Stories Beneath the Skin with Nicole Austin

Express your stories while learning new techniques

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Are you curious how to draw faces and create facial expressions with easy to learn techniques? Do you feel intimidated when you draw a face that you feel won’t be perfect? In this online course Nicole Austin gives you the skills to create your own expressive faces as you follow along while she creates each face with a new technique added.

Nicole has brought her tried and true methods of creating expressive and unique faces to her online course “Stories Beneath the Skin.” One of Nicole’s passions is bringing a blank page to life with easy to draw facial features, bold colors, and mixed media materials.

Watch and learn as Nicole creates eight different versions of her unique spin on drawing faces that can be achieved by anyone at any level of art. You will be able to work alongside Nicole virtually as she guides you on each of her methods. All you need is an open mind and a creative spirit.

In this course you will learn:

  • The best paper to work on
  • Nicole’s favorite pens, pencils, and paints
  • Simple techniques for drawing lines that will become the face
  • How to create shading and highlights
  • How to add skin tones with different painting techniques
  • How to create depth with Nicole’s specialized methods
  • How to use color to add mood with a stylized approach
  • How to add texture and dimension with mixed media materials
  • How to gain skills and confidence with each drawing
  • How to create a unique look while expressing your creative voice

Adding this course to your artistic tool box will help you develop the skills to create your own style of drawing faces. Once you have mastered Nicole’s skills there will be no end to the amount of stories you can tell from beneath the skin.

Included in this course is a PDF for download of the suggested materials and supplies.



Your Instructor


Nicole Austin
Nicole Austin

I started my journey as an artist as most of us do: in childhood! My earliest memories are of scribbling on every surface I could get my hands on--books (I was an early, altered-book enthusiast!), walls and tables (not a favorite of the adults in my house!), sidewalks--you name it! My artistic desire knew no bounds! I always knew I wanted to be an artist, author and teacher, and I have slowly taken my time navigating through every possible route to achieve my dreams. I have not always done it the "right way" or even gotten to my goal on the first try (who does?) but I've never given up! (Or, I have given up--haven't we all hit a wall or two or three in our lives? BUT, I've gotten back up and tried again and again and again, each time a little wiser and with a different approach). I started formally teaching art in 2001 at elementary schools and community centers and graduated San Jose State University with a BA in Creative Arts in 2005. I discovered the amazing world of mixed media art in 2007, when I started my first blog; There I chronicled my adventures as a mom and artist. I attended my first art retreat, Artfest, in 2008 where I became aware that there were many others just like me who longed for community and creative knowledge. There, I met an amazing group of ladies, the Bay Area Art Sisters, with whom I could learn and grow as an artist feel comfortable just being my weird, artsy self! I began teaching my first informal workshops to my friends and family over the years and now I teach online, as well as at studios, retreats and private events around the country.


Course Curriculum


  First Section
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days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 14 days and we will give you a full refund.

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