In week one, Steve Huston introduces the sketchbook as a place to generate painting ideas. He discusses how artists can learn from master drawings, paying attention to gesture, structure, and design, and shows how this kind of study can inform your own creative choices. Steve also demonstrates a gouache figure study on toned paper, exploring how value and color can be used to place the figure within a composition. This lesson emphasizes sketchbooking as a way to connect influence, experimentation, and personal direction, setting the stage for larger painting projects.

Throughout this course, you’ll have access to the NMA community for feedback and critiques to improve your work as you progress.