Beginner’s Series: Drawing Basic Forms - The Cylinder In this foundational lesson, Joan introduces students to one of the most essential forms in drawing — the cylinder. Starting with a simple cup, she demonstrates how to construct the shape with clarity and proportion, providing an ideal entry point for beginners. The lesson continues with an accessible shading exercise, guiding students through the use of different pencils to explore tonal variation and create a sense of volume. Joan then applies this knowledge to the initial drawing, showing how to add tone effectively to bring the simple cup to life. Building on this, students are then led through the drawing of a slightly more complex object — a jug — reinforcing the core principles while gently introducing new challenges in proportion and curvature. To complete the lesson, students are invited to take on a final drawing challenge — bringing together their new skills in a classic still-life composition that puts shape, proportion and tone into practice. This course emphasises why learning to draw basic forms like the cylinder is crucial for any aspiring artist. These shapes underpin everything from still life to figure drawing, and mastering them lays the groundwork for confident, accurate drawing in any subject. Whether you're brand new to drawing or looking to strengthen your fundamentals, this lesson provides the clear, encouraging instruction you need to build skill and confidence from the ground up. This course also makes a thoughtful and creative gift — perfect for a loved one who’s always wanted to learn to draw, or for a student looking to build strong artistic foundations.