WHAT YOU GET

This drawing course shows you how I create a hyperrealistic portrait drawing with charcoal pencils in my signature style.This is a complete, start to finish, 31 hours video course, where you can watch over my shoulder and see every second of my process. I explain all of my techniques, my own unique approach and all my secret methods. Further instructions accompany each video and explain all steps and techniques. You can draw along with me, pause or speed up the videos anytime. Included are instructions and video on how to prepare canvases for charcoal drawing (in case you want to draw bigger than the available papers). After purchase you get immediate online access to all the content, including our drawing community and regular live streams.

  • 31 hours of real time HD videos

  • Subtitles in 11 different languages (see list in FAQ)

  • Detailed specialized material list

  • High resolution reference photo

  • Detailed explanation and tips and tricks

  • Lifetime access to the video course

  • Bonus video "How to Prepare Canvas for Charcoal"

Watch the Trailer

What you will experience

and how it helps you to become a better artist

  • LEARN

    See the entire process from start to finish. Learn insider techniques. Understand the different light and shadow types.

  • MAKE

    Make all your drawings pop out of the paper. Add atmosphere and depth to your future drawings. Stop the struggle and create realistic artworks with confidence.

  • GROW

    Find out how easy it is to add details and textures. All Concepts and most techniques are useful for graphite drawings and paintings, too.

The Finished Drawing and In Progress Pictures

This is the finished hyperealistic charcoal drawing that you will see being drawn from the very start to this finished result in real time. In this course you learn how to create this level of details, and you can watch exactly how I draw it over the course of 31 hours.

Inside the Course

Each video has additional detailed description of the drawing process, in depth informations and many tips and tricks.
If you still have questions during the course, feel free to reach out via chat or email.
Hyperreal Drawing in Charcoal Companion Book

Screenshots from the Videos

Your Instructor
Dirk Dzimirsky

Many artists have been influenced by the award-winning artist Dirk Dzimirsky, who was among the pioneers of the hyperrealistic drawing trend that was resurrected fifteen years ago. He has almost 20 years of experience as a working artist, art instructor, and book author. He has conducted drawing classes in Canada, the USA, and Europe. Both public and private collections own his works, which have been shown in exhibitions all around the world. Corporate clients include LG Electronics, Waterman - Paris, A&E Network Television, RTL Television and National Geographic amongst others. Dirk stays one of the most influential drawing artist today.

Artworks

Examples of Dirk's large scale charcoal portraits

Course Reviews

5 star rating

This workshop changed my life as a artist

Jeremy Pascale

I truly believe this workshop is the best investment you can make. Weather you’re a beginner or an expert, Dirk’s workshop is something any artist can benefit greatly from. After studying Dirks videos I finally got the results I’ve been searching ...

Read More

I truly believe this workshop is the best investment you can make. Weather you’re a beginner or an expert, Dirk’s workshop is something any artist can benefit greatly from. After studying Dirks videos I finally got the results I’ve been searching for, not only in my workshop drawing, but also in pieces of my own. Thanks to Dirk Dzimirsky and his “RIVER” Charcoal Drawing Workshop on video, I’ve taken years off my learning curve. I’ll be forever thankful for Dirk’s generosity in sharing his extensive professional knowledge.

Read Less
5 star rating

Charcoal drawing course!!

Simon Knight

This course has really helped to evolve my drawing techniques. It's very clear and the ability to go back and go over parts you may have missed is so easy. Highly recommended!!

This course has really helped to evolve my drawing techniques. It's very clear and the ability to go back and go over parts you may have missed is so easy. Highly recommended!!

Read Less
5 star rating

Super effective course

Oleksandr Hryhorenko

A very good effective course on a relevant topic. There is very little like that now. 10 out of 10

A very good effective course on a relevant topic. There is very little like that now. 10 out of 10

Read Less
5 star rating

Amazing

Silvia São Paulo

Definitely a very worthwhile drawing course. Very much complete, with material list, links, photo reference for downloading, images, instructions, preparation and so on. You have everything explained in a clear and organized way, separated by m...

Read More

Definitely a very worthwhile drawing course. Very much complete, with material list, links, photo reference for downloading, images, instructions, preparation and so on. You have everything explained in a clear and organized way, separated by modules. The material list also contains all of the information you need, explaining what for each material is and mentioning the brands and direct links to the various manufacturers. Before each module, you also have the related instructions, written step by step with images and reference to the related videos, which helps you to understand very quickly what and how you are supposed to proceed. The videos contain subtitles in most of the languages and are shown in real time, meaning that you are able to draw at the same time. I would say, this is a very helpful course that can help anyone to improve a lot their drawings.

Read Less
5 star rating

Charcoal artwork

Michal Straška

Very detailed course for everybody who wants hyperrealistically draw with a charcoal. You can learn layering with charcoal pencils and also create hyperrealistic appearance in your artwork. Very well done and prepared.

Very detailed course for everybody who wants hyperrealistically draw with a charcoal. You can learn layering with charcoal pencils and also create hyperrealistic appearance in your artwork. Very well done and prepared.

Read Less
5 star rating

Great course

Tanveer Gill

I really enjoyed the course content and format. I learnt a great deal, which I know will improve my future drawings! You learn a lot about how to structure your work and the importance of subtlety. Definitely recommend.

I really enjoyed the course content and format. I learnt a great deal, which I know will improve my future drawings! You learn a lot about how to structure your work and the importance of subtlety. Definitely recommend.

Read Less
5 star rating

River

Andreas Gawes

4 star rating

Drawing The Eyes

Reuben Erhardt

Would be nice to have grade of pencil used labelled right on drawing image. At times hand was in way while explaining. Overall good though.

Would be nice to have grade of pencil used labelled right on drawing image. At times hand was in way while explaining. Overall good though.

Read Less

FAQ

  • Is this course also for beginners?

    While a total beginner might not have the same great result at first as someone who is already a bit more experienced, it is very benefitial to learn the right techniques and theory right from the start. With persistant practice anyone can become an outstanding artist.

  • What languages are supported?

    The subtitles and the transcription of the book are available in the following languages: English (Original), Spanish, German, French, Portugese, Dutch, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Danish and Swedish.

  • What is the size of the drawing in this course?

    The drawing is done on "Canson Mi-teintes touch" paper, 46 x 66 cm (18.1 x 26 inches).

  • I usually draw with Graphite. Why use charcoal?

    Both, Graphite and Charcoal have their Pros and Cons.
    Full and rich tones from white to a deep black can only be achieved with charcoal. Even the softest graphite grade is always only gray - no matter what images of drawings on the internet might suggest otherwise.
    Charcoal has a nice matt tone. Graphite can get quite shiny, especially with darker tones, which can make it quite hard to look at if you have a lot of dark tones in your drawing.

  • What if I have questions that are not covered in the course?

    While the course covers pretty much everything you need to know about hyperrealistic charcoal drawing, you can ask any question or start a discussion with fellow students at any lesson, or in the dedicated drawing forum.

  • The course is over 30 hours! That is a long time! Do I really have to watch everything?

    For the most part, it's best to have the course running on your laptop or tablet/phone while you draw along. Read the book first and watch the explanation to the section that you want to work on before you start to draw. Of course you can pause or fast forward at any time. You can also change the speed of the video in the player.

Quick Overview
RIVER - Hyperrealism Charcoal Drawing

Buy now or join as a member and start drawing this hyperrealistic portrait!

  •  Audio: English
  •  Subtitles: English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Swedish, Dutch, Portuguese, Danish, Japanese, Polish
  •  Duration: 31 hours
  •  Resolution: HD
  •  Level: Intermediate, advanced
  •  Downloadable Content:
    Reference Image in various versions
    Reference image with grid overlay in inches and cm
    Course booklet (35 pages)
    Material list booklet
  •  Life time access (whith your purchase)

Have you checked out our membership options?

You can buy the courses individually or get a membership to get instant access to all courses and more. See the comparison below.

RIVER Video Course

  • Lifetime access

  • Instructional video plus real-time full drawing process videos

One Time Payment
*Checkout is in your local currency

€ 459.00

DRAMA Evolution

  • Access to all video courses

  • Monthly Live Streams

  • Community Forum

  • 10% off on Studio Workshops

  • 10% off on Live Webinars

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION / PAID MONTHLY
Total €468 per year
*Checkout is in your local currency

€39/mo

DRAMA PRO

  • Access to all video courses, including additional real time drawing footage.

  • Monthly community meetings/Live Streams

  • Community Forum

  • Individual video feedback by Dirk

  • 30% off on Studio Workshops and Online webinars

  • Early access to real time videos before release

  • 70% discount on video courses

  • Exclusive content

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION / PAID MONTHLY
Total €948 per year
*Checkout is in your local currency

€79/mo