Art is all about observation. Through art techniques and practices, we learn how to see something in a certain way and also start to translate it into another medium. Science is also rooted in observation. Both art and science believe that through observation the subject can be known more fully. Though we won’t be conducting research, we will be learning how to look at wolves in new ways, understanding their physical being in a fresh light so that we can start to understand them better.

In this class, you will learn how to draw a wolf from scratch and to color it correctly using pen and marker. This course is appropriate for all skill levels. There will be worksheets guiding participants through each stage of creation: structure and proportionate drawing, textures and shading techniques (hatching and cross hatching), and color layering. By the end of this course, you will have a drawing of a wolf that you can be proud of, and you will have learned a wide range of pen and marker techniques. A recommended supply list is available. Supplies may cost approximately $40, depending on what you already have. Supplies are not included in the registration fee.

Each 1.5 hour session will begin with Artist Sarah Nelson sharing her screen for technical demonstrations. The sessions will be live so you can actively ask questions, request repeat instruction, and get real-time feedback. Everyone will be visible during the session and will have time to work both during and in between sessions on their drawing. The first session will cover the basics, outlines, and textures. The second day will be solely focused on color and addressing problems anyone had with textures from the previous session. There will be downloadable worksheets and PDF resources to reference, work from, and follow along with.

Your registration fee covers both sessions. We recommend you attend both sessions, as they build on each other.

Syllabus

I. The Basics – Getting Familiar with Pen || Pen

1. Hatching
   1. Value Scale
   2. Sphere
2. Cross Hatching
   1. Value Scale
   2. Sphere

II. Outlines – Proportionate Drawing || Pencil, Eraser, + Pen

1. Shape Building
2. Free Hand
3. Checking Your Work

III. Textures – Fur || Pen

1. Implied Line
2. Line Direction
3. Outline vs. Shading Lines.
4. Value

IV. Color Layering || Markers

1. Color Sequencing
2. Color Combinations
3. Accent Colors

About the Artist

Sarah Nelson is an environmental artist and illustrator in Los Angeles, California. In 2011, she received a BA in studio art from Taylor University with concentrations in painting, drawing, printmaking, and art history. In 2017, Sarah partnered with the Natural Heritage Project, an organization pairing artists with environmental research for nature-focused exhibitions. Her show was specific to the 2000 species on the DNR’s endangered species list. Since then, Sarah has worked with the University of St. Thomas Sustainable Communities Partnership, illustrating research on pollinators, native plants, and medicinal gardens. Sarah has also worked with the Climate Crisis Hub, Three Rivers Park District, Minneapolis Public Works, Farmtable Foundation, Everwood Farmstead Foundation, Metro Transit, and Rivian Automotive on research based and nature focused illustration work.

Sarah teaches workshops both in-person and virtually. She is also a top teacher on Skillshare, and all of her courses use nature (usually endangered species) to teach various art mediums and techniques. She hopes that by learning to draw species that are endangered, students will become curious to learn more and become engaged in conservation efforts. In June 2022, Sarah will board a barquentine vessel off of the coast of Svalbard, Norway, and begin her three-week Arctic Circle residency alongside artists and scientists from all over the world. Her goal is to document, learn, and collaborate with researchers in order to give a visual voice to the Arctic landscape.

Registration