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
How long do I have access to this course?
The course comes with lifetime access and all lessons are downloadable as well.
What is included and how long are the videos? Scroll up to Course Curriculum. In addition to the videos, courses always include coordinating (PDF) Handout Packets.
Is this course suitable for all levels? All levels are always welcome! I try to teach to the middle in my courses. That means beginners might need to practice more and rewatch the videos more than once to grasp techniques and concepts. Advanced artists can use the content to elevate their style by taking bits of the course and infusing them into their own style.
Is high speed internet needed for the course?
Yes. You'll need a good internet connection to watch/download the videos.
Should I buy all of the art supplies used in this course? I highly encourage you to watch the videos and review the handouts prior to investing in new supplies. If you have fallen in love with watercolor and want to continue working with them, I do feel that to get the most out of watercolor-based art, you should consider investing in artist-grade paint, paper, and brushes.
Please visit my STUDIO page on my website to explore the current tools and supplies I use to create my art.
Do you have an online community for your courses? The Danielle Donaldson Art Room is a private Facebook group for participants in all of my courses. You'll find the information to join once you have signed up and have access to the course.
I have a question about this course and can't seem to find the answer. I am happy to help! Please email me at [email protected]. Please allow 48 hours for a response prior to reaching out again.
