If you’re still self-isolating, you probably think you’ve gone through all the ways to keep those hands from going idle. You’ve been texting friends, maybe doing some bike riding, and (if you’re like most of us) giving your digits a weeks-long workout on the TV remote.
Sure, you’ve kept occupied. But have you really used that time? A lot of people are finding that while isolation can be boring, it can also be inspiring. Sometimes, all a new talent takes to develop is a little time, a lot of practice — and the right teacher.
Thanks to the coronavirus, plenty of us have access to the first two. As for the instruction, you could do a lot worse than the Fundamental Drawing Bundle for Beginners, a comprehensive course pack that’s aimed squarely at budding artists.
That means all you’ll need to get the most out of these classes is a sketchbook and pencils. From the get-go, you’ll be learning how to analyze and draw simple objects, gathering a quick understanding of space and perspective. The first tutorials will let you flesh out those early sketches with proper shading, cross-hatching and other basic techniques.
Later classes will build upon those foundations in a hands-on way. Once you’re ready to move on from simple pencil drawings, you can learn which bristle brushes to buy and how they can enhance your art. There are dedicated courses that focus on the human figure and the head, letting you dive into portraiture and more active sketchwork.
Once you’ve discovered your style, you can nurture it with side courses on manga and fantasy art. You’ll even get a technical education in Adobe Illustrator, one of the best software tools for turning your art into patterns and more.
The bundle includes 12 courses in all, spanning more than 55 hours of lectures and interactive training. Best of all, the entire thing is available on Macworld for $39.99 — a savings of more than 95%.
More from the Macworld Shop
- Work-from-home accessories to keep you productive
- DIY projects to keep you entertained indoors
- New skills you can learn without leaving home
Prices are subject to change.