In this course, using graphite, charcoal and pen and ink, we will explore contour and volume, proportion, mass drawing, and perspective. We will learn to enjoy drawing for its own sake and as a tool to gather reference for landscape paintings.

Are you...?

  • Intimidated by drawing?

  • Inexperienced in drawing the landscape?

  • Unsure of how to create linear perspective in your drawings?

  • Unable to create the illusion of three dimensional form in your drawings?

  • Would you like to explore different drawing mediums like charcoal and pen and ink?

  • Would you like to learn how to use drawing as a way to gather reference material for your landscape paintings?

  • Would you like to learn how drawing can help you learn to compose better landscape paintings?

What you'll learn in this course

  • Contour & Volume

    You’ll explore line, shading, and mass drawing in graphite, charcoal, and pen and ink.

  • Proportion & Linear Perspective

    You'll learn how to judge proportion and scale and how to use linear perspective.

  • Drawing Sets You Free

    You’ll learn how drawing can help you compose better landscape paintings, gather reference material, and strengthen your plein air and studio practice.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome and Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Materials and Reading List

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Reading Assignment

    4. Why Draw

    5. Why Master Copies?

    6. Carlson's Theory of Angles

    7. Learning to See Value Accurately

    8. How To Hold Your Pencil

    9. How to Sharpen a Pencil

    10. Using Your Value Isolator

    11. How to BUG

    12. Full Collection of Master Drawings

    13. Comparative Measurement - Master Copies

    1. Contour, Marks and Darks

    2. More on Contour, Marks and Darks (CMD)

    3. Suggestions for Mark Making

    4. Drawing Tips

    5. Tree Structure

    6. Zoom Class #1 Recording

    1. Assignment #1 – Part 1

    2. Assignment #1 - Part 2

    3. Assignment #1 – Part 3

    4. Assignment #1 – Part 4

    1. Shading and Form

    2. Examples of Shading

    3. Foreshortening

    4. Tips for Working in the Field

    1. Assignment #2 – Part 1

    2. Assignment #2 – Part 2

    3. Assignment #2 - Part 3

    4. Assignment #2 – Part 4

    1. Introduction to Mass Drawing

    2. Perspective – Drawing Streams and Rivers

    3. Perspective - Grasses

    4. Perspective - Illustration of Leaning Trees

    5. Zoom Class #2 Recording

About this course

  • $425.00
  • 64 lessons
  • 12 videos
  • 3 live Zoom calls (also recorded)
  • Course community with instructor feedback

Instructor

Deborah Paris

Deborah Paris is an American landscape painter, author, and teacher. She is the founder of The Landscape Atelier, her teaching studio, and the author of Painting the Woods: Nature, Memory and Metaphor (Texas A&M University Press 2020). Based on a foundation of intense and close observation, drawing, memory, and imagination, her work explores an intuitive connection to and her experience of nature.

Deborah’s work is represented by galleries throughout the US. She has been featured in Art of the West, American Painting Video Magazine, American Artist, Southwest Art, The Pastel Journal and Professional Artist Magazine. Her work has been shown at the Laguna Art Museum, the Albuquerque Museum of Art, the Panhandle-Plains Museum, the Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, The National Wildlife Museum, and the Gilcrease Museum.

When she isn’t painting or teaching, Deborah is an avid walker, birder, naturalist, reader, and writer. She lives and works in northeast Texas.

Visit Deborah at her website – https://www.deborahparis.com

For more about Deborah’s teaching philosophy and online learning, you can listen to this podcast.

What Students Are Saying

“When covid hit, I decided to take on-line classes and workshops to elevate my painting skills. I wanted to take a deep dive to fill in the skills I was missing. I have signed up for every class Deborah offers. I am thrilled with what I am learning and how it is advancing my painting skills.”

Susan Powers

“My landscape art has improved so much because of the Landscape Atelier with Deborah Paris. Her classes simplify the complex nature of landscape art. Deborah’s classes helped me breakdown the landscape so I could focus and improve on one part at a time. Deborah’s classes will help you find your visual voice in landscape art.”

Kathy Wood

“After finishing a year of classes at the Landscape Atelier, I can honestly say that Deborah is not only a top-notch artist but also a gifted teacher. She brings her experience as an artist to teaching with a generosity of spirit that make her classes both instructive and fun. The interactive online setting with not just Deborah but also the fellow artists who participate in her classes adds to the overall experience.”

Susanne Jantsch

“Deborah is a world-class teacher. She is thorough, thoughtful, kind, and very skilled. This atelier is the place where week by week you build on your skills and understanding with lesson plans, exercises, video demonstrations and zoom meetings. You have a sense of community with the other students and her platform allows you to see other people’s work for her appraisal and for yours. She replies quickly, kindly, thoroughly.”

Maggie Parkinson

“The Landscape Atelier offers a comprehensive set of courses for developing skills as a landscape artist. Deborah Paris is an excellent instructor who has put together a package of course materials that provides guidance and inspiration. I am on my seventh course, and the way the lessons from each course connect and build on each other has been very powerful in underscoring key concepts.”

Susan J.

“Deborah Paris’ deep appreciation for the fundamentals of her craft, her intimate approach to the natural world, and her enthusiasm for teaching the traditions of landscape painting is what makes the Landscape Atelier such a special place. It is a profound place for artistic development.”

Rob Wellings

FAQ

  • When can I enroll?

    Full Access courses open for enrollment several months before the scheduled start of the course.

  • Do I retain access to my course?

    Yes, you will retain access to the course materials and videos after the course ends for as long as the site is up.

  • Will I get instructor feedback on my work?

    Yes. For Full Access courses, there is instructor feedback. You will post your work in the course community for feedback from the instructor.

  • Are the live Zoom sessions recorded?

    Yes. The Zoom recordings are made available in the course community - usually within 24 hours of the live class.

  • Can I cancel a course registration?

    Please see our cancellation policy on the “About Our Courses” page.

  • Are the courses just for oil painters?

    The courses on drawing, values, and composition would be appropriate for an artist working in any medium. Other classes involve techniques in oil painting, and all demonstrations are in oil.

  • Are the courses appropriate for beginners?

    The courses in drawing, color mixing, composition, and values would be appropriate for beginners. The other courses require some basic understanding of oil paint and how to apply it. They would be best for those with at least a year or two of experience working in oil. Our Creative Development courses are best for artists with at least two years of experience working in oil.

  • What materials will I need?

    The materials list for each class is available as a free lesson. Click on “Free Preview” above to access that lesson.

  • Can I retake this full access course at a discount?

    Absolutely! You can retake this course for just $130. Contact us at [email protected] for a one-time discount coupon which you can apply to the purchase of the Full Access course. Let us know which course you want to retake in your email, please!

Learn How To Draw the Landscape With Confidence! Join us!

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