Overview

*PLEASE NOTE* This Specialization will be deprecated and removed from Coursera on April 5, 2026 Continue your drawing journey by mastering proportion, structure, and the core techniques behind realistic drawing. In this course, Brent Eviston introduces powerful tools like measuring, enveloping, and the block-in method to help you accurately capture what you see. You'll learn to bring structure and spatial awareness into your drawings, giving your subjects a strong, believable foundation. Through practical demos and step-by-step guidance, you’ll begin adding detail, value, and expressive lines to your work. These lessons will also help you develop a healthier mindset toward drawing—encouraging you to see mistakes as growth opportunities. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to: - Measure and draw in proportion - Block in accurate shapes using angles and envelopes - Build dimensionality and texture - Apply value to bring drawings to life This course is your bridge from rough sketches to more refined, expressive artwork—and a key part of your creative development. Instructor bio: Brent Eviston is an artist and educator whose passion for teaching is matched only by his love of drawing. He is the creator of the award-winning online series The Art & Science of Drawing, which has enrolled more than half a million students across 180+ countries. With over 20 years of experience teaching in art studios, schools, and museums, Brent has developed highly effective methods for helping students see the world differently through drawing. His own practice spans traditional figure drawing, architectural and anatomical studies, as well as contemporary explorations.

Syllabus

Building Proportions & Perspective

This module introduces key techniques for creating accurate and believable drawings by mastering proportion and perspective. You’ll learn how to measure, angle, and block in your subject using foundational methods like enveloping and observational sketching. These tools will help you create structured drawings with a solid visual foundation.

Mid-Specialization Reflection

Take time to assess your progress and reflect on how far you’ve come. In this module, you’ll evaluate your artistic growth, reassess your goals, and consider how your understanding of proportion, structure, and drawing techniques has evolved. This reflection will help you focus your practice and build an intentional path forward for the rest of the specialization.

Developing Form & Adding Depth

In the final module, you’ll bring your drawings to life by focusing on form, shading, and depth. You’ll use contour lines and detailed observation to define structure, and apply value techniques to create the illusion of three-dimensional space. This module culminates in a fully rendered drawing that showcases your growing skills.