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
In this project-based class, you'll grow a collection of layered succulents and air plants tucked into glass containers. During our time together, we'll begin with a study of the greens on our watercolor palettes followed by drawing and painting breakdown studies of glass, succulents, cacti, and air plants. Additionally, you'll discover how to add foundational materials and imagined objects to your final illustrated compositions. By the end, you'll have gained a better understanding of how breakdown studies can improve your creative skillset, increased your confidence in color choices, and developed a lifelong love of all things growing in glass.
All my courses include detailed videos and coordinating handouts and worksheets. The curriculum includes extensive project breakdown exercises and start-to-finish illustrations, including Glass Garden Experiment – test tubes of green goodness, Nested Glass Garden – vertical greenery in glass, and Imagine the Possibilities – infusing your gardens with imagination.
LET'S DREAM!
Join me as I explore how to integrate subject breakdown practice, detailed pencilwork, and a variety of watercolor techniques into beautifully illustrated glass gardens. By the end of the course, you'll have a new way to prepare for a series of illustrations and the ability to illustrate greenery and glass.
Break It Down.
The best way to figure out what you know how to draw and what you don't is by breaking down your ideas into smaller parts and practicing.
Glassy Goodness.
Learn a simplified approach to illustrating glass. Once you learn the process, you'll be smitten and want to create all sorts of glass containers!
Tied Up.
Whether it's banners, balloons, vines, or layers of ribbon, if you can make sense of it in the drawing stage, you'll love the result.
Glass Gardens. 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.
Glass Gardens is overflowing with super fun exercises that lead to even more fun illustrations! Danielle has once again shared so much of her time and talent in this course. When I get stuck in my own art, I go back to this class to be inspired again and again! -Summer K.
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 support@danielledonaldson.com. Please allow 48 hours for response.
Frequently Asked Questions
For details about course access, downloading your materials, and technical support, please visit the FAQ’s page.