Foundations is about materials; dry, wet, soft and rough. We sometimes forget that it’s the tactile experience that once gave us the joy to create. This course lets you get (re)acquainted with charcoal, pastel, paint and mediums through a series of portraits that express what you want to say.
This course now is self-paced! That means you can start immediately after completing your purchase. Support and feedback is available through the private Facebook group. See you there!
Would you like to…
… overcome your fear of trying new materials?
… (re)discover the love you once had for creating?
… learn art by experimentation instead of a linear learning process?
… get dedicated support and feedback in a small group of students?
Did you ever really take the time to see how a certain material feels? In your hand, on your paper, under the pressure of your finger? Very often, we jump straight to the practical application of a material; how to create values, how to mix or blend. But what about getting to know your material first?
This course is about just that: exploring materials and how you feel about them. Playing around with them, until you get an idea. Being a portrait lover, that is usually the idea that comes to my mind. I’d like to take you along the process of the portraits that I created, with these materials. To show you how you can apply them, and what possibilities there are for you.
You may think: “but I don’t know how to create portraits?!”. And that’s fine. (although I can very much relate to your question!) This course is not about learning to create the perfect portrait. It’s about learning to get comfortable with a variety of materials through the process of creating a portrait.
You can learn in many different ways; by painting an apple, a still life, a landscape. But you’re here, and that means that you and I probably share a love for the human face. I believe learning anything through the thing you love most, is a much more rewarding and fulfilling process, and I hope you will join me!
Much love,
Sabra
In this course you’ll find…
For the first six weeks, we will learn a new art material every week: charcoal, pastel and acrylic paint. In week 7 and 8 these materials will come together in our mixed media project.
Every project starts with some preliminary work. In these videos I will show you how you can use your material in different ways. It’s highly recommended that you try this out for yourself, as it is the most low-key way to get to know a material!
In other videos I will usually do several sketches of the reference photo and explain a bit about any difficulties we might run into.
project one / exploring charcoalproject two / exploring pastelproject three / exploring acrylic paintproject four / exploring mixed media
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project one / exploring charcoalproject two / exploring pastelproject three / exploring acrylic paintproject four / exploring mixed media
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After our preliminary work, we’re ready to start creating a portrait! All my portraits are recorded in real-time; nothing is cut out or sped up, so you can see everything I do. All portraits lessons are divided into topics for each video, so it’s easy to navigate and see where you are.
In Chapter 1, we will create a portrait using only willow charcoal and water. That’s it! To get the most out of our material, we’ll experiment with textures, different ways of blending and losing some features into abstract shapes.
Chapter 2 is about pastel! With a balanced palette and some water, we’ll start shaping our portrait out of the darker layers. A different approach, but one you’ll find interesting!
We’ll pick up our paint tubes in Chapter 3, as we explore the possibilities of acrylic paint. Our palette is limited, to make sure you can focus on your brush work.
Chapter 4 are all about bringing it together, as we’re free to mix our materials in this mixed media project.
During all of your learning process you have access to support in the private Facebook group!
The self-paced course of ‘Foundations I’ is available right now, and you can study at your own pace! Support and feedback is always available in my private Facebook group.
I’m ready to sign up and start creating!
The course is open from the moment you complete your purchase! You will be notified by email and can access our first project; our charcoal portrait. If you have Facebook, you can request an invite to the group. Let’s get started!
Each portrait starts with some preliminary work and exercises. These videos will introduce your to the materials, and also the reference photo. If you like to improve on your angles and facial features, these videos are great for you! I usually recommend working on preliminary work for one week, and on the project in the second week.
Our second project is about pastel, and you will learn all about soft pastels and how to use them. Don’t forget to watch the preliminary work videos! They’re here to help you get started.
We will explore a lot of interesting topics in the next chapter; choosing colours, ways to blend and we’ll also work with both dry pastel and add a little water!
Our palette is limited so you won’t get overwhelmed with a load of colour all at once. 😉
In this chapter we will pick up our paint tubes. No worries ok? You’ve already ‘painted’ a bit with pastel, and this is no different. We will start off with exploring the profile view; looking at a face from the side. Maybe this feels a little tricky, but I’ve created a step-by-step video to help guide you through it!
Don’t be afraid to talk about any art related topic or question you have in the Facebook group!
Ready to let go of limitations? Mixed media is the place to go when you don’t want to choose, and just get creating. You can mix and match as much as you like. Or follow along with what I do. It’s up to you!
Two weeks for a portraits allows you to experiment more. Maybe even botch a few attempts. 😉 Mixed media is about learning how things play together, so don’t hold back and let me know if you need help!
The great thing about joining a self-paced course is that you can work and learn when it suits you, and still have access to support whenever you need it. In our private Facebook group, you can post your work-in-progress, your questions or concerns and of course your final works. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance at any point, it’s what I’m here for. I usually check the Facebook group every day to answer any questions.
You don’t want to join a course, only to find out you have to purchase a fortune worth of supplies. Most of the materials used in my projects are basic supplies. They’re also available in almost every country in the world. For every project, I will also give you suggestions on what to replace them with, if you don’t have them. So no need to worry about major expenses! Download the supply list on the right to see what I suggest for this course.
As a student of my art school, you will automatically have access to a collection of free lessons and resources, intended to help you with the foundations of art and to expand on the current course you are taking. The Student Library started in 2021 and is ever expanding! And best of all, it will be free to students who have joined “Foundations I” here!
Would you like to… … overcome your fear of trying new materials? … (re)discover the love you once had for creating? … learn art by experimentation instead of a linear learning process? … get dedicated support and feedback in a small group of students? Did you ever really take the time to see how a […]
A workshop is generally shorter than a full course. It focusses on a specific technique and palette. Usually you can finish a workshop project in a few days.
When you register for any of my online workshops, you can login to you account here my website. From your account, you can access any course you’ve purchased. No need to get up or go out! 🙂
Your account and courses are private; that means only you can access them. You can access your available lessons any time that suits you. That also goes for lesson information, supply lists and reference photos. It’s all well organised in your course environment.
You can always access your course or workshop by logging in at my website. In the navigation menu, go to “My account” and you will see your purchase there.
You can watch the videos in my dedicated learning environment. Just make sure you’re logged in and you can enter the class room! All materials and resources are also available on the course page.
All my courses and workshops have a suggested level indicated. It’s meant as a way to let you know how much in-depth explaining is done during the course.
You are more than welcome to join any course at any level, no matter where you are in your art journey. Everyone learns differently! Some techniques may prove to be a challenge but I will explain it to you in a way that allows you to follow exactly what I’m doing. There are several drawing guides that you can print out, to help you no matter your level.
Please keep in mind that learning is a process. A beginner will need different guidance than an experienced painter. Don’t feel discouraged if you’re not able to master some techniques at once. Art is a skill you can hone and my art community is a safe and judgement-free zone where you can share your progress.
When you do a self-paced course or workshop, you can ask any questions or share work in my private community! I also do regular Zoom meeting and livestreams that you can join!
Because my courses and workshops are instantly accessible I cannot grant refunds unfortunately. However, if you have an issue please do contact me and we’ll figure it out!
Unfortunately at this time I don’t offer any payment plans.
Lifetime access means that the courses you’ve purchased will be available to you on this website for as long as I’m in business. Should that time ever end, I will inform you and give you plenty of time to download videos and materials that you want to keep.
You can contact me using the form on this website under “Contact Me”. You can also send me a message on Facebook or Instagram.
I live in Europe and so my prices are in Euros. But you get an estimate for your currency with the calculator below! Please keep in mind that Paypal or your bank might use a slightly different conversion.
