Mix Moody Graphite and Playful Patterns with Sandra Douglas
Create a moody graphite drawing against a whimsical, patterned background.
This lesson is your chance to create a whimsical, patterned portrait with New Zealand-based artist Sandra Douglas.
During the lesson (146 mins), Sandra walks you through the opening stage of her process, building a convincing likeness in graphite/charcoal-based grayscale, before she later seals it and layers acrylic glazes.
In her video tutorial, Sandra draws her muse Eden and shares the practical setup behind the scenes: choosing a reference that “grabs” her, planning composition (including the classic “leave space where the gaze travels”), and prepping a mixed surface so the portrait can sit cleanly against textured fabric without becoming muddy.
You’ll learn how she:
• Blocks in hair and skin using powdered charcoal/graphite and cheap makeup brushes
• Builds form with ultra-subtle “perceived shadows” (shadows you feel more than you see)
• Uses lifting—not rubbing—to correct mistakes without scarring the surface
• Develops features step-by-step, keeps symmetry in check, and adds freckles and flyaway curls for life
It’s a calm, confidence-building lesson—equal parts technique and mindset—designed to help you quiet the inner critic and get back into flow while your portrait takes shape.
Ready to mix moody graphite and playful patterns with Sandra? Let's get started!
