The fundamentals of painting first start with drawing. Few artists begin painting without first doing what is called an under-drawing. It is like the skeleton or foundation from which the painting evolves.

In the lesson I asked Ali to choose objects that are symbolic reflections of herself. She was also, as I did, to draw herself from life by looking in a mirror as opposed to using a photo. It is an extra challenge to do so, but she was up for it, and excelled. Here are the side by side results of her sketch and final painting.