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Course

Animal Illustration

ART-40162

10 Weeks | Live Online

Learn how to capture the spirit of animals in your artwork with a focus on using watercolor.  This course will introduce the fundamental skills of depicting animals, including preliminary composition, sketching, finding good reference materials, and realistic rendering.

Basic concepts of animal anatomy including how to depict fur, feathers, facial features, motion and personality will be taught. Students will learn how to use and resource photographs of animals and how to combine them in a composition.  Basic watercolor techniques (like mixing colors), color theory, value, backgrounds and materials will be taught through engaging live online-demonstrations.  Students will have access to the instructor’s YouTube videos and have an option to interact and critique work with other classmates through private social media.

Quarters Offered: Winter, Summer | Live Online
Course Fee: $325
Course Length: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: Recommended prerequisite: Drawing I: Focus on Perception (ART-40166).
Note: Elective course for Art and the Creative Process professional certificate and Children's Book Illustration professional certificate. 

Materials: The updated list can be found on the right side of this webpage under "Related Documents".

Course Information

Live Online
3.00 units
$325.00

Course sessions

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Section ID:

190943

Class type:

Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published times (time/date).

Textbooks:

No textbook required.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 7/9/2025
  • Early enrollment advised
  • No visitors permitted

Note:

Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published dates and times. You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed, if you enroll on or after the published start date. To login to your course, go to your MyExtension account, select My Courses, select this course and then click the link that appears under Online Provider.

Schedule:

Date Day Start End
7/1/2025 Tue 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
7/8/2025 Tue 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
7/15/2025 Tue 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
7/22/2025 Tue 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
7/29/2025 Tue 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
8/5/2025 Tue 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
8/12/2025 Tue 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
8/19/2025 Tue 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
8/26/2025 Tue 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
9/2/2025 Tue 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
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Instructor: Michelle McCunney

Michelle McCunney

Michelle received a master's in visual arts from the Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas (UNAM) in Mexico City and bachelor's in visual arts from the University of California San Diego. She has taught painting, drawing and illustration for university programs in Mexico and the US since 1988. Michelle´s art revolves mainly around the animals she observes, and their stories of habitat loss.  

She teaches the following courses for the Professional Certificate in Art and the Creative Process:

Drawing I: Focus on Perception
- Drawing II: Refining Technique
Watercolor I: Basic Techniques and Materials
Intermediate Watercolor
Introduction to Painting 

When Michelle is not teaching she enjoys playing blues and hiking with her family, always keeping an eye out for wildlife. She is working on a book about animal scientists.

Full Bio
Add To Cart

Section ID:

190942

Class type:

Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published times (time/date).

Textbooks:

No textbook required.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 7/9/2025
  • Early enrollment advised
  • No visitors permitted

Note:

Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published dates and times. You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed, if you enroll on or after the published start date. To login to your course, go to your MyExtension account, select My Courses, select this course and then click the link that appears under Online Provider.

Schedule:

Date Day Start End
7/2/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
7/9/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
7/16/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
7/23/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
7/30/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
8/6/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
8/13/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
8/20/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
8/27/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
9/3/2025 Wed 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
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Instructor: Kelsey Worth

Kelsey Worth

Kelsey Worth teaches Introduction to Illustration, Drawing I: Focus on Perception, Drawing Ideas: Developing Your Sketchbook, and Playing with Pen & Ink for the Professional Certificate in Art and the Creative Process

Kelsey is a fine artist and illustrator, portraying vibrant flora and fauna using water media. She draws and paints wild animals in fantastic environments, juxtaposing realistic subjects in dreamlike scenarios. Her portfolio captures the wonder of planet earth and the animals that need protection. Concerned about human impact on the environment, Worth’s work includes messages for conservation.

After receiving a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art and a Masters degree from the University of Redlands, Worth joined the United States Marine Corps. She completed active duty in April 2021, earning distinction as an accomplished Marine, musician, and visual artist. Worth currently teaches illustration and drawing courses for UCSD extended studies and stays active in the San Diego art community. 

Full Bio