The Shading Course

Dorian's skill as an artist stands out as almost super-human, but his skill as a teacher is every bit as sensitive and thoughtful as his art. He devotes himself to making learning easy for his students. If you care about your art, learn from Dorian.

Few artists in the world are as capable at instructing as they are at practicing their craft. Dorian is one of these rare artists, and fortunately for us, he is generous with his knowledge and expertise.

Dorian Iten’s Shading Course is a game changer! I FINALLY found an instructor who could explain and demonstrate shading in a way that I could understand and apply. It was a topic I was frustrated with because no other instructor could pull this off-- and I tried plenty. . As a result of this course I found my passion for drawing. Dorian is an amazing instructor. He is clear and concise with his lessons, his demonstrations are fantastic, and his assignments are fun. He is very kind and approachable, and this also comes across during his recorded classes. Dorian is the kind of instructor where I'm anxiously waiting for MORE classes, because anything he teaches will be well worth the money! Dorian is by far one of the best instructors I’ve taken classes from.

I couldn’t see myself making the financial and time commitment, but after watching Dorian’s free content I needed to know more. I have watched other free tutorials but The Shading Course was worthy to be the first online course I paid for. In the Shading Course, I received the missing element of understanding of how to decipher what I was seeing and how to translate 3D form onto paper. I now feel that I have been given some visual tools to help me decipher what I am seeing and I already feel an improvement in my shading. Dorian made learning easy with a structured approach. If you can show up to his live feedback sessions, it is very helpful to see your work debriefed online. Being part of an online group learning together makes it feel like going to art college from your living room! I would recommend this course both for beginners and established artists as it gives you a structured way to improve the art of seeing and shading in both paper and digitally.

At first glance The Shading Course looks like it’s only about rendering techniques or some very intimidating topic, which, as a beginner, would have made me avoid buying this course. What I found was that the course focuses on how to properly use the fundamentals of light and shadow. It is a solid foundation for learning to see and to show form and volume on your artwork. I think The Shading Course must be the best one on this topic. It is deep, builds up your drawing confidence and provides a new way to see the reality around you. To gain this type of clarity is time saving and insightful. It's a one of a kind learning experience.

There are always obstacles that may stand in the way of a commitment like this course. But I know Dorian and his abilities and was very eager to take the opportunity to learn with him. Dorian’s Shading Course is really a wonderful ensemble of the (well explained) science behind creating a two-dimensional representation of what you wish to portray and making it feel truly 3D. Although English is my native language, to internalize the vivid information in the video lessons, I would recommend visiting each one several times. When we met up with Dorian during the feedback sessions, his “wisdom“ and patience with even the smallest details was amazing! He stays on-topic and everyone leaves with an answer to their questions. I think it would be difficult to find a more professional approach to an online drawing course. Thanks Dorian!

I am very impressed by the quality of the content - A+! It was super helpful to have the various animations and visualizations along with what you were talking about.  So far, some of the best training I have ever seen on the subject. Definitely several 'ahas' when watching it in my understanding of the concept that I had not picked up when hearing it explained by other teachers before.

This is an extremely high level of professionalism and I love it. Thank you so much Dorian for your course. 

I took your Shading Course during the Pandemic and it was an absolute game changer for me. I tell people about it all the time and it is always in my top 5 tips for levelling up as an artist.

I want to take a moment to tell you that the shading course is so well made. I've taken dozens of courses over the years in different fields like marketing, video creation, martial arts, and now art. The Shading Course is so well crafted and concise. You've put a lot of effort into making it and I thank you for it. 

You are a really good teacher. I have learned and re-learned a lot more than I thought I would from this course. I am also inspired to go grow further, which I felt was diminishing after 15 years of making art for games and other people. Thank you for a great class.

Thank you so much for the wonderful course and your fantastic support. I am in awe of your dedication to teaching. I have learned so much. Above all this course has given me the confidence to create better art. I hope to now create a daily commitment to my art practise. Thank you again.

The course is great, and in just the last couple weeks, I find myself thinking and analyzing shadows and light on the objects around me with more interest and appreciation. I am impressed with your enthusiasm for teaching and I feel very fortunate to be able to participate. 

Hey Dorian, I'm really happy to be going back to these fundamental skills and you have done a great job at communicating clearly and efficiently. I really respect the amount of work you have put in to make it come together. It looks and feels great!ㅤ

I've followed Dorian's work for more than a decade. When he was a super talented student in Florence, he generously shared what he was learning. He has become a terrific teacher. The Shading Course is a new didactic milestone. His way of explaining light embraces the complexity of the subject and makes it very clear. His strategies for organizing values are outstanding and very useful for representational work. I can't recommend this course enough! You will benefit greatly, whether you are a beginner, an experienced artist, or a teacher.

I really appreciate your instruction, Dorian. I have learned to change the way I draw and perceive my strokes. Thank you very much for allowing me to study with you, it is a great privilege and a source of joy.

Easily the best breakdown of reflected light that I have ever seen/heard. I am so happy I have joined your Shading Course. I will tell all my art friends about it! 👍🏼🖌️🎨

Dorian communicates with lightness and clarity. His fascination and joy with nature and art are truly contagious. The drawing exercises are challenging (ambient occlusion!) and are great opportunities to grow as an artist and as a person. They help you see what has been around you all along. During feedback sessions, his respect and patience for every person (no matter their expertise) is commendable and instructive. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to take this course.

Dorian, I wanted to let you know that your course made all the difference for me. I’ve been struggling with values despite watching many videos and reading books over several months, but your explanations were crystal clear and simple - turns out it’s not so complicated after all if you have a good teacher. Now all my drawings and paintings suddenly look a lot more 3D and a lot closer to the paintings I’d like to paint one day. Hope you have more success with your website, I’ve been telling everyone struggling with values to take your course.

You are a force! I am learning so much and understanding very valuable information because of the way you teach.

I love your course. I have learned more in one week about the impact light has on a shadow than I have in several years of art lessons. In just the first module, you have opened up my eyes regarding what to look for. I'm really looking forward to the other modules. You are a great teacher!