Drawing in Photoshop
Class - Digital Art | Registration opens 8/11/2026 9:00 AM EDT
Bring your digital artwork to life in this hands-on introduction to drawing and painting in Adobe Photoshop. Whether you're an illustrator, designer, photographer, or traditional artist looking to expand your creative toolkit, this course will teach you how to create realistic digital drawings using Photoshop's powerful brush engine, layers, blending modes, and painting tools. Working from photographs and reference images, students will develop techniques for rendering realistic textures, lighting, color, and fine details while learning a professional digital workflow from sketch to finished artwork. Through guided demonstrations, weekly exercises, and personalized feedback, you'll gain the confidence to create polished digital illustrations suitable for portfolios, prints, or personal projects
- Week 1 – Getting Started with Digital Drawing Become familiar with Photoshop's interface and essential drawing tools. Learn how to use layers, customize brushes, navigate the workspace, and establish an efficient workflow while creating your first digital sketch.
Week 2 – Building Realistic Form and Texture Explore shading, values, color selection, and blending techniques to create convincing three-dimensional forms. Learn how to render realistic skin, fabric, metal, wood, and other common textures.
Week 3 – Painting with Light and Detail Refine your artwork by adding highlights, shadows, atmospheric effects, and subtle details that create depth and realism. Discover non-destructive editing techniques that allow you to experiment without losing your work.
Week 4 – Finishing Your Digital Masterpiece Complete a polished illustration while learning professional techniques for color correction, sharpening, exporting artwork for print and web, and preparing files for a digital portfolio.
Whether you're transitioning from traditional drawing or beginning your digital art journey, this course will provide the technical skills and creative confidence to produce expressive, realistic artwork in one of the world's leading digital art programs.
- An iPad with Apple Pencil or a touchscreen laptop with a pressure sensitive stylus is highly recommended to get the most from this class, though other compatible drawing tablets may also be used. Students will receive access to Adobe Photoshop on their device for the duration of the course, allowing them to continue practicing between class sessions.
Catherine Nguy
Catherine began nurturing her interest in art at an early age by using MS Paint for her drawing ideas, which later evolved as she transitioned to Medibang, Procreate, Paint Tool Sai 2, Clip Studio Paint, and ultimately Photoshop over eight years after first engaging with digital software.
As an art instructor at Sawtooth Art School, Nguy aims to inspire motivation, inclusion, critical thinking, and a renewed appreciation for art from diverse perspectives for individuals of all artistic levels.
Catherine Nguy is a young adult from Winston-Salem, currently enrolled in several Advanced Placement (AP) courses and participating in dual enrollment at a local community college while completing her high school education.