Overview

*PLEASE NOTE* This Specialization will be deprecated and removed from Coursera on April 5, 2026 In the final part of this foundational series, you’ll put your skills to the test with real-time drawing demos led by Brent Eviston. Watch as Brent brings birds and botanicals to life in two extended, start-to-finish projects. Along the way, you’ll reinforce everything you’ve learned—composition, shape, structure, line, and value—while gaining new insights into the drawing process in action. You’ll also get practical tips for organizing your materials and setting up your workspace to support creative flow and comfort. Whether you draw alongside the demos or observe and reflect, this course is designed to help you transition from learning to doing. You’ll come away with: - A clear view of the full drawing process from start to finish - Deeper understanding of real-time decision making - More confidence applying your skills to complex subjects - A solid studio setup to support your creative practice It’s the perfect capstone to your beginner drawing journey—and a launching point into more advanced practice. 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

Cardinal Drawing Demo

Put your foundational drawing skills into practice by following a detailed, step-by-step demo of a cardinal bird. This module focuses on applying core techniques—such as proportion, texture, and layering—to a natural subject. Through close observation of the instructor’s process, you’ll learn how to translate what you see into a confident, realistic drawing.

Botanical Drawing Demo

Explore the beauty and complexity of plant life through this two-part botanical drawing demonstration. You’ll study composition and structure while developing your ability to capture organic forms using contour lines and value. This module emphasizes artistic decision-making and observation to help you draw plants with accuracy and style.

Materials & Workspace

Before you draw, it’s important to set yourself up for success. In this final module, you’ll learn how to choose the right tools and materials for drawing birds and botanicals, and how to create a workspace that supports focus and creativity. You’ll also get an inside look at the materials used throughout the course to help you build your own setup.