Getting Started with Drawing & Shading

BeginnerLive CourseEnglish Only

About this course

This is a complete beginner-friendly course designed to build strong foundational drawing skills through structured, step-by-step learning. Students will learn how to observe, construct, shade, and confidently render objects using professional drawing techniques.

Art Examples

Course Syllabus

12 modules55 topics
1

Class 1: Introduction to Drawing Basics

5 topics

Warmups: straight lines, Scurves, circles
Pencil grip styles: overhand, tripod
Mark making: contour, gesture, hatching, scribble shading
Understanding pressure and control
Assignment & Notes
2

Class 2: Seeing Like an Artist

5 topics

Observation principles
Blind contour drawing
Negative space shapes
Contour vs modified contour
Assignment & Notes
3

Class 3: Shapes and Forms

4 topics

2D shapes to 3D forms: cube, sphere, cylinder, cone
Form lines and volume indication
How objects are built from simple forms
Assignment & Notes
4

Class 4: Light and Shadow Theory

4 topics

Types of light: direct, diffused
Elements of light: highlight, halftone, core shadow, reflected light, cast shadow
Kinds of edges: hard, soft, lost
Assignment & Notes
5

Class 5: Shading Techniques Masterclass

6 topics

Hatching, cross-hatching, contour shading
Tonal layering
Creating gradients
Blended shading (controlled use of tissue/stump)
Scribble shading, circular shading
Assignment & Notes
6

Class 6: Still Life Drawing 1: Construction

5 topics

Basic composition
Measuring proportions
Angle checking
Block-in drawing method
Assignment & Notes
7

Class 7: Still Life Drawing 2: Shading

4 topics

Shadow mapping
Building values slowly
Understanding object relationships
Assignment & Notes
8

Class 8: Textures Deep Dive

4 topics

Understanding how light behaves on surfaces
Textures: metal, wood, glass, cloth, stone, skin
Graphite techniques for each
Assignment & Notes
9

Class 9: Perspective Basics

4 topics

Horizon line
1-point and 2-point perspective
Ellipses in perspective
Assignment & Notes
10

Class 10: Drawing Everyday Objects

4 topics

Combining forms, proportion, shading, perspective
Complex shapes: handles, curves, overlapping parts
Identifying dominant light direction
Assignment & Notes
11

Class 11: Portrait Basics

5 topics

Proportions of the head
Planes of face
Eyes, nose, lips light behaviors
Hair as volumes
Assignment & Notes
12

Class 12: Final Artwork + Review

5 topics

Choosing references
Planning composition
Drawing workflow: block in to details
Selfncritique checklist
Assignment & Notes

Materials you'll need

Graphite Pencils (HB2B4B6B8B)Kneaded EraserRegular EraserSharpener/CutterA4/A3 Drawing Pad (120–160 gsm)TissueBlending StumpSoft BrushRulerMasking TapeOptional Charcoal Pencil.

Meet Your Instructor

Momi Goswami
Momi Goswami
4+ Years of Industrial Art Experience
I’m Momi Goswami, an artist, illustrator, and art teacher based in India. I’ve spent many years exploring different mediums, from simple graphite and charcoal to oils, poster colors, gouache, and digital tools. Trying out new materials and techniques has shaped how I create, and I still feel excited every time I sit down to make something new. I studied Fine Arts and completed both a diploma and a condensed certification, which helped me build a strong foundation in traditional way of drawing, shading, and color. Over time, I’ve also worked on commissioned portraits, personal illustrations, and creative projects for people who wanted something meaningful and handmade. Each project has taught me something new about turning ideas into artwork.

Certificate of Completion

Certificate preview

Complete the course and receive your certificate of completion

Frequently Asked Questions

6 questions
Q
Who is this course suitable for?
A

This course is perfect for complete beginners, hobby artists, and anyone who wants to build a strong foundation in drawing and shading.

Q
Do I need any prior drawing experience?
A

No prior experience is required. The course starts with basic lines, shapes, and observation skills before moving to shading and more complex subjects.

Q
What materials do I need?
A

Graphite Pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B), Kneaded Eraser, Regular Eraser, Sharpener/Cutter, A4/A3 Drawing Pad (120–160 gsm), Tissue, Blending Stump, Soft Brush, Ruler, Masking Tape, Optional Charcoal Pencil.

Q
Will there be homework or practice assignments?
A

Yes. Each session includes simple practice assignments to help reinforce the concepts taught in class.

Q
What will I be able to draw by the end of the course?
A

By the end, you’ll be able to draw 3D forms, shade realistically, draw still-life objects, understand textures, apply perspective, and create basic portrait features.

Q
Is the course suitable for children?
A

Yes, but ideal for students age 12 and above, as the course requires focus, observation, and practice-based learning.

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