[BIG] Pets in Pencilwith Svetlana Vrublevskaya
- BIG is a course format with long, detailed drawings. We spend 3-5 hours on each drawing
- draw 5 pets in a realistic style
- master step-by-step layering to create depth and textures using just a pencil, brushes, sponges, and even cotton pads
Material: pencil
Number of drawings: 5
Course length: 20 hours
Access: lifetime
What the course is about
This course is all about learning how to capture the personality and uniqueness of pets through pencil drawing. Our furry friends aren’t just companions—they’re real characters with their own emotions, habits, and special features that inspire us to create.
We’ll be creating realistic and expressive images, paying attention to details like the softness of fur, the patterns on a shell, and the lightness of feathers. You’ll learn how to use hatching, smooth tonal transitions, and blending to bring out the unique character of each pet—from a cat’s curious gaze to the grace of a goldfish.
This realism-style course will help you get closer to reality and capture warm memories of your beloved pets, creating pieces that show not just how they look, but their mood too.
Who this course is for:
This course is for anyone who wants to learn or level up their pencil drawing skills, including:
Beginner artists
If you're just starting out on your journey into realism, this course is a great place to begin. You'll learn how to build up your drawings step by step with layers of pencil, get to know blending techniques, and discover your creative side.
Experienced artists
If you’ve been drawing for a while, this course will help you discover new techniques, level up your detail work, and pick up some tricks to take your art to the next level.
Creative experimenters
You'll figure out how to show the unique features of animals using hatching, soft shading, and some extra tools—like brushes, sponges, and cotton pads.
Course program
Block 1. Theory
In this block, I will tell you a little about myself and show which materials are needed for the course. We will also master one of the key tools in pencil drawing — hatching. In addition, we will learn how to build a grid and transfer a drawing from a reference to paper without distortion.
Lesson 1. Introduction
In this lesson, I will introduce myself, tell you about my story, and share the secrets that help me improve my skills. I will also explain what awaits us in the course.
Lesson 2. Materials
Properly chosen tools are half of success in drawing. In this lesson, I will tell you about the materials I use in my work and explain what I pay attention to when choosing them.
Lesson 3. Hatching
Hatching is a key tool in pencil drawing, allowing you to convey volume, texture, and light and shadow.
In this lesson we will learn to:
- three types of hatching that I use in my works;
- how not to hatch;
- hold the pencil more easily;
- create an even tone;
- how to add contrast to the work.
Lesson 4. Construction
In this lesson we will learn to:
- make calculations for construction;
- apply a grid using the Drawing Grid app;
- build a grid and transfer the drawing from a reference to paper;
- how to check and avoid mistakes in construction;
- how to process the reference and how best to place it on the paper.
Block 2. «Turtle»
Pet turtles are amazing creatures, capable of remembering their owners and responding to their voices. Their unique shell and calm character inspire creativity. Even if you’ve never had such a pet, we will capture the image of this graceful turtle in a drawing.
Lesson duration: 4 hours 52 minutes
Lesson 5. Drawing
In this lesson, we’ll:
- analyze the reference;
- create a drawing on the turtle’s body and shell;
- mark the shadows.
Lesson 6. Hatching
In this lesson, we’ll:
- create the first layers, laying the foundation for the drawing;
- master the hatching technique to convey details with ease and elegance;
- refine the patterns and textures on the turtle’s shell, adding liveliness to the drawing;
- convey the tenderness of the drawing.
Lesson 7. Background
In this lesson, we’ll:
- mark the shadows;
- add contrast to the background to highlight the turtle’s figure;
- enhance the back and front legs, making them more expressive.
Lesson 8. Finishing the drawing
In this lesson, we’ll:
- bring the work to its final result;
- refine all the details;
- enhance the shadow areas;
- work through the highlights in detail.
Block 3. «The Wish Fish»
The goldfish is not just a beautiful aquarium inhabitant, but also a symbol of abundance, luck, and harmony. She will become our next heroine. What could be better than drawing a realistic goldfish and adding a drop of luck to your creativity?
Lesson duration: 4 hours 28 minutes
Lesson 9. Construction
In this lesson, we’ll:
- make a construction with detail refinement;
- leave a light and elegant contour that will become the basis for further work.
Lesson 10. Hatching
In this lesson, we’ll:
- create the first layers of the drawing;
- master techniques of light and smooth hatching;
- add softness and refinement to the image of the goldfish.
Lesson 11. Background
In this lesson, we’ll:
- mark the shadows for the background;
- add slight contrast to highlight the fish;
- create an atmosphere, immersing our heroine in her aquatic world.
Lesson 12. Finishing the drawing
In this lesson, we’ll:
- bring the work to its final result;
- refine the details, giving the fish realism;
- enhance the shadow areas for depth;
- work through the highlights in detail.
Block 4. «Holding Our Breath: Cat with a Butterfly»
A cat and a butterfly symbolize the contrast between predatory dynamics and the tenderness of nature. This combination represents a play of textures: the airy wings of the butterfly and the soft fur of the cat. Such a subject inspires experimentation with techniques. Ready for new artistic discoveries?
Lesson duration: 3 hours 27 minutes
Lesson 13. Construction
In this lesson, we’ll:
- make a construction with refined details;
- leave a lighter contour.
Lesson 14. Hatching
In this lesson, we’ll:
- draw the eyes and nose;
- learn to apply hatching more easily;
- learn to work with large elements;
- learn to enhance dark areas.
Lesson 15. Drawing the Fur
In this lesson, we’ll:
- mark the shadows;
- add contrast;
- draw soft fur;
- learn to follow directions, making curved strokes.
Lesson 16. Finishing the Drawing
In this lesson, we’ll:
- draw the butterfly;
- bring the work to its final result;
- refine all the details;
- enhance the shadow areas;
- work on highlights and antennae in detail.
Block 5. «Fluffy Friend»
Small dogs are miniature worlds with unique characters: stubborn, playful, artistic. They captivate with their spontaneity and bring a smile with just one look. In this block, we’ll create a new drawing, conveying the dog’s character and mood.
Lesson duration: 4 hours
Lesson 17. Construction
In this lesson, we’ll:
- make a construction with refined details;
- leave a light and neat contour that will serve as the basis for further work.
Lesson 18. Muzzle
In this lesson, we’ll:
- draw the eyes and nose;
- learn to convey fur texture through skillful hatching;
- pay attention to small elements;
- enhance dark areas.
Lesson 19. Fur
In this lesson, we’ll:
- mark the shadows;
- draw fluffy fur, using hatching techniques to convey its texture;
- learn to follow the directions of hair growth, making curved strokes for realism;
- work out fur details with an eraser, creating light areas and adding volume.
Lesson 20. Finishing the Drawing
In this lesson, we’ll:
- draw the background;
- refine all the details, giving the drawing a finished look;
- enhance shadow areas;
- work on highlights in detail;
- bring the work to its final result, making it pleasing to the eye and conveying the character of our fluffy friend.
Block 6. «Cheerful Neighbor»
Pet parrots are bright and charismatic companions who not only delight the eye with their colorful plumage but also surprise with their intelligence and ability to imitate human speech. I invite you to embark on a creative journey where we will depict this cheerful feathered friend, capturing his realism on paper.
Lesson duration: 3 hours 23 minutes
Lesson 21. Construction
In this lesson, we’ll:
- make a construction with refined details;
- leave a lighter contour.
Lesson 22. First Layers
In this lesson, we’ll:
- draw the eyes and beak;
- learn to apply hatching more easily;
- work with small elements;
- create an interesting pattern on the wings.
Lesson 23. Background
In this lesson, we’ll:
- draw the background;
- mark the shadows;
- add contrast and balance it in the drawing;
- complement the drawing with necessary elements.
Lesson 24. Finishing the Drawing
In this lesson, we’ll:
- bring the work to its final result;
- refine all the details;
- enhance the shadow areas;
- work on highlights and feathers in detail.
Lesson 25. Conclusion
Our fascinating journey of creating pencil portraits of pets has come to an end.
Let’s summarize the results and receive guidance for the further creative path.
Course instructor Svetlana Vrublevskaya
- Hyperrealist artist
- I've painted over 300 pictures
- I've been teaching since 2022
- I paint for the soul and take commissions too
- I teach realism online
Teacher's artworks
Materials for the course:
- AR RTX drawing paper – smooth, sheet size 18*18 cm (alternatives: Fabriano Bristol, GOZNAK, Calligrata, Talens Art creation)
- Pencils
- Erasers
- Marker: acrylic marker with needle tip uni POSCA 0.7 mm
- Artistic or cosmetic brushes of various sizes, shapes, softness and hardness, natural or synthetic
- Sandpaper
- Dotting tool
- Paper stump
- Fixative: artistic fixative spray – Sonnet
- Makeup sponge
- Pencil sharpener (I use Berlingo)
Tariffs
- 5 pets in a realistic style
- 25 lessons: theory + practice + art life hacks
- Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
- Course Unfreeze – gives you the chance to start learning whenever it works best for you
- You can watch artworks analysis of other participants
- Lifetime access to the course materials
- Artworks analysis for 60 days
- Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
- +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next marathon. Valid for 3 months
- 5 pets in a realistic style
- 25 lessons: theory + practice + art life hacks
- Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
- Course Unfreeze – gives you the chance to start learning whenever it works best for you
- You can watch artworks analysis of other participants
- Lifetime access to the course materials
- Artworks analysis for 60 days
- Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
- +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next marathon. Valid for 3 months
- 5 pets in a realistic style
- 25 lessons: theory + practice + art life hacks
- Machine translated subtitles: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Chinese, Indonesian
- Course Unfreeze – gives you the chance to start learning whenever it works best for you
- You can watch artworks analysis of other participants
- Lifetime access to the course materials
- Artworks analysis for 60 days
- Personal one-hour online consultation with the course expert
- +20 bonus dollars! Can be used when purchasing a course at the next marathon. Valid for 3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
- I can’t draw at all. I’ve always thought it’s not for me. No talent. Should I take this course?
-
Of course! Anyone can draw! It’s just a skill that develops with practice. Our course is built from simple to complex, so anyone can take it, even with no experience at all. Step by step, through practice while creating the course artworks, you will gain confidence and learn how to draw.
- How does feedback on my drawing work?
-
At the end of the lesson, you will upload a photo of your work. The instructor will be able to give you written, graphic (notes directly on the drawing), and also audio feedback.
At the bottom of the final lesson, there will be a comments section where you can ask any questions about the training.
- How much time will the training take?
-
If you have the plan without feedback, it will depend entirely on your personal pace of going through the lessons.
On plans with feedback, we actively go through the lessons over two months from the moment you «unfreeze» the course.
Overall, I recommend taking the course at a relaxed pace. Enjoy the process more.
- Is this course suitable for beginners?
-
Yes, this course will be useful both for beginners and for those with some experience.
- I’m over 60. Will I be able to learn to draw like this?
-
It’s never too late to learn to draw. In our school, 30% of students are over 50 years old. And they happily draw, improve their skills, develop creative thinking, and feel younger in both soul and mind!
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