Learn To Draw: 5 Fun Exercises To Devel…: is this $27 stack worth it for Drawing & Painting?
Quick answer
| Best for | Artists stuck in the “blank page” loop who need low-stakes, repetitive drills to loosen up their line work. |
| Skip if | You are looking for technical instruction on perspective, proportion, or shading—this course explicitly avoids those topics. |
| Price | $27 |
| Format | 13 HD video lessons (1h 15m total) + class resource PDF |
| One-line take | A confidence-building toolkit that swaps “drawing right” for “drawing freely,” using five specific physical exercises. |
What you’re actually buying
If you’ve ever stared at a blank sheet of paper and felt your hand tighten up before the pen even touches the surface, you know the specific kind of paralysis that comes with line drawing. It’s not usually a lack of skill; it’s a lack of permission to make a mark that isn’t “perfect.” Mel Rye’s Learn To Draw: 5 Fun Exercises To Develop Line Drawing Confidence is designed to break that cycle. For $27, you get a 13-video course that runs about 75 minutes, but the value isn’t in the length—it’s in the repetition. The course is built around five specific drills: blind drawing, non-dominant hand work, body positioning, scale play, and speed drawing. These aren’t abstract concepts; they are physical interventions meant to bypass your inner critic.
The course is structured as a “hands-on” session, meaning you aren’t just watching Mel talk; you are expected to draw along. The class resource PDF included in the purchase provides the framework for these exercises, giving you a tangible reference to keep on your desk. Because the videos are in HD and include English subtitles, you can follow along in a quiet studio or a noisy cafe without losing the instruction. The price point is standard for a niche digital course, but the specificity of the content—focusing strictly on line confidence rather than broad artistic theory—makes it a targeted tool for a very specific frustration.
One buyer captured the core appeal perfectly: “This class was really fun! It’s great to take the pressure off of making a ‘perfect’ drawing and learning some techniques to develop skills.” Gumroad reviews highlight this shift in mindset, where the goal becomes exploration rather than execution. The course includes a “gift option” at checkout, which is a nice touch if you’re buying this for a friend who loves sketching but feels intimidated by formal art classes.
Why it’s on our radar
Most drawing courses try to teach you how to draw things—apples, faces, buildings. This one is different because it teaches you how to draw yourself. It’s on our radar because it addresses the “confidence gap” that many self-taught artists hit after the initial novelty of sketching wears off. By focusing on physical positioning and speed, Mel Rye offers a way to reset your relationship with the medium without the heavy theoretical lift of a traditional art degree. (Learn To Draw: 5)
The deliverable mix is also smart. You get the video instruction for immediate practice, but the resource PDF acts as a long-term companion. This means you aren’t just consuming content; you are building a small library of drills you can return to whenever the “fear of the line” creeps back in. It’s a low-barrier entry point for seasoned artists who want to explore new methods, and a safe, encouraging start for complete beginners.
What actually matters
Before you hit buy, keep these three points in mind to ensure this matches your current goals: (Learn To Draw: 5)
- It’s not a technical manual. The listing is very clear that this course does not cover proportion, perspective, or shading. If you are struggling with drawing accurate 3D forms, this is not the fix. It is a confidence and expression tool. (Learn To Draw: 5)
- You need to draw along. The “hands-on” nature means the value is in the doing. Watching the 13 videos passively will not give you the same benefit as actively engaging in the blind drawing and speed exercises.
- Materials are intentionally simple. You do not need a fancy sketchbook or a set of professional pencils. The course emphasizes that a pen and paper are enough, which removes the “I need better gear” excuse. (Learn To Draw: 5)
Mid-check
If you’re ready to loosen up your line work and stop overthinking every stroke, this is a focused, no-nonsense toolkit. (Learn To Draw: 5)
FAQ
Do I need any special art supplies to start? No. The course is designed to work with whatever you have at home. A standard pen and a few sheets of paper are sufficient to complete the line drawing exercises.
Is this suitable for complete beginners? Yes. The skill level is marked as “All Levels.” The exercises are designed to be low-pressure and fun, making them a great entry point for people who have never formally studied drawing but want to get comfortable with making marks. (Learn To Draw: 5)
How long do I have access to the videos? As a digital purchase on Gumroad, you typically have lifetime access to the 13 HD video lessons and the resource PDF. You can download or stream them as needed.
Bottom line
If your main hurdle with drawing is the fear of making a “bad” line, Learn To Draw: 5 Fun Exercises is a sharp, affordable way to rewire that habit. It’s not about becoming a master draftsman overnight; it’s about giving yourself permission to draw loosely, quickly, and with joy. For $27, you get a structured hour and a quarter of guided practice that can change how you approach your sketchbook for years to come.