2021

She has a pleasent way of teaching. In this course she demonstrates ways to achieve accurate proportions.

Roohi

December 7, 2020

The course was enjoyable and very informative. The instructor was very clear and patient with her instructions! ?

Kathleen

November 12, 2020

So far so good! I'm happy with what I've come up with so far, except the vase I drew wasn't exactly in proportion. I just need to practice more.

Donald

October 16, 2020

This course was well explained and encouraging for beginners to continue sketching. I enjoyed doing the exercises.

Patricia

July 9, 2020

a master at teaching and demonstrating at the same time. Her pace is perfect-not too slow and not too fast. I have watches several lesson 2-3 times and I learn even more each time.

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