Big

Realistic Animals in Pastel with Anastasia Seraya

BIG is a course format with long and detailed paintings. We spend 3-5 hours on each painting.
draw 6 animals in realism style on different types of pastel paper
learn to create different textures with pastels: fur, skin, feathers

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The learning starts right after payment

Access to the course is lifetime

6 paintings
20 hours of drawing

What the course is about

The course is all about step-by-step creation of realistic paintings using dry pastels. I'll show you blending techniques and teach you how to apply pastels correctly. You'll also master techniques for depicting different textures like fur, skin, and feathers.

We'll learn how to convey emotions and dynamics through details by studying animal poses and movements to create dynamic compositions. We'll paint 6 representatives of the fauna: a tiger, a caracal, a hippo, a fox, lions, and a penguin.

The course covers all aspects of working with dry pastel and drawing animals in a realistic style on different types of pastel paper. We'll dive into the meditative process of drawing, which will allow you not only to develop your artistic skills but also to enjoy every moment of creativity.

Who will benefit from the course

The course is great for both beginners and more experienced artists who want to deepen their knowledge in working with dry pastels.

The course will also be helpful for those looking for new ways to express themselves and relax through creativity.

If you want to develop your skills, create realistic images of animals, and enjoy the creative process, this course is for you!

Course program

Block 1. Theory

In this block, I will tell a little about myself and show what materials are needed to pass the course. I will also share life hacks to help set up for the class and discuss the most common mistakes when working with pastel.

Greetings

In this lesson, we will get to know each other. I will tell you what this course is about and what tasks we have ahead.

Materials List

In this lesson, I will provide a list of materials needed to complete the course.

TOP 5 Mistakes in Pastel Drawing

In this lesson, I will tell you about the most common mistakes beginners face when drawing with pastel and share hacks on how to avoid them.

How to Prepare for the Lesson

In this lesson, I will explain how to psychologically prepare for the class, set up a workspace, and establish goals and motivation.

Block 2. «Tiger»

Let's start our course with a tiger. Learn how to properly compose the drawing, realistically depict fur, and convey depth in the painting.

Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes

Sketch

You will learn:

to analyze the reference;
⁠to build a sketch in several stages, from simple to complex;
⁠to compose the tiger;
⁠to correctly arrange the drawing.

Drawing the Eyes. Fur Base

You will learn:

to draw a lively gaze step by step;
⁠to choose a tone matching the fur;
⁠to break down the tiger into light and shadow;
⁠to paint spots.

Top part of the painting. Background, fur detailing

You will learn:

to apply and blend pastel correctly;
⁠to create depth;
⁠to draw realistic fur step by step.

Lower part of the painting. Background, fur detailing, tiger's chest

You will learn:

to draw the nose, fur, whiskers;
⁠to highlight black details.

Block 3. «Caracal in Snow»

In this block, we will depict an incredibly beautiful wild cat — a caracal. Let's dive into winter nature and convey the animal's grace.

Duration: 3 hours 40 minutes

Sketch

You will learn:

to analyze the reference;
to build a sketch in several stages, from simple to complex;
to compose the animal;
to correctly arrange the drawing.

Background. Fur Base. Light and Shadow Breakdown. Eye Detailing

You will learn:

to see the volume on the caracal's face;
to choose colors for the fur;
to create a beautiful hazy background;
to paint tree branches in the background;
to create a lively gaze.

Fur Detailing on the Face. Underlayer for the Body Fur. Snow on the Animal

You will learn:

to apply and blend pastel correctly;
to paint the fur on the caracal's face;
to create a base layer for the body fur;
to depict snow on the fur;
to convey realistic textures.

Lower part of the animal and background. Material fixation

You will learn:

to depict fur on the body;
to highlight clear details;
to paint a blurry branch on the left side of the painting;
to create a snowdrift using white chalk.

Block 4. «Baby Hippopotamus»

In this lesson, we will draw a baby hippopotamus. We will learn how to convey realistic skin and create a beautiful blurry background.

Duration: 2 hours 57 minutes

Sketch

You will learn:

to build a sketch in several stages, from simple to complex;
to compose the animal;
to correctly arrange the drawing.

Eye Detailing. Underlayer for Skin. Light and Shadow Breakdown

You will learn:

to paint a lively gaze;
to select colors for the skin;
to break down the hippopotamus into light and shadow;
to paint the folds and wrinkles.

Upper Part of the Painting. Background, Skin Detailing

You will learn:

to apply and blend pastel correctly;
to create a beautiful blurry background;
to gradually paint realistic skin;
to paint the nose and mouth of the animal.

Lower Half of the Painting. Background, Skin Detailing, Hippopotamus Legs

You will learn:

to depict the legs;
to highlight black details;
to paint wrinkles and folds.

Block 5. «Fox»

In this block, we will learn how to draw an animal in motion, as well as realistically convey the surface of the water.

Duration: 3 hours 2 minutes

Sketch

You will learn:

to analyze the reference;
to build a sketch in several stages, from simple to complex;
to compose the animal;
to correctly arrange the drawing.

Background. Fur Base. Light and Shadow Breakdown

You will learn:

to see the volume on the animal;
to select colors for the fur;
to break down the fox into light and shadow;
to create a beautiful blurry background with fingers and pastels.

Painting Fur. Water Surface, Splashes

You will learn:

to apply and blend pastels correctly;
to paint the fur on the animal;
to gradually depict realistic water surface;
to paint splashes;
to convey the fox's movement.

Lower Part of the Painting. Fixing the Material. Exercises

You will learn:

to depict water;
to highlight clear details;
to perform several exercises on the covered material.

Block 6. «Lioness and Cub»

In this lesson, we will create an expressive painting of a lioness and her cub. Let’s make this adorable scene truly lively and unforgettable!

Duration: 5 hours 55 minutes

Sketch

You will learn:

to build a sketch in several stages, from simple to complex;
to arrange the animals;
to correctly compose the drawing.

Background. Fur Base for the Lioness. Light and Shadow. Eye Detailing

You will learn:

to see the volume on the lioness's face;
to choose colors for the fur;
to create a beautiful, hazy background;
to clearly paint the eye and fur.

Finishing the Lioness's Fur. Painting the Nose and Tongue. Lower Background

You will learn:

to apply and blend pastel correctly;
to paint the nose, mouth, and tongue;
to convey the realism of textures.

Painting the Cub. Fixing the Material

You will learn:

to create a fur base for the cub;
to highlight clear details;
to paint the cub’s face accurately.

Block 7. Conclusion

«Penguin»

Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes

In the final block, I decided to gift you one more painting — a penguin that rejoices in your success and mastered skills in pastel drawing.

You will learn:

how to sketch and see the composition;
to gradually paint a blurry background and a clear penguin;
how to create a beautiful background;
to create volume, light, and shadow on the bird;
how to draw feathers.

Course Conclusions

Our course has come to an end. Let's summarize it and listen to some advice for further creative development!

Instructor

I've been drawing with pastel since 2005
Painted over 300 artworks
Member of the National Union of Pastelists of Russia
Member of the Union of Animalists of Russia
I paint for the soul and on commission, conduct master classes and plein airs
Teaching realism online and offline since 2012

Anastasia Seraya

Instructor's works

Expert's works

Course materials list

any dry pastel, set of at least 24 colors (preferably Rembrandt, Gallery, Olki, Koh-i-noor, Gamma, and more expensive brands);
any set of pastel pencils, set of 12-24 colors (preferably Stabilo, Gamma, Koh-i-noor, Faber Castel, and other foreign brands);
pastel paper:
Black A3 Canson Mi-teintes or Lana;
Gray A3 Canson Mi-teintes or Lana;
Gray 31x35 Canson Mi-teintes or Lana;
Brown or gray abrasive 47x32 Canson Touch;
Gray 40x40 Canson Mi-teintes or Lana;
Gray Anthracite 24x30 Pastelmat. Can be replaced with Canson Touch or, in extreme cases, sandpaper.
White charcoal pencil General’s, preferred but not mandatory;
Eraser or kneaded eraser;
Wet wipes;
Knife or sharpener.

Tariffs

I Draw It Myself

7 blocks: theory + practice + developmental exercises
6 large realistic animals
Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
Course Unfreeze
Ability to watch artworks analysis of other participants
Access to course materials without time limits
Review of your works and answers to questions in comments within 60 days from the start of the course
Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert

200 $

$ €

With Support

7 blocks: theory + practice + developmental exercises
6 large realistic animals
Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
Course Unfreeze
Ability to watch artworks analysis of other participants
Access to course materials without time limits
Review of your works and answers to questions in comments within 60 days from the start of the course
Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert

250 $

$ €

VIP

7 blocks: theory + practice + developmental exercises
6 large realistic animals
Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
Course Unfreeze
Ability to watch artworks analysis of other participants
Access to course materials without time limits
Review of your works and answers to questions in comments within 60 days from the start of the course
Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert

500 $

$ €

Frequently Asked Questions

I have no drawing skills at all. Should I attend the course?

Of course, yes! The course is designed so that it starts with simple drawings and gradually moves to more complex ones, so you'll be able to join the process and achieve great results!

For experienced artists, the course will also be useful. You can better refine your technique and expand your visual experience.

How is feedback organized?

At the end of each lesson, you will upload a photo of your work. The instructor will have the opportunity to leave a text, graphical (markings on the picture), and audio comment on your work.

At the bottom of each lesson, there will be a Comments Block where you can ask any questions related to the training.

How much time will the training take?

If you have a plan without feedback, everything will depend on your personal pace as you go through the lessons.

For plans with feedback, we actively work through the lessons within two months from the moment you «unfreeze» the course.

Overall, I recommend taking the course at a relaxed pace. Enjoy the process more.

I am 67 years old, will I be able to learn to draw such illustrations on the course?: Learning to draw is never too late. In our school, 30% of students are over 50 years old. And they enjoy drawing, developing their skills, and sharpening their creative thinking — they feel young at heart and mind!

Feedback

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