How to Draw 101

What is How to Draw 101?

How to Draw 101 is a self-paced online course that teaches portrait drawing from start to finish. Led by professional portrait artist Ethan Moran, the program delivers a series of concise video lessons that walk learners through every stage of creating a realistic likeness. The curriculum begins with material selection—different pencils, erasers, and paper—and progresses through line work, proportion grids, shading methods, and the anatomy of the human face. Because the lessons are streamed, students can study at any time and repeat sections as often as needed. Students also receive downloadable reference sheets that summarize each technique, allowing quick review while practicing on paper. The course’s modular design lets learners focus on individual skills such as line quality or value control before integrating them into a full portrait.

Key features

• Free video lessons — all modules are available at no cost.
• Material guide — detailed advice on pencils, sharpeners, erasers, and paper.
• Proportion techniques — square and triangular grid methods for accurate facial layout.
• Shading library — step-by-step hatching, cross-hatching, and graphite blending tutorials.
• Perspective basics — rules for depth, light source, and size scaling.
• Feature-by-feature face study — focused drills on eyes, nose, mouth, and hair.

Who is How to Draw 101 for?

The course is designed for absolute beginners, hobbyists, and anyone who wants a structured introduction to portrait art without a financial barrier. It also serves art students who need a supplemental reference for classroom assignments, and casual creators who prefer learning on their own schedule. Because the lessons require only basic drawing supplies, the program is accessible to anyone with a pencil and paper.

How does How to Draw 101 compare?

Compared with generic drawing tutorials, How to Draw 101 concentrates exclusively on portrait techniques and provides a complete material checklist, whereas broader art courses often skim shading and anatomy. Unlike paid masterclasses that may include live critique, this offering remains free but does not provide real-time feedback. It occupies a middle ground between introductory hobby guides and intensive studio workshops, delivering professional instruction at a cost-free price point.