Finished the sketch, 1/23, now going back to rewatch the videos to revisit how to use the different mediums to work layering…
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Hi Dave.
Just a note to let you know after getting into this drawing, Matt has decided to use only the Zebra - Rubber 80 oil based ballpoint pens. He tried another brand of pen with a finer line, but decided against that. Also no ink wash or use of a nib pen.
But, you still need to layer the zebra pen to obtain a range of values and refine textures. The third lesson is helpful with this concept (for the tree on the upper left).
Terri
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Hi all,
I started with the left tree, and I can say I had mixed feelings. 
I decided to follow the cross-hatching style as it is in the lesson, and it was hard for me to get the feeling of “natural marks”. I don’t know how to explain it, it was like connecting “a tree” (that is a soft object) with “grid marks” (that are more rigid and hard). Probably making scribbling marks would feel a bit better option for me. But I am sure it is due to lack of experience :).
First 4 squares felt like “this is never gonna look like a tree”, but it got better with more squares filled in.
Lucy
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Hello Lucy,
these are really nice reference photos. I hope that after this lesson you will try one of these on your own.
I’m still way behind on this lesson. i am going to take the suggestion that Terri gave me to just do a transfer. How is your going?
Teri
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Wow!
Terri, Sonia, Lucy and Dave,
All of your work is amazing. I hope to catch up soon.
Terri, I am taking your advice and doing a transfer. But I have had some progress working with a grid. Hope to start again today. Will see how it goes.
i’ll check back to see every ones progress. You are all so inspiring!
Teri (w1r)
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Hi Lucy
The hatching looks fine, but if there is a different approach you are more comfortable with you should consider that.
Just don’t make a change too abruptly or it will look strange.
Terri
Thanks Terri! I will be working on the tree in the same way, exactly for the reason you just pointed out :).
It is a very good project, I am already learning on the way and I just started. It may feel a little uncomfortable when learning a new skill (or medium), but only this way we can actually learn.
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I DID IT . . . AND SO CAN YOU !!!
My FINISHED 11x17 ink drawing. I worked on it for a total of EIGHTY HOURS (starting on January 3rd and finishing on January 25, 2026).
Terri
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Congrats Terri! It is AMAZING! 
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Terri- It’s magnificent. I love the details, especially the lion head! Just incredible work.
Lisa.
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Thanks so much. I really appreciate your kind words of support. Now I will watch and cheer both of you on because I know you can do it too.
Terri
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My progress. Looking a little too sloppy but I’m enjoying every minute and trusting the process 
My weeping willows look like ghosts
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Hi Sonia.
You’re making impressive progress. Keep going girl. Love what you’ve finished so far.
TerrI
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Hi Teri,
to do a transfer is not a bad idea at all. It is a challenging subject with so many details, it is more than easy to get lost. I am sure there are plenty of other projects that can be used for a grid method, so no worries about that :).
I am hoping to sit and draw a bit more soon, maybe drawing a bit of the building as well.
Looking forward to your post. Let us know how it is going. 
Lucy
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Hello all,
I finished watching lesson 4, and this is my progress.
It is a bit different experience for me as my drawing is smaller. So don’t get caught up with all the details if you are doing a smaller drawing like me - very probably you will not be able to include everything, and your marks will need to be smaller than you may think 
This is how big the pen is compared to the drawing in my case:
Now the “homework” is waiting for me together with lesson 5. Can’t wait to watch it! 
Lucy
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You are an inspiration, Terri! Those trees look amazing. I just love seeing your progress. 
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That looks wonderful!
You are all inspiring me… I have never endeavored to do one of Matt’s live lesson projects… it seems daunting, but the way each of you take it on and share your progress is encouraging! I have a photograph I have taken and want to scale up using the grid technique, in either colored pencil or watercolor, and enter in our local fair (which I haven’t done since high school art class!) but I’m paralyzed with how big the project feels and I think I’m afraid to start. I’m planning to use an 8x10 photo scaled up to 16x20. Could y’all share some of how you mentally approach beginning a larger project? Do you set mini goals? Thanks for any tips!
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