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THE ART OF CREATIVE PRACTICING
In my courses, you'll always have my enthusiastic permission to take inspiration and copy the included exercises and illustrations as part of the creative process! After all, my intention is to help you become a better artist. By studying and replicating the course content, you'll acquire valuable techniques, develop a deeper understanding of telling stories without words, thoughtful compositional content, along with formulating essential processes that cultivate your creative voice. Practicing the art of copying, or what I like to call creative practicing, will help you establish a strong foundation and open the door to discovering your one-of-a-kind signature style. - Danielle
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
Over the span of our time together, I'll show you how to swatch watercolors from photo examples, draw and paint patterns and texture with a variety of mediums, and develop an eye for unusual color combinations. Additionally, you'll practice drawing mushrooms with varying scale and detail and tracing confidence-building compositions. By the end, you'll have gained a better understanding of how to breakdown a big idea for an illustration, build your skills with a structured breakdown practice, and assemble your new ideas and skills into a stunning and complex illustration.
All my courses include detailed videos and coordinating handouts and worksheets. In this course, you'll follow a four-step creative process: Study, Prepare, Practice, and Imagine. The video portions of the course are in the Practice and Imagine lessons. Using project breakdown and building exercises as a foundation, you'll complete a simple illustration and a complex illustration of a variety of imaginative and colorful mushrooms.
LET'S EXPLORE!
Join me on an artistic exploration as we swatch watercolors with patterns, textures, and mark-making while developing an eye for unique color combinations and intricate compositions. By the end of this course, you'll have gained a better understanding of illustration breakdowns and structured practice will prepare you for a future filled stunning and complex illustrations.
Learn the Basics.
You'll learn how to confidently draw and paint the basic shapes of mushroom and then take it up a notch by changing viewpoints, altering height and width of stems, and shape of caps.
Trapped White Space.
Get ready to learn how to identify, avoid, or work with trapped white space in your compositions. Discover the secrets to creating tension, balance, and emphasis in your artwork.
So Many Squares.
Before you build this busy bounty of mushrooms, you'll practice drawing and painting on simple squares. Squares are one of the best ways to create references for future projects.
Down to Earth. The following is a sampling of the curriculum and a list of supplies for this course. Most of the supplies I use are artist-grade and are a more significant investment than student-grade. I highly encourage you to use what you have and take notes while watching the videos for the first time. Then, invest in the supplies that will truly enhance your own art.
XO, Danielle
Example Curriculum
Creative Essentials are the short list of basic supplies that I use in all my classes.
- Artist-grade watercolors (pan or tube)
- Watercolor-only brushes
- Artist-grade paper (140 lb., cold press)
- Mechanical Pencil (.3 mm lead) and white vinyl eraser
- White ink marker
- Tube of Artist-grade traditional white gouache
- Mixing palette (white porcelain dish works as well)
- Clear Jar/clean water
- Paper towels
- Table Salt
Course-specific Supplies are tools and materials that I use during this course. As always, I highly encourage you to use what you have, make notes, and only invest in what you really need to add to your creative toolbox.
- Clear Drying Glue
- High Flow Acrylic Paint (Golden Titanium White and Carbon Black)
- Lollypop Sticks (Wilton Lollypop Sticks)
- Mixed-Media Journal (Watercolor Dori from The Messy Nest on Etsy)
- Scissors
- Ultra-Fine Point Permanent Black Marker (Sharpie)
Please note that the supplies used in this course may not be available where you live or may have been discontinued based on the original course release date. If you’re having trouble finding a specific supply, you can try searching for art supply substitutions online. There are many resources available that can help you find alternative supplies that you can use instead. You’ll find the brand-specific creative tools and supplies that I currently use tucked away in all the corners, shelves, and drawers of my studio on the STUDIO page of my website.
Kind Words.
Down to Earth is so full of color and pattern and has given me hours of artsy enjoyment as I draw and paint one mushroom patch after another! It gives me the grown up version of what it was like to sit with crayons and a coloring book when I was a little girl. -Lauren M.
Meet your Instructor.
Hello, I’m Danielle Donaldson. With my trusty mechanical pencil (and eraser), a plethora of watercolors, a penchant for imagination-filled detail, and sprinkle of mixed media experimentation, we’ll adventure together and make some creative magic.
Helpful Handouts.
All courses include a coordinating Handout Packet in PDF format that serves as a tangible reference of the video content and includes insight into my creative process. It also provides an opportunity to continue growing your creative skillset after the course is complete.
CURRENCY. This course is priced in USD. REFUND POLICY. Because you have immediate access to the content of this course, I am unable to offer a refund. QUESTIONS? Send an email to [email protected]. Please allow 48 hours for response.
FAQ'S
Is this course suitable for all levels? Yes! All levels are welcome. I teach to the middle—beginners may need to practice more, while advanced artists can use the content to enhance their own style.
What is included? Scroll up to the Course Curriculum for details. Each course includes video lessons and coordinating PDF handout packets.
Do I need high-speed internet? Yes, a good internet connection is required for streaming and downloading videos.
How long do I have access to this course? You will have access for as long as I continue to offer it and it remains technically viable. If a course is retired due to outdated content, platform changes, or my own retirement, I will provide at least 90 days' notice via email and in the Welcome lesson of the course.
To ensure you receive these updates, check that you are opted in to course emails:
- Log into my Teachable school.
- Click your profile icon (top right).
- Select Edit Profile > Email Notifications.
- Ensure Course Updates is checked.
I strongly recommend downloading all available course materials when you sign up. Once a course is removed, I can no longer provide access.
Should I buy all the art supplies used in this course? I suggest watching the videos and reviewing the handouts before purchasing supplies. If you love working with watercolor, I recommend investing in artist-grade paint, paper, and brushes.
Can I cancel my payment plan No. A payment plan is not a subscription that can be canceled at any time—it is an agreement to pay in installments until the full balance is completed.
What is your refund policy? Due to the nature of digital content, all course purchases are final and non-refundable. Please review course details before enrolling.
Can I share my work from this course on social media? Yes! I love seeing your creations—tag me on Instagram @danielledonaldsonartist or Pinterest @danielledonaldsonartist and use #danielledonaldsoninspired so I can celebrate your work. For inspiration, updates, and announcements, Instagram and Pinterest are the best places to connect. I do not provide course support via social media. For questions, please email [email protected].
For inspiration, updates, and announcements, Instagram and Pinterest are the best places to connect. I do not provide course support via social media. For questions, please email [email protected].
Can I share course materials, supply lists, or videos with others? No. All course content—including videos, PDFs, and supply lists—is for your personal use only and may not be shared, copied, or distributed. I appreciate your respect for my work and the time I put into creating these courses.