​​Whether you’re new to coloured pencils or have been using them for years, this course will guide you through the process of building layers, mastering colour blending, and capturing the essence of wildlife in your art.

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We begin by focusing on the basics of sketching out the deer, paying attention to proportions and placement. As the eye is one of the most critical parts of bringing a portrait to life, we’ll spend time making sure it’s positioned correctly before adding colour. You’ll learn techniques to give your drawing depth and realism, especially when it comes to the eyes, which truly make your animal portrait stand out.

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Throughout the course, you’ll be guided through how to build up the rich colours and textures of the deer’s coat. By layering colours and understanding how light and shadow work, you’ll be able to add warmth and life to the animal’s fur. I’ll also show you how to use subtle strokes to follow the direction of the fur’s growth, making your drawing feel more authentic.

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As we go deeper into the drawing, we’ll focus on adding contrast and shading. It’s the balance of light and dark that creates realism, more so than simply getting the colours right. You’ll be encouraged to build up many soft layers, and I’ll provide tips on how to achieve fine details and smooth transitions between colours.

In addition to working on the deer portrait, you’ll have the option to add a soft pastel background. I’ll demonstrate how to blend pastels to create a soft, out-of-focus forest background that complements the sharp detail of your coloured pencil drawing. If you’re new to pastels, don’t worry! I’ll guide you through how to use pastel sticks and blend them using simple tools like cotton wool or blending sponges. While this part is optional, it adds a lovely touch of depth to the final piece.

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This course is designed to be mindful and enjoyable. Each section focuses on building skills gradually, without the pressure of perfection. You’ll find that the layering and small details come together beautifully over time. And as you practise these techniques, you’ll see how versatile and forgiving coloured pencils can be.

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By the end of the course, you’ll have completed a stunning deer portrait and gained confidence in working with coloured pencils. You’ll also develop an understanding of how to add life and character to your wildlife drawings. Whether you keep the background simple or experiment with pastels, this course will inspire you to keep creating and exploring the art of wildlife portraits.

I look forward to seeing the beautiful artwork you create and hope this course helps you fall in love with coloured pencils, just as I have!