For your class project, you will be drawing your pick of a species from scratch, using pen techniques from the course, to create value and texture and to bring your drawing to life!

To successfully complete your final project, pay close attention to:

The guidebook that comes paired with this class, it’s filled with all the information you need to keep yourself on track.
The mini-projects. This class is divided into a series of mini-projects that will help you hone in on each individual technique. Make sure not to skip any of these, so you’re able to complete the final project with ease and confidence!
Post your progress in the Project Gallery. As you’re done with each mini project, make sure to post your progress, so you can receive feedback along the way! I cannot wait to celebrate you and to see what you create!

Additionally, a range of reference photos are available on my pinterest board , and I have provided outlines for each texture focused mini-project in a helpful PDF in the class resources. Be sure to check out those PDFs!!

Mini-Projects:

Get to Know Your Pens: the first two mini-projects are there to help you get used to your tools and introduce you to line work.

Understanding Pen: Find pens from around your home and test them all out. See their differences and start to learn how to pick the best tools for your project.
Creating Confident Lines: Create a contour line drawing. This exercise will help to link your eye and hand and improve your observational skills.

Foundational Techniques: the next three mini-projects will be focusing on foundational techniques that are building blocks to creating value and texture using pen! Each technique can be used in tandem with the other and will provide a different look and feel.

Hatching: how to create two types of value scales using repetitive lines.
Cross-Hatching: how to create two types of value scales using repetitive and intersecting lines.
Stippling: how to create two types of value scales using repetitive dots

Practicing Textures: The next three mini-projects will use the techniques we just learned to create value and three different textures: Fur, Feathers, and Scales. You can use outlines provided in the class resources section PDF or draw your own outlines to practice these textures.

Fur: You will work on a Red Panda to practice varying fur textures and how to incorporate value
Feathers: You will add texture to an Indigo Bunting to practice feathers and how to incorporate value
Scales: You will work on a Betta Fish and a Chameleon to practice two types of scaley textures and how to incorporate value

Final Class Project: now it’s time to put all we’ve learned together! Once you’ve picked your animal, you’ll need to go through two main steps to complete your final project:

Create a Proportionate Outline: Using a self selected reference photo create a proportionate outline, using shape building or freehand and remember to check your work using a ruler!
Adding Texture: Using all of the tools (hatching, cross hatching, stippling, and the varying line qualities (direction, weight, length etc.), add the appropriate texture to your chosen species! Make sure that their identifying marks are visible and clear, that there are identifiable dark, mid, and light sections, and that the texture fits the species!

Materials you will need:

Pens (Recommended: Micron 005)
Paper (Recommended: Bristol Smooth Surface)
Pencil + Eraser
Optional: your choice of extra mediums: markers, watercolor, iPad Pro + Apple Pencil, etc.

And there you have it! Remember to post your progress in the Project Gallery for feedback along the way! Thanks for drawing with me!! I cannot wait to see what you have created + to celebrate you!!!!!

Marie Kusters

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