Learn to Draw Realistic Animals in Graphite
Dreams to Drawing is a 28-day graphite animal drawing course with live coaching, personal feedback and a small, supportive group.
Start with an animal you love and finish with a realistic graphite drawing you'll be proud to display.
The next round begins on 1 January 2027.
Enrolment opens on 1 December. Register your interest and be among the first to hear.
Does this sound familiar?
You'd love to draw a realistic animal in graphite, but you're not sure where to begin.
Which pencils and paper should you use? How do you create realistic fur, texture and depth? Why does your drawing look flat, when the animal in your photo looks so alive?
This is very common. You may have completed a few tutorials and still feel daunted by the thought of starting a drawing on your own.
The issue usually isn't talent. Often, it's simply a matter of having a clear process and someone to guide you through it.
A guided path from first idea to finished drawing
In Dreams to Drawing, you won't be left to work it out alone. Over 28 days, I'll guide you through the skills and process, with practical instruction, encouragement and feedback.
We keep each group to 20 places, so there's plenty of personal attention. You'll also have the friendship, support and accountability of artists who understand what you're working towards.
How it works
Idea: Choose an animal you feel passionate about and make a clear plan for your artwork.
Learn: Build the fundamental drawing skills, techniques and planning habits behind realistic graphite work.
Create: Apply what you've learned step by step, with coaching and support as your drawing develops.
Result: Finish a realistic graphite drawing that reflects your skill, dedication and growth.
What you'll be able to do
By the end of the course, you'll be able to:
Choose suitable graphite pencils and paper with confidence
Apply graphite more effectively
Use values to create shape, form and depth
Build realistic fur and texture
Choose a strong reference photo
Take an animal drawing from your first idea through to the finished artwork
Register your interest in Dreams to Drawing
The next program starts on January 1st 2027
Choose the option that suits you
There are two joining options: a STANDARD and a PLUS package.
Standard-12 months access to the course, join two rounds of D2D and 12 months in the exclusive D2D Facebook group.
Plus- Continued access to the course and exclusive Facebook group, unlimited rounds of D2D.
More details below.
As soon as you enrol, you'll have access to the course, so you can gather your materials and prepare before we begin.
Enrolment opens on 1 December. Register your interest and be among the first to hear.
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What's included
Four course modules with videos, PDFs and downloads
Workbooks and templates
Five live recorded coaching calls with me on Zoom, each lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours
Tasks that help you put each new skill into practice
Personal feedback and support as you draw
A private, members-only Facebook group
Special bonuses
What the 28 days look like
Weeks 1 and 2
Learn the fundamentals and complete tasks that put them into practice. These skills form the basis of all your future drawings.
Week 3
Start your final drawing using your new skills.
Weeks 3 and 4
Work on your drawing with my support whenever you need it.
What students say
Here are a few of the lovely testimonials from the members:
"Wow, what an incredible experience. My first full graphite piece. I'm extremely proud of what I've achieved." Sandra
"Thinking in values versus details is a game changer and has also transferred into my colour pencil work." Kat
"Your mentorship gave me the support I needed to get back to my graphite drawing and the courage to stretch myself." Debbie
"Thank you so much Kate, for an excellent, inspiring course which has put my mind into drawing again." Jenni
Who Dreams to Drawing is for
This course is for you if:
* You're new to graphite and want clear guidance from the beginning
* You've completed a few tutorials and feel ready to create a drawing of your own
* You're returning to drawing and want some support to get started again
* You'd enjoy learning with a small group of artists who love animals
* It may not suit you if you're looking for an instant result. Realistic drawing takes patience, but you can absolutely learn this skill.
Time to get drawing the beautiful animals we share the planet with and share your magic!
Meet Your Course Mentor!
Kate Jenvey
Animal Artist and Tutor
I'm a professional artist working in coloured pencil, graphite and oil paint. My love of animals began during my childhood in East Africa, and that connection still influences much of my work in Australia today.
I've been working as a professional artist and teacher for more than 20 years. My work has been juried into exhibitions including Western Visions at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in the USA and Wildlife Artist of the Year in London.
I've received many awards, including an international award, and my work has been featured on the TV show "Colour in Your Life", in The Australian Horseman Magazine and in Ann Kullberg's Color Pencil Magazine. My pencil work has been published in ‘CP Treasures, Vol. IV, V, and VII, Strokes of Genius 9, 10 and 15th International ARC salon.
FAQ
Do I need drawing experience?
No. Dreams to Drawing welcomes artists new to graphite, those who've completed a few tutorials and those returning after time away. We begin with the fundamentals and build from there.
How much time will I need?
Allow 2 - 4 hours a week. You can work at your own pace, with one module a week as a helpful guide.
Will I get personal feedback?
Yes. You'll receive feedback and support as you develop your drawing, and we'll meet for five live coaching calls on Zoom.
What can I draw?
You'll choose an animal subject you feel passionate about, so your final drawing begins with something that truly inspires you.
Do I need a lot of pencils?
Try not to overcomplicate it. Past student Kat was surprised by how much she could create with two simple pencils.
Do you teach coloured pencil in this course?
Dreams to Drawing focuses on graphite. If you'd prefer to work in coloured pencil, have a look at Concept to Creation.
Your drawing can begin here
Imagine sitting down with an animal you love, knowing where to begin and what to do next. Then imagine finishing a realistic drawing you're proud to show others.
Confidence comes through understanding, and we'll build it step by step.
Come and draw with us in January. Register your interest and I'll be in touch when enrolment opens on 1 December.
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