Draw What You See (Observation and Drawing Fundamentals) 

Course 1 of 4 in the Creator's Design series

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PLEASE NOTE: COURSES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERRABLE, AND ONLY LICENSED FOR USE WITHIN YOUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY
  • Instructor: Brad Smith
  • Ages 9+
  • This is an all-inclusive, 9-week course.

Course Overview

Discover the joy of drawing—learn to see like an artist and learn the basic fundamentals of drawing. 

Many professional artists say that 80% of drawing is observation and the other 20% is skill. This class teaches beginner artists (ages 9 and up) how to observe what’s actually in front of them and build their skills through nine lessons.

Designed for beginner artists (ages 9+), students build confidence with the essentials:
  • observing accurately
  • simplifying subjects into basic shapes
  • laying out strong compositions
  • understanding light and shadow
  • adding texture and detail to finish a complete drawing
  • and more!

Each lesson includes printable guides, sketch-along demos, and a Scripture focus that helps students connect biblical truth with the beauty of God’s world

Supplies needed:
  • pencil and eraser
  • sketchbook or drawing paper

Optional:

  • iPad and Apple Pencil
  • Procreate app (this is not a Procreate course)

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About The Creator's Design Series
Draw What You See is the first course in The Creator’s Design, a four-course Christ-centered drawing series that equips students with professional art skills while rooting their creativity in Scripture.

Across four progressive 9-week courses, students learn to observe God’s creation, draw with accuracy and confidence, and develop both technical  and imaginative skills.

  • Course 1 (Draw What You See): Builds strong foundations in observation, shape, proportion, light and shadow, texture, and perspective.
  • Course 2 (Made in His Image) & 3 (God’s Masterpiece): Focus on drawing people—faces, figures, anatomy, and movement—helping students understand humanity as fearfully and wonderfully made.
  • Course 4 (Created for a Purpose): Applies all prior skills to character design, guiding students to create unique personalities through silhouette, gesture, clothing, and color symbolism.


Each lesson integrates Scripture and faith-based reflection, revealing how artistic principles mirror God’s order, beauty, and creativity. By the end of the series, students will have completed a meaningful portfolio showcasing still lifes, portraits, and a fully rendered character design—all while growing in appreciation for the Master Artist, our Creator.

What students are saying 

Thank you for doing this course. My son has been wanting to learn to draw for a while now and was always critical of himself. He’s connecting with how Brad is teaching and that’s so awesome!
Jenny C.

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Meet the instructor

Brad Smith

Brad Smith is a passionate and imaginative children’s book illustrator known for bringing stories to life with his vibrant and whimsical art. With a knack for creating wondrous worlds and lovable characters, Brad has illustrated four educational, faith-filled children’s books, including Jesus and My Gender and The King Who Found His Self Control. He has also ventured into the realm of graphic novels, illustrating his first graphic novel, How to Be a Kingdom Ninja.

Brad’s journey as an illustrator is fueled by his love for storytelling and his desire to inspire young minds. When he’s not drawing, Brad enjoys spending time with his family, finding new sources of inspiration, and sharing his artistic adventures on his website, www.bradsmithdraws.com.
Patrick Jones - Course author