{"id":30125,"date":"2019-02-21T19:53:20","date_gmt":"2019-02-21T19:53:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=30125"},"modified":"2026-04-07T13:37:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T13:37:35","slug":"pen-and-ink-sea-turtle","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pen-and-ink-sea-turtle","title":{"rendered":"Pen and Ink &#8211; Sea Turtle"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"coursetitlecontainer\">\n<div class=\"coursetitle\">\n<h1>Sea Turtle with Pen and Ink<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"coursetitledes\"><span>CLASS<\/span><i class=\"far fa-chart-bar\" style=\"margin-left:10px; margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Beginner<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"insertbackground\">\n<div class=\"removep\">\n<div class=\"videoflexwrapper\">\n<div class=\"videotop\">\n  <iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/328689801?h=708a6d7be2\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebartop\">\n<div class=\"vertalign\">\n<div class=\"logoimage\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logosmall75.png\"><\/div>\n<p>\n    <div class=\"sidebarcarddescriptiondark\">\n<span>JOIN THE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR<\/span><br>\n    Get ALL of our courses, ebooks, live lessons, critiques, lesson plans and more today.\n<\/div>\n    <\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebarbuttonholder\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttonsmem\">START FREE TRIAL<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"margin-top:1em;\">or<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/register-ll-sea-turtle\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttons\">BUY CLASS $57<\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperkscontainer\">\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><span>This lesson series features:<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"far fa-clock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>6 Hours of Instruction<\/div>\n<div class=\"courseperks\"><i class=\"fas fa-film\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>6 Videos<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p>\n\n<div class=\"contentfix\">\n<div class=\"favorites\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tabs\">\n<p> <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-1\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-1\" class=\"label\">Lessons <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Lessons<\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"curriculumcontainer\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 1: (1:12:12)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 2: (1:14:21)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 3: (1:14:50)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 4: (1:09:17)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 5: (1:03:35)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" class=\"curriculum\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lesson 6: (58:59)<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<p><input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-2\" checked=\"checked\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-2\" class=\"label\">About <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>About This Lesson Series...<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe <em>Pen and Ink Sea Turtle<\/em> lesson series is a comprehensive study in drawing with pen and ink that guides students step-by-step through the creation of a detailed and expressive sea turtle illustration. Over the course of this series, you\u2019ll learn how to observe and interpret complex organic shapes, translate them into confident line work, and use line, value, and texture to create depth and form. Using a combination of hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and varied line weight, this series teaches essential pen and ink techniques that help bring the subject to life with clarity and visual interest.\n<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/sea-turtle-with-pen-ink.jpg\" alt=\"Sea turtle drawing with pen and ink\"><\/p>\n<h2>Observing the Subject<\/h2>\n<p>\nThe series begins with careful observation, encouraging students to study the unique anatomy and surface qualities of a sea turtle. You\u2019ll learn how to see the underlying structure of the turtle\u2019s shell, the way light defines its curves, and how texture varies between the leathery skin and the patterned carapace. This focus on observation builds a strong foundation for drawing, helping you interpret visual information accurately rather than relying on guesswork. Understanding these relationships is crucial for effective pen and ink work, where every line must be intentional.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Establishing the Basic Drawing<\/h2>\n<p>\nOnce the observation phase is complete, the series moves into the initial sketching stage. Using a light graphite pencil, students map out the basic shapes and overall proportions of the sea turtle. This stage is essential for planning the composition and ensuring that the major forms are well placed before any ink is applied. By breaking the subject into simple shapes and refining them gradually, you set yourself up for more successful ink application later on.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Developing Line Work<\/h2>\n<p>\nWith the basic drawing in place, students begin applying pen work to define contour lines and major edges. The instructor demonstrates how varying line weight can suggest form, distance, and emphasis, giving life to the turtle\u2019s shell, flippers, and head. At this stage, you\u2019ll learn how to build confidence with line \u2014 using lighter, thinner lines for subtle transitions and heavier, bolder lines to strengthen focal areas. This foundational line work sets the stage for deeper value and texture development.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Creating Value and Depth<\/h2>\n<p>\nAs the series progresses, focus turns to building value \u2014 the illusion of light and shadow \u2014 using hatching and cross-hatching techniques. You\u2019ll learn how to layer lines in strategic ways to suggest volume and three-dimensionality, making the turtle feel solid and present on the page. Students also explore how the density of lines can convey depth, allowing backgrounds or surrounding elements to recede visually while keeping the turtle in focus.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Adding Texture and Detail<\/h2>\n<p>\nA key component of this lesson series is learning how to render texture effectively with pen and ink. You\u2019ll learn how to depict the shell\u2019s unique pattern, the subtle surface variations of skin, and the delicate transitions between light and shadow on different surfaces. Techniques such as stippling and varied line direction help suggest texture without overwhelming the drawing, giving the piece a rich, tactile appearance.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Refining and Finishing the Drawing<\/h2>\n<p>\nIn the final stages, students focus on refinement and finishing touches. This includes enhancing contrasts, clarifying edges, and making thoughtful adjustments that unify the composition. You\u2019ll learn how to evaluate the drawing as a whole, ensuring that tones, lines, and textures work together harmoniously. By the end of the series, you\u2019ll have a polished sea turtle illustration that showcases your growing skills in pen and ink and gives you confidence to tackle more complex subjects with precision and expression.\n<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>  <input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-3\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-3\" class=\"label\">Resources <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:2px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Resources for this Lesson...<\/h2>\n\n<\/p>\n<h4>References<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Photo Reference<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><i class=\"fas fa-lock\" style=\"margin-right:10px;\"><\/I>Finished Result<\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<p><input name=\"tabs\" type=\"radio\" id=\"tab-4\" class=\"input\"\/><br \/>\n  <label for=\"tab-4\" class=\"label\">Materials <i class=\"fas fa-angle-down\" style=\"margin-left:10px;\"><\/i><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Here's what you'll need...<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Bristol paper<\/li>\n<li>Graphite pencil<\/li>\n<li>Dip (Nib) pens or technical drawing pens<\/li>\n<li>Bottled ink (if using dip pens)<\/li>\n<li>Kneaded eraser<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebarbottom\">\n<div class=\"relatedcourse\">Your Instructor<\/div>\n<div class=\"instructor\">\n<div class=\"instructorimage\">\n<div class=\"instructorpic\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/images\/mattauthor.jpg\" alt=\"Matt Fussell - Instructor\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"instructorname\">Matt Fussell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"instructordes\">\n<p>Founder of The Virtual Instructor, artist and teacher. Matt makes learning art easy to understand and enjoyable.<\/p>\n<p><div style=\"padding-top:10px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/author\/admin\">Learn more about Matt<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relatedcoursescontainer\">\n<div class=\"relatedcourse\">Related Courses and Classes<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/subjects-with-pen-and-ink\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Subjects with Pen and Ink<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Subjects-with-Pen-and-Ink-Course.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/sneakers-with-pen-and-ink\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Sneakers with Pen and Ink<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sneakers-Pen-Ink-SQ.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/lizard-man-with-pen-and-ink\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Lizard Man with Pen and Ink<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/lizard-man-with-pen-ink-lesson-400.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><script>\nfunction myFunction(x) {\n  if (x.matches) { \/\/ If media query matches\n    radiobtn = 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Over the course of this series, you\u2019ll learn [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"paget-iframe.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30125","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30125","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30125"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30125\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46508,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30125\/revisions\/46508"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30125"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30125"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}