Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art from Udemy

UPDATED AND EXPANDED with over 10 hours of new content for 2021.

NEW Sections and over 60 New videos

Plus New class notes and files.

This is an introduction to not only "Digital art" but art in general. In this very in-depth course, you will start from novice and or hobbyist and end with the mentality and skills of a professional. I cannot promise you to work as no one can. But the skills you acquire here will enhance not only your own work but give you a solid base in any other online course or book etc. There is no "Quick fix" or Short cuts to making great art. It requires work. It's fun work and I'm going to show you a method that will make creating your own art or a client's work "pain-free".

You will learn solid techniques to make amazing art
You will be able to think like an artist and be a problem solver
This is for those that are serious about improving art
You will need some sort of drawing tablet (Wacom etc) or computer tablet (ex..Ipad, galaxy, etc)
Keep an open mind and there is no time limit, work at your own pace.

I hope you will join me and allow me to be your professional guide on your art journey.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the basics of line drawing
Learn to make simple shapes
Understand the relationships between lines and shapes

Learn to use lines and shapes to draw from observation
Learn the basics of any digital art software
Learn the basics of digital coloring

Learn the basics of line drawing
Learn to make simple shapes
Understand the relationships between lines and shapes
Learn to use lines and shapes to draw from observation
Learn the basics of any digital art software
Learn the basics of digital coloring

Syllabus

Introduction

Art as Problem Solving

How to Upload your Work

This section is for students who just bought a Graphics tablet and find it challenging

START HERE

The entry level tablet is most students foray into digital art. It can be difficult at first but with practice you can succeed.

Using a stand helps

Tablet stand Alteratives that won't break the bank

You will learn to use lines and curves to draw.

Before we Begin

Trying to draw "perfect" is not what art is about. You are learning how to draw so be patient!

All about Image and canvas Size

Intro to Line Drawing

Let's Draw Shaky Lines

Let's Draw Straight Lines

Let's get some Line control pt 1

Let's get some Line control pt 2

Lets Draw C Curves

Let's Draw S Curves

Let's have a bit of fun with what you've learned

The Assignment

PRO TIP : How to get better lines and curves

You will learn to draw ovals and shapes

Trying to draw ellipses and circles is just like writing zeroes and the letter "O" which. Very similar to writing in cursive (for those of you that can do that).

Let's Draw Ovals

Let's Draw Circles

Combining what we learned

Finding the Center

Live Demo

Draw along with hard edges shapes

Lets make rectangles

Assignment 1

BETRAYED!!!! Here's what happens when an app wont work

Triangles and Angles

Assignment 2

From lines you can make shapes. In this section you will make very simple shapes.

Quick Warm up !

Squares and Rectangles

Circles and Ovals

Polygons

Trapezoids

Drawing the sphere is another "essential" art shape. It is the base shape for many organic forms. Drawing the human head and turning it in space is important . Pay close attention to this lecture and try to imagine what forms you can make.

Drawing the square, drawing the rectangle, drawing the box is something you may be familiar with. That simple basic shape is the basis of so many objetcs.

The Cylinder is very powerful. Its the building blocks of arms , legs and so much more.

Cylinder practice. You can never practice this form enough.

This is all about turning the cylinder and to get you thinking more like an artist. You can do this exercise on pen/pencil and paper.

Not all shapes are hard, most shapes are soft especially in nature

Simple organic shapes. Seeing in "3d" is very important. This is all about seeing the form in 3 dimensions. Be sure to download the Sheets of more organic shapes for practice.

More shape training. Learning to see like an artist is very important.

Time to get active, if you haven't already. I will be drawing more forms and shapes. jump in and draw them with me.

5 Minute Sprint : Organic Shapes

Now that you can draw shapes we will use that knowledge to put to observation

We will begin to get you to no just see and draw but understand what you are drawing.

Here are some simple objects. Once you get into the right mind frame and begin to understand simple forms, you art will improve.

This very short video sets up the explanation for the worksheets. The Zip files contains the exercises. They can be used both digitally and physically (print).

More thoughts on lines.

You will learn to take the simple concepts you already learned and apply them to create a basic human figure.

Intro

You will learn to Move Cylinders in DIrection

Draw Better 2 :Cylinders in Space

Draw Better 3: The Horizon Line

Draw Better 4 : Better Boxes

Draw Better 5 : Drawing even better more accurate Boxes

Draw Better 6 : Here's how you can add variety to a simple Box

Draw Better 7: The Shape Monster Game

Draw Better 8 : A very Simple Stick Figure

Draw Better 9: A Very Simple Stick Figure pt 2

Draw Better 10 : A Very Simple Stick Figure pt 3

Draw Better 11: Draw Better Stick Figure Poses

Draw Better 12 : Skills you didn't know you had

Draw Better 13: More stuff you can draw

TIME TO LEVEL UP !!

The "Workbook" and FILES

Leveling up your shapes.

3 Very useful Shapes

Find Your Favorite Drawing Tool

Practice session with me

Changing Shapes

Shapes into Form

Form Practice Session

Connect, Overdraw and Erase

Shapes are Just Roadmaps

Develop a workflow

Small Medium and Large

You will draw better figures and faces

Simple Faces

The Visor

Better Nose and Lips

Explaining the Eye

Drawing the Eye

The Torso

Making Attachments

I need to explain

Arms and Legs

Figure Notes

Draw hands the easy way

Drawing Feet the easy way

Using Digital to it's fullest

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on the basics of art and drawing and offers fundamental skills that can be applied to digital art software

Provides an opportunity to get comfortable using a graphics tablet to make creating digital art less daunting

Introduces a wide range of essential art shapes and forms, as well as how to combine them to create more complex structures

Develops your skills in translating 3d forms to 2d drawings, which is a foundational skill for creating digital art

Introduces the basics of digital coloring, which is essential for creating visually appealing digital art

This course is ideal for beginners who want to start making their own digital art

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art with these activities:

Read 'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain' by Betty Edwards

Show steps

Gain insights into the psychology of drawing and develop a more intuitive and expressive approach to digital art.

View Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: The... on Amazon

Show steps

Purchase or borrow the book.
Read the book and complete the exercises.
Reflect on the concepts and apply them to your own digital art practice.

Refresh drawing concepts

Show steps

Review the basics of line drawing, shape drawing, and composition to refresh your skills and prepare for the course.

Show steps

Review tutorials or books on basic drawing techniques.
Practice drawing simple shapes and lines.
Try copying simple objects from observation.

Join an online community or forum for digital artists

Show steps

Connect with other digital artists to share your work, learn from others, and get feedback on your progress.

Show steps

Find online communities or forums related to digital art.
Join the community and introduce yourself.
Participate in discussions, share your work, and provide feedback to others.

Three other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all six activities

Practice drawing organic shapes

Show steps

Develop your ability to draw and observe organic shapes, which is essential for creating realistic and expressive digital art.

Show steps

Find reference images of organic shapes, such as plants or animals.
Practice drawing these shapes, focusing on capturing their unique forms and textures.
Experiment with different techniques to create depth and realism.

Create a sketchbook of digital sketches

Show steps

Establish a practice of sketching and experimenting with digital tools to improve your visual thinking and creativity.

Browse courses on Sketching

Show steps

Create a new sketchbook in your digital art software.
Draw and experiment with different techniques and ideas regularly.
Reflect on your sketches and note your progress and areas for improvement.

Start a digital art project inspired by the course

Show steps

Challenge yourself by starting a digital art project that combines the techniques and concepts you've learned in the course.

Show steps

Brainstorm ideas for a digital art project.
Sketch out your ideas and plan your composition.
Start working on your project, experimenting with different techniques and tools.
Seek feedback from others and make adjustments as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Character Designer

Character Designers use their knowledge of drawing to create characters for animations, video games, movies, and comic books. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art introduces the fundamentals of drawing, such as line control, shape creation, and perspective. Additionally, the course provides an overview of digital art software, which is essential for creating digital characters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Character Designer

Concept Artist

Concept Artists create visual concepts for movies, video games, and other creative projects. They use their drawing skills to create sketches, paintings, and other artwork that helps to bring the project's world to life. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art provides a comprehensive introduction to drawing and digital art software, which is essential for Concept Artists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist

Illustrator

Illustrators create visual content for a variety of purposes, such as books, magazines, websites, and advertising. They use their drawing skills to create images that communicate ideas and stories. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art provides a solid foundation in drawing and digital art software, which is essential for Illustrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Art Director

Art Directors oversee the visual aspects of creative projects, such as movies, television shows, and video games. They work with artists, designers, and other creatives to ensure that the project's vision is realized. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art provides a foundation in drawing and digital art software, which is essential for Art Directors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual content for a variety of purposes, such as logos, brochures, and websites. They use their drawing skills to create images that communicate ideas and messages. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art provides a comprehensive introduction to drawing and digital art software, which is essential for Graphic Designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Web Designer

Web Designers create and maintain websites. They use their drawing skills to create visual elements for websites, such as layouts, graphics, and animations. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art may be useful for Web Designers who want to improve their drawing skills and learn how to use digital art software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Photographer

Photographers use their cameras to capture images of people, places, and things. They use their drawing skills to compose and edit their photographs. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art may be useful for Photographers who want to improve their drawing skills and learn how to use digital art software to edit their photographs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Art teacher

Art Teachers teach students about art and how to create art. They use their drawing skills to create demonstrations and examples for their students. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art may be useful for Art Teachers who want to improve their drawing skills and learn how to use digital art software.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Museum curator

Museum Curators oversee the collections of museums and historical sites. They use their knowledge of art and history to create exhibitions and educational programs. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art may be useful for Museum Curators who want to learn more about art and how to create digital art for exhibitions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Filmmaker

Filmmakers use their cameras to create movies and videos. They use their drawing skills to create storyboards and other visual materials that help them to plan and produce their films. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art may be useful for Filmmakers who want to improve their drawing skills and learn how to use digital art software to create visual effects and animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Filmmaker

Art Therapist

Art Therapists use art to help people with mental health issues. They use their drawing skills to create therapeutic exercises and activities that help their clients to express themselves and work through their problems. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art may be useful for Art Therapists who want to improve their drawing skills and learn how to use digital art software to create therapeutic materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Therapist

Writer

Writers use their words to create stories, articles, and other written content. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art may be useful for Writers who want to learn how to draw and create visual elements for their writing, such as illustrations and diagrams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Marketer

Marketers use their knowledge of marketing and advertising to create and execute marketing campaigns. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art may be useful for Marketers who want to learn how to create digital marketing materials, such as social media graphics and website banners.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketer

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They often have a wide range of skills, including drawing and digital art. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art may be useful for Entrepreneurs who want to learn how to create digital marketing materials and website designs for their businesses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Teacher

Teachers use their knowledge and skills to educate and inspire students. They often have a wide range of skills, including drawing and digital art. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Digital Art may be useful for Teachers who want to learn how to create digital teaching materials and presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher