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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
We'll focus on the concept of creative muscle memory, which involves developing intuitive artistic abilities through consistent practice of the same drawing and painting techniques, materials, and approaches. While drawing on camera can be challenging, I have prepared detailed drawings of the animals in advance to ensure your success. You will have access to these drawings as references, allowing you to focus on improving your illustrative skills.
In addition to the drawing practice, you'll paint your animals using a full-color reference sheet. While the drawing portion of the course is based on handouts, there will be twelve in-depth painting videos using one of my detailed drawings as a guide to enhance your watercolor skills.
COURSE INTENTION
We'll focus on the concept of creative muscle memory, which involves developing intuitive artistic abilities through consistent practice of the same drawing and painting techniques, materials, and approaches. While drawing on camera can be challenging, I have prepared detailed drawings of the animals in advance to ensure your success. You will have access to these drawings as references, allowing you to focus on improving your illustrative skills.
In addition to the drawing practice, you'll paint your animals using a full-color reference sheet. While the drawing portion of the course is based on handouts, there will be twelve in-depth painting videos using one of my detailed drawings as a guide to enhance your watercolor skills.
COURSE STRUCTURE
An extensive Welcome PDF Packet, filled with insights and information to prepare for a positive creative growth experience.
Twelve video and packet lessons that include pre-recorded instructional drawing videos, twelve pre-recorded watch-and-learn painting videos (music only, 3X speed) with a coordinating PDF Packet that includes a line-art-only illustration, full-color illustration with list of supplies, photo references, and a Tiny Tail Notecard.
Using what you have learned from the previous packets and video content, you'll receive an additional 40 Independent Practice Packets that include a line-art-only illustration, full-color illustration with list of supplies, photo references, and a Recipe Card with a sweet short story to inspire and room for notes.
LET'S GROW!
During our time together, I'll help you develop a focused creative skillset illustrating fifty-two lovely and highly detailed animal illustrations in pencil and watercolor. By the end of the course, you will not only have developed a substantial set of illustrative skills but also have a foundation for creating characters with your own signature style.
Let's Party!
Work with a wash of white watercolor and thoughtful infuse tiny snippets of color to channel sprinkles on a cupcake.
Stories to Inspire.
Dart the Dragon was new to the fire-breathing thing. It's hard to look fierce when you're trying your best to simultaneously stay afloat and summon flames.
Jot it Down.
Think of your process as a recipe for success. Jot down the main ingredients and important steps or mistakes made to whip up another one later!
Wildlife. 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. If you are interested in what I currently use, please visit my Studio.
- 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 that I mention and/or use in this course are included in PDF format in the classroom. Some are integral to the project, while others are just for fun and experimentation. 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.
Weekly PDF Packets include the brand-specific supplies used for each project. They include:
- Daniel Smith Watercolors
- Faber-Castell Polychromos Pencils
- Holbein Watercolors and Liquid Charcoal
- Mission Watercolors
- Prismacolor Colored Pencils
- Schmincke Watercolors
- SUI Gouache
- Uni Posca Paint Markers
Kind Words.
Wildlife is an animal lovers dream course! Taking this course has been a game-changer for me. The concept of creative muscle memory has truly transformed my artistic abilities. With Danielle's detailed drawings and in-depth videos as references, I've been able to focus on improving my illustrative and watercolor skills. I stuck to it and it totally transformed my art and filled me with confidence! -Sheryl S.
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.
