289 likes
edit Finished this piece today, created following one of Ali’s tutorials. The biggest lesson: how important the very first layer is.
Trusted by 21,000+ students
Realistic drawing isn't talent — it's a skill you learn, step by step.
Create a free account and draw your first piece that actually looks real — with guided lessons, reference packs, and a community of artists who'll help you improve.
No payment · No card
350M+
Viewers
21,000+
Students
165+
Countries
367+
Lessons
Guided courses
Start with a masterclass
Every lesson builds on the last — so you're never guessing what to watch next, from first sketch to realism.
Flagship course
Pencil Drawing Masterclass
From your first pencil stroke to finished, hyperrealistic drawings — the complete learning path, structured lesson by lesson.
View course
Beginner friendly
Colored Pencil Masterclass
Turn flat color into rich, lifelike drawings — layered step by step, no expensive supplies needed.
View course
Mini course
Ink & Wash
Relaxed, expressive urban sketching — ink linework + watercolor washes, and four finished pieces, one sitting each.
View courseReal-Time Tutorials
Draw along — every stroke in real time
Full-length, narrated sessions — nothing sped up. Watch, pause, draw along, and finish a piece you are proud of. Your free account includes a full tutorial to start.
Reference packs
Proportions sorted — just draw
Every pack includes the photo, a grid, an outline, and a grid outline — start drawing right away.
Studio Community
Artists get better! Together.
Real drawings from members — see their progress, and the feedback that gets them there.
132 likes
anthony Inspiration from Ali brought me back to drawing — this is my 1st piece in 25 years!
376 likes
larry I decided to call this old man “Hamilton”. It was a pleasure to draw — I certainly learned a lot from it.
118 likes
annemie De kat van de buurvrouw vroeg erom getekend te worden met pastel! 😍
402 likes
ruan I am finally done with this A2 drawing. It’s been an awesome experience.
244 likes
cheryl Not very happy with the can lid, but overall it looks ok — Mars Lumograph 100B on 160gsm paper.
96 likes
emmanuel Finished results 😁
331 likes
abbasi My next work on black paper. The reference image quite intrigued me to look at.
268 likes
dave Made a mistake by using vellum paper, so my lines aren’t as crisp as I’d like — but I’m happy with how it came out.
193 likes
edit I am always fascinated by the way light can transform a landscape.
74 likes
davide I’m new and this is my first post in the community.
158 likes
taylor Finally finished this piece! I accidentally used a 2H pencil for my grid lines — but overall really happy how it came out.
127 likes
frédéric Starting a coloured pencil project on grey paper — any tips for a white pencil that really covers?
81 likes
kim orven A little cherry study — practising soft shading, reflections and highlights.
298 likes
estor Finally finished this piece — thanks to this course for helping me understand the importance of value.
149 likes
mehmet It’s a bit rushed because I haven’t drawn in a long time — I hope you like it.
Membership
One membership. The full library.
Every real-time tutorial and reference pack — unlocked.
Trusted by 21,739 students in 165 countries
From $8/month — cancel anytime
Student reviews
Don't take our word for it
Real reviews from artists who learned with the Academy.
FAQ
Questions, answered
Straight answers — so you can start drawing with confidence.
What do I get with a free account?
A free account costs nothing — no payment details needed. It includes one full real-time tutorial to start (graphite or charcoal — your pick), and you earn Studio Points as you learn — spend them to unlock reference packs. You can also browse the community, and upgrade anytime for everything else.
I'm a complete beginner — where do I start?
Start with your free tutorial — a full eye drawing that assumes zero experience. When you're ready for the full path, the Pencil Drawing Masterclass starts with basic strokes and simple shapes, then builds up to finished, realistic portraits.
Can I just learn this free on YouTube?
You can learn a lot on YouTube — it's where most of us started. What it can't give you is the structure: one ordered path, full-length draw-alongs where nothing is sped up, the reference packs used in each lesson, and a community that helps when you're stuck. That's the difference between watching and finishing.
Do I need expensive art supplies?
No. A basic graphite pencil set, paper and an eraser are enough to follow the lessons — you'll only see upgrades suggested when they genuinely help. Simple tools, serious results.
Can I learn from my phone or tablet?
Yes — the Academy works in your browser on phone, tablet and computer, and your progress, points and unlocked downloads stay with your account. Watch on one device, draw along on another.
How much time will it take?
Everything is self-paced — pause anytime and pick up where you left off. Real-time tutorials are full-length (the longest run 10+ hours), so most members draw along in shorter sessions, one sitting at a time.
Can I cancel my membership anytime?
Yes. Cancel from the Billing & Membership section of your account — you keep access until the end of your billing period, and there are no further charges.
What if it's not for me?
You're covered by our 14-day refund policy. If it's not for you, email help.ahrstudios@gmail.com within 14 days of purchase with your order details — the full amount is returned to your original payment method.