Artist's Notebook: Explore Illustration Techniques

Start the course by getting to know your teacher, Jesús Cisneros, and hear about his versatile professional career as a drawing artist, illustrator, and instructor. He also shares some of his sources of inspiration and artists whose work speaks to him on a creative level.

Before you open your notebook, explore the different materials you will be using during the course. Jesús then shows you a series of techniques you can combine them with, including papercut with painted paper, calligraphy drawing with India Ink, and painting with oil pastels.

Next, embark on a journey through nature from seed to plant, from plant to garden, and from garden to forest and experiment depicting natural elements, animals, and the human figure. As you travel from one environment to another, practice the techniques introduced earlier in the course to compile a broad collection of graphics ideas.

Bring the process full circle by learning how to connect your drawings with one another to create images that defy real-world possibilities but exist perfectly on paper. Use these diverse compositions to express your ideas and create art for posters, book covers, print illustrations, and much more.