Illustrating Nature: A Creative Exploration
A course by Laura McKendryArtist and Illustrator
A course by Laura McKendry, Artist and Illustrator
Illustrate the natural world with an experimental approach using watercolor and ink
Approaching a blank page with an open mind and a playful spirit can become a catalyst for inspiration, leaving behind self-doubt and the fear of making mistakes to make noticeable progress. Laura McKendry’s approach to illustration is founded on curiosity and experimentation, creating striking pieces ranging from fine art prints, to greeting cards, gift-wrap, homeware, and more.
In this course, Laura shows you how to experiment with watercolor, ink, and other mixed media of your choice to create three pieces inspired by the natural world. Discover the techniques she incorporates into her work to expand your creativity and find your own unique way to represent nature.
What will you learn in this online course?
18 lessons & 16 downloads
Play with Ink 1
16 minutes, 39 seconds
Play with Ink 2
13 minutes, 10 seconds
Explore Watercolour & Coloured Pencil 1
12 minutes, 58 seconds
Explore Watercolour & Coloured Pencil 2
12 minutes, 26 seconds
Experiment with Mixed Media
20 minutes, 31 seconds
...From Life 1
20 minutes, 26 seconds
What's included in this course?
Laura begins the course by telling you about her background as an illustrator, sharing her influences and work that inspires her. She then tells you about her course and explains what you are about to learn.
Start off by experimenting with different materials. Begin with ink, learning different techniques and Laura’s own methods before developing your own. Then, see how watercolor paint can be used, how it moves, and how to mix it. Learn how to combine colored pencil and watercolor. Experiment further by using any materials you have at home to create color palettes and making different types of strokes and shapes with your mixed media.
In the next unit, Laura shows you different ways to turn drawing into a habit for creative exploration. See different exercises for overcoming your fear of the blank page and warm up your drawing hand before getting started. Learn why Laura believes that drawing outdoors can benefit your work and find a place outdoors to sketch birds and the surrounding nature. Discover different ways of drawing flora and fauna using photos and videos as references, without sacrificing the movement and dynamism of your work.
In the final unit, bring together all the tricks and techniques you’ve learned. Combine watercolors, ink, colored pencils, and other mixed media to draw the nature around you. Get some final tips from Laura and finish the course by creating a set of three images.
What is this course's project?
Experiment with different illustration techniques by using watercolor, ink, and colored pencils to create three images inspired by the natural world. You’ll also learn how to move away from the pressures that can stifle creativity and instead, find ways to encourage playfulness in the creation of your drawings.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone who wants to learn how to paint watercolors inspired by the natural world, as well as those who want to explore non-traditional and experimental watercolor techniques, ink, colored pencils and more.
Requirements and materials
Previous experience with painting or watercolors is not required to take this course; just an open mind and a desire to experiment.
You will need a watercolor set (minimum of 12 colors), brushes in a range of sizes and shapes, watercolor paper, and a cup or jar for washing brushes. You may also find it helpful to have unusual types of paper, colored pencils, a dip pen, India ink (black and other colors) and fountain pen ink, and some rubber painting tools (for use with masking fluid). You may also find it helpful to have masking fluid, pastels, and other color materials.
Reviews
- alanellePLUS5 days ago
Cours très intéressant et professeur enthousiasmante, qui sait partager sa passion et donner envie d’expérimenter !
- 16 days ago
Mi piace questo approccio così giocoso e creativo. Ho imparato molto
- 16 days ago
Hermoso. Me encanto
- 1 month ago
Laura answered me a lot of confusions during my art activities. For example, how to keep the passion from live drawing into the studio. How to use mixed mediums and not limited to one single materials, etc... The methods are useful and practical. I highly recommend this course.
- 2 months ago
This course is a gem. I love coming back to it regularly. And the teacher is one of the best on the Domestika platform. I highly recommend it!
Her book cover illustration for André Alexis’ novel Fifteen Dogs was nominated for the V&A Illustration Awards in 2016. She also teaches short courses on drawing and illustration at Central Saint Martins and the University of Arts London, and runs online workshops that focus on finding ways to unlock creativity while perfecting creative techniques.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences and Inspiration
- Make Mistakes, Overcome Fear
- U2
Letting Go
- Play with Ink 1
- Play with Ink 2
- Play with Ink 3
- Explore Watercolour & Coloured Pencil 1
- Explore Watercolour & Coloured Pencil 2
- Experiment with Mixed Media
- U3
Inspired by Nature
- Collect and Draw Nature...
- ...From Life 1
- ...From Life 2
- …Out and About
- …From Photos and Videos 1
- …From Photos and Videos 2
- U4
Bringing It All Together
- Illustrate with Watercolour and Coloured Pencils
- Apply Ink Techniques to Illustration
- Build an Image with Mixed Media
- FP
Final project
- Illustrating Nature: A Creative Exploration
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and welcomes students with no prior art experience. You'll be introduced to foundational techniques in drawing, watercolour, ink, and mixed media illustration.
You’ll need basic art supplies like watercolours, ink, coloured pencils, brushes, sketchbook, and household or found materials. A detailed list will be provided at the start of the course.
You’ll learn to create expressive nature illustrations using watercolour, ink, and mixed media. Techniques include mark-making, outdoor sketching, layering, collage, and using unconventional tools for texture.
Yes, the course includes lessons on combining ink and watercolour, exploring techniques like wet-on-wet, ink washes, and layering for dynamic effects.
Yes, you’ll practice illustrating animals and natural scenes using various reference sources and techniques to capture texture and detail.
Absolutely. The course encourages experimentation with found and household materials, showing how to create unique marks and textures with everyday objects.
Yes, you’ll learn outdoor sketching techniques, including how to work quickly and adapt to different environments, as well as an urban sketching workflow.