Hi I took the colored pencil class first and really enjoyed that. David
Yes it was Polychromo pencils and chalk pastels for background.
Is this the one from matt’s series on three little birds? I enjoyed do this project too. You did a really nice job. I also used soft pastels for the background since I did not have the pan pastels.
Again, beautiful job.
Teri
Yes it was from his series, my art supplies don’t extend to pan pastels yet. Slowly building supplies. Would love to see yours.
Here is my drawing. I did have the polychrome pencils but only some cheap soft pastels. I did not have the correct paper but used sandpaper, 1000 gm.
I too am still collecting materials a little at a time. I enjoy trying all the different avenues of art that Matt teaches on the Virtual Instructor, I have learned so much!
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Glad you’ve found out what helps you so early. I’m into drawing for cca 20 years and just recently I’ve found out I produce the best things when I just loosen up n let go. Greetings from Croatia! 
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I have found that too by learning on my own with no proper instruction until this last year when I discovered the Matt’s website and courses. I am glad that I did not study art first, but when I became disabled it just came to me to create artwork as I cannot leave my apartment on my own. Now I am reinforcing what discovered by trial and error.
Yeah, I also don’t have an art education, but what these two teach has helped me A TON! Most because I’ve got more relaxed bout the outcome. What Matt says “It doesn’t have to be identical as the refference picture.” When you put it that way, you insert your soul in it and it becomes soooo much better! When you do it this way, you enjoy it more, and it shows! The other thing is practice. I believe you practice on a daily basis. From what you said I understand your life is now mostly about drawing. It’s great you’ve found this bedrock to help you get through.
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I agree. I am so detail oriented and Matt has really helped me to loosen up too, and as you said not stick to the reference but let it be a guide to what I want to create.
Now I look for photo references according to what I have in my mind to create and use sometimes more than one of them to piece together a piece of artwork. It is actually so much more fun this way.
You’re correct, I do practice daily, but some days not enough but am enjoying learning so many different mediums. I would really enjoy seeing some of your artwork. Not so good at getting around the sites but learn so much by just looking at the artwork I see here and in the weekly critiques,
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What kind of mediums do you use besides graphite? What do you enjoy the most? 
Hi Forum,
My name is Minal. I am a newbie who loves exploring different art mediums. I have tried my hands on graphite, embroidery, paper quilling, acrylics, coloured pencil and oil pastels. I am more into acrylics on canvas and have done some for family and friends. I have no background knowledge about art,so joined the Virtual Instructor last year to learn more. Glad to join a community to get some views about my art work and inspiration.
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I started with colored pencils and acrylics. This is a bit crazy but was just disabled with Neurological Lyme disease after being an A-type go, go, go, personality. I guess the thought of color was appealing. But always enjoyed doodling with graphite prior as well as making cards from colored cardstock with cut and gluing scraps.
Just before the lockdown and finding Matt’s website I started working with watercolor, pen and ink, soft pastels and most recently oil pastels. I do want to try water soluble oil paints too. I also enjoy using charcoal, especially white on black or tinted charcoal on black. Some colors are difficult to see but they are there.
What mediums do you work with besides graphite?
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Thank you for sharing your story @TLP.
I primarly paint graffiti so, I use a lot of acrylic spray cans, alcohol markers and ink pens. But recently I’ve found out that woodless graphite pencils work wonders for me! Especially in combination with kneaded erasor. They are really affordable too. I also like soft pastels very much. That’s about it from the media I use.
How long have you been working with graphiti? I enjoy using woodless pencils in charcoal. I must try some in graphite one day. What brand do you use?
Hi, my name is Cathy and I live in Hobart, Tasmania. I’m nearly 62 and I’ve been interested in art all my life but like many others on this site work and family got in the way and I’ve really only had the odd art lesson since school. I’m planning on retiring in about 18 months and have rejoined Matt’s wonderful website to learn more about different mediums and hopefully be able to spend much more time creating drawings and paintings in the future.
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Hello all -
I’m a complete newbie here. With kids off at college I decided it was time for me to learn something for myself 
. Loving all the content and learning so much about myself. Things I thought I’d like / not like are so interesting. I find graphite drawings so magical! That being said, I was hoping someone had suggestions for good graphite transfer paper? I like this method of starting my sketches but am finding the paper leaves too dark of a mark that doesn’t erase at all.
I look forward to getting to know everyone and growing my skills.
Jeney
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Hi All,
My name is Victoria. I am embarking on a new journey, rediscovering my love for drawing. I want to find a supportive community that is also interested in critiquing my artwork. I work mostly in digital illustrations, but I know that foundationally, artwork begins with pencil and paper. I am here to improve myself daily, and learn from all of you, and hopefully get some helpful constructive criticism.
Thanks for reading!
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Welcome to the big Virtual Instructor family. I am looking forward to seeing your art in the future.
Patricia.
I also don’t like the dark lines from graphite paper. Now I use a grey pan pastel. I triturate it on the back side of the sketching paper and then draw over the lines, the same as with transfer paper. The lines are lighter and easier to erase or draw over it.
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Hi, I’m Jennifer from the UK. I’ve been a member for almost a year but only just found the forum! I decided I wanted to try and learn to draw, which has encouraged my daughter to want to learn too. At school, my art teacher told me that I was no good at drawing, so as soon as compulsory art classes stopped (around age 14), I dropped the subject. Until a little over a year ago, I hadn’t picked up a pencil for over 30 years. I think I’m doing okay and I’ve learnt loads from Matt and Ashley! Looking forward to learning more.
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