Live Lessons: Graphite Landscape Drawing

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This lesson series features:
Over 10 Hours of Instruction
10 Videos

About This Lesson Series...

In this lesson series, we create a landscape drawing with graphite and powdered graphite on Stonehenge Polar White paper.

Lesson 1 (1:08:14)

In lesson one, we discuss the materials and surface and paint in the basic shapes with graphite powder.

Lesson 2 (1:07:58)

In lesson two, we begin the drawing the details of the leaves and branches of the large tree.

Lesson 3 (1:13:32)

In lesson three, we continue drawing the small leaves on the tree.

Lesson 4 (1:06:18)

In lesson four, we begin working our way down the trunk of the dominant tree, adding textures.

Lesson 5 (1:06:10)

In lesson five, we begin working on the distant trees along the horizon.

Lesson 6 (1:10:23)

In lesson six, we continue work on the distant line of trees over the field.

Lesson 7 (1:12:33)

In lesson seven, we complete the distant trees and begin work on the grassy bank and water reflections.

Lesson 8 (1:08:33)

In lesson eight, we move down to the grasses in the foreground.

Lesson 9 (59:55)

In lesson nine, we draw the path in the foreground.

Lesson 10 (1:20:53)

In lesson ten, we complete the drawing.

Graphite Landscape Drawing

Resources for this Lesson...

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References

Photo Reference

Finished Result

Here's what you'll need...

  • Stonehenge Polar White Drawing Paper
  • Powdered Graphite
  • Graphite Pencils
  • Soft Mop Brush
  • Kneaded Eraser
  • Vinyl Erasers

(Disclosure: Links to art materials are affiliate links which means we make a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you.)

Lesson Discussion

  1. I AM 77 AND JUST STARTED TO LEARNING TO DRAW. WHILE YOU SAY LEARNING TO DRAW IS PRACTICE, BUT IT SEEMS THAT THERE MUST BE SOME NATURAL ABILITY NEEDED. HOW LONG, JUST FOR GENERAL INFORMATION, WILL IT TAKE FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO DO THIS PICTURE. i PRACTICE EVERY DAY AND I HAVE MADE SOME PROGRESS, BUT……

    • Dear Robert,

      Though your question is addressed to Matt, I would like to answer just in case he doesn’t see your question.

      If you like, join us on live lessons, so you can directly ask him.

      If I quote correctly, than Matt would say: There is no such thing as talent. Talent is the result of practice.

      As a start, I would suggest to start with the course “25 days of better drawing”. It gives you the very first steps and encouragement to begin with. “Subjects with pen and ink” is also a course I would highl recommend.

      I found it easier to learn and practice whith non-colored mediums such as graphite, charcoal and black ink. Limitting the color palette is always helpful as a beginner (and still later on).

      Sketch as often as possible. Look around you and think about how you would draw things you see, if you were drawing them. Watch out for shapes and forms in your environment. Try to describe the colors and values you see.

      In a nutshell: practice to see as an artist.

      You can also use the forum to ask any question. There is no stupid one and the commuis a big family (at least for me).

      It’s never too late to start a new hobby,
      Buddy

      • I agree with Buddy,
        Yes starting is the key… Matt and Ashley will teach you everything you need to know about art and will laugh out loud with them. They are truly friendly characters and their friendship with each other only adds to the fun!
        Join and enjoy!
        Therese

    • hello robert, im 81 and just started a few years ago after i retired. Enjoy the journey ,follow along with each lesson as I’ve done for a few years now and one day someone will look over your shoulder and say ,wow , that’s amazing. you will look at it and see all that’s wrong with it. But think of all the hours of enjoyment and using the forum on this site that you may have wasted in front of a tv screen . Im still trying to do portraits of family and friends ,every time i do one its different then the last. looks like Buddy has some good advise that he posted. im also teaching myself to read music although i dont expect to ever be able to actually play an instrument ,well who knows, see you on the forum>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> tom

    • I’ve been doing it just three years& just turned 74, Robert and it was my first attempt at lessons and things are progressing well. You’ll see things improve as you take the lessons in the order, they appeal to you! Matt and Ashley go slow and thorough and you’ll love it, I’m sure!
      Therese

  2. Hi, I’ve been following the classes here for years but never live, just watching the recordings. Even when I lived in the United States (in California) and certainly now that I’m in Israel, there are bigger time differences. This lesson you managed to really make me laugh, I’m drawing with my headphones in the kitchen and can’t stop laughing. I loved your message at the end – to be a light to the world. see you next lesson

  3. Hi Matt I am a 9 year old artist in training and a big fan of your lessons 🙂 although I often feel I am cheating in a way when I use wonderful tutorials like these which is rubbish because I know I’m just learning. I never get to watch live lessons live as it is way past my bedtime but I enjoy following along afterwards!

    • I’m glad you realize that it’s not cheating it’s learning!

      Every artist, or the musician or painter or sculpture, or writer, takes classes and learns from others. Smart nine-year-old to be taking classes online!

  4. Hi, I saw the most recent Gettin Sketchy… welcome back. ☺️Hope you had a great time with your family. Did I miss the Lesson 5 of the Graphite Landscape Drawing?

  5. Hello guys I am new to this art community. I have been watching Matt and Ashley for years now. I always knew I love to draw. During the pandemic I started to get reaquitted with my artwork. I am amazed at how far I have come thus far with my artwork. I will be posting some of my work for critiques for improvements please be kind.

    W. Haynes

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