Learn To Draw Shiny Gemstones
Even as a complete beginner.
Imagine if you could:
Layer a bright highlight across the top facets, and watch the whole stone catch light like it's sitting under a jeweller's lamp.
Sit down after a long day and lose yourself in the layers, light base over mid-tone, deep shadow at the edges, until the gem starts to shine from inside.
Finish a piece so alive with color that people lean in and ask, "wait… you drew that yourself?"
Have you ever seen something like this and thought:
“I want to be able to draw THAT.”
Maybe you've tried drawing a gem before, and it came out muddy instead of sparkling, so you put the markers away.
Maybe you've never tried at all, but something about these stones pulls you in. You just don't know where to start.
Here's the truth: it's much simpler than it looks.
And yes, even complete beginners can draw this.
The whole gem is built from one simple, repeatable process. You learn it once, then repeat it across every facet.
No freehand precision. No years of practice. Just a layering order that makes sense.
And the sparkle?
Sparkle isn't a color. It's contrast.
You build it in layers: a light base first, then mid-tones, then deeper tones around it, until the brightest facet looks lit from within.
That same order repeats across the whole stone: the table, the crown facets, the shadows, even the edges.
All you need is a starting set of markers (any brand works), a few colored pencils for the fine detail, and a light source to draw toward.
And I'll show you exactly how, step by step.
These five stones are just the beginning.
Once you know the order, the same method applies to almost any gem you haven't drawn yet: rubies, opals, raw uncut crystals, a ring in a photo, any cut or color you like.
Anyone can learn to draw this.
Even if you've never drawn before. This is beginner-friendly from the very start. The layering order does most of the work for you. No drawing experience needed.
Even if you've tried drawing a gem before and gave up. This facet-first method is more forgiving than shading a stone freehand. Small wobbles disappear into the facet lines instead of standing out.
Even if you don't think of yourself as "the artistic type." This isn't about natural talent. It's about following the same facet-first layering order, placed in the right spot each time.
Even if you don't have any supplies yet. All you need is a set of markers and paper. Any brand works, you don't need anything fancy or expensive to get started.
Hi, I'm Katie
I've been drawing gemstones with markers for over eight years, and teaching this exact layering method to students for the last four of them.
I've watched complete beginners, people who swore they “couldn't draw anything shiny,” finish a sparkling gem in their first sitting, just by following the order instead of guessing at it.
You don't need a steady hand or years of practice. You need the sequence. That's the whole method.
That's why I created this course.
For The First Time Ever - Introducing
The Gemstones Drawing Workshop
A step-by-step course where you'll draw five shiny gemstones from start to finish while learning the light and facet system you can reuse on any stone you like.
Here's A Small Taste Of What's Inside:
Module 1
Emerald, Your First Faceted Gem
The light and shadow system that every gem after this one builds on.
- •Facet mapping so every plane of the gem sits in the right place before you lay down a single layer of color
- •How to build depth with layered green tones instead of one flat shade
- •Light source placement, and why it decides everything else you draw
- •Discover the contrast trick that makes a flat drawing suddenly look three dimensional
- •A simplified blending method for smooth, glassy transitions between tones
Module 2
Sunstone, Warm Color Blending
Your first gem with a real color gradient running inside a single stone.
- •How to blend two colors seamlessly inside one facet without a hard line
- •Learn the undertone layering technique for warm, sunlit color
- •You'll build a soft gradient effect that reads as natural, not painted on
- •The warm highlight placement that makes orange tones feel lit from within
- •Discover how to avoid the muddy look when mixing warm tones
Module 3
Sapphire, Cool Tones & Classic Sparkle
Back to cool tones, this time on a more complex cut.
- •How to layer blue tones for depth without losing vibrancy
- •Learn the star highlight technique for that signature gemstone sparkle point
- •You'll create convincing dark facets that ground the whole stone
- •The edge sharpening method that makes facet lines look cut, not drawn
- •A simplified way to check your value contrast as you go
Module 4
Black Onyx, Shadow & Contrast Mastery
The hardest color range there is, and how to keep it from going flat.
- •How to layer black without losing shine or ending up with a flat silhouette
- •Discover the subtle undertone trick that keeps black stones from looking dead
- •You'll master high contrast highlights that pop against dark surfaces
- •Learn the reflected light technique so your darkest gem still feels dimensional
- •The less-is-more pressure control method for smooth black layers
Module 5
Amethyst, Your Capstone Piece
Every technique from the course, brought together in one round brilliant cut.
- •How to combine warm and cool undertones inside a single purple stone
- •Learn advanced facet layering for round brilliant cuts specifically
- •You'll apply everything from Modules 1 through 4 in one cohesive piece
- •The finishing polish techniques that separate amateur from gallery quality work
- •Discover how to photograph your finished piece so it looks as good online as it does in person
You're Not Just Learning Five Gems
These are your first five guided projects. As you draw them, you'll also learn the repeatable light and facet system behind every shiny gemstone:
- ✓how to map facets so every plane sits right before you add a single layer of color
- ✓how to place your light source in any reference photo, which decides everything else you draw
- ✓how to layer tone for depth and sparkle instead of a flat, muddy stone
- ✓how to apply the same system to a new cut, a new color, or a gem you've never drawn
So by the end, you won't just have five finished stones. You'll understand a system you can use on any gem you like.
Why You'll Be Paying Less For This Course Today
A single in-person drawing class runs $40–$70 for a couple of hours, and you walk away with one piece and no way to recreate it on your own.
Private art lessons run $60–$100 an hour. And a finished gem study like the ones you'll draw here can sell for well over $150, for just one piece.
This course gives you a repeatable skill.
Once you own the light and facet system, you can draw these same five stones again as gifts, change the colors, or move on to a cut you've never attempted.
The full price for this course is:
$97
But that's NOT the price you'll be paying today.
This is the first online release of The Gemstones Drawing Workshop, and the first 50 students can join at a lower early-bird price.
I'll use this first group's feedback to see what helped most, where beginners get stuck, and what questions come up as students draw their first faceted stone.
So for this first group, the course is:
Only $47
You'll get the full step-by-step course, a system you can apply to any gem, lifetime access, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
After the first 50 students join, the course moves to the regular $97 price.
Normally $97
Now Only $47
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Lifetime access.
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Plus You'll Be Backed By My Unconditional Money Back Guarantee
You don't have to decide right now.
Get access and try it for 30 full days. Draw your first sparkling gem. See how it feels to finish something you're actually proud of.
If it's not for you, send one email to hello@drawingacademyonline.com and you'll get every penny back within 24 hours. No questions asked. No stalling.
You either love what you create... or you don't pay for it.
And to help you go even further...
Get 3 FREE Bonuses If You Join Now
🎁 Bonus #1
$17 FREEGem Drawing Materials Guide
Ever stare at a wall of markers and have no idea what to buy? This guide removes the guesswork completely.
- •The exact brands and colors used throughout this course
- •Which paper actually holds up to layered blending instead of bleeding through
- •You'll get a beginner friendly starter list under $30
- •The optional tools worth adding once you're hooked
🎁 Bonus #2
$18 FREEGemstone Shine & Facet Cheat Sheet
A quick reference you'll pull out every single time you sit down to draw a new gem.
- •How to place your light source for any cut in seconds
- •A visual map of highlight and shadow zones across 6 common gem shapes
- •You'll never guess again where the darkest facet should sit
- •Discover the quick color pairing chart for warm and cool stones
🎁 Bonus #3
$22 FREEHow to Photograph & Share Your Gem Art
You worked hard on this piece. This makes sure it looks as good online as it does in person.
- •The lighting setup that eliminates glare and flat photos
- •Learn the best angle to capture shine without washing it out
- •You'll create share ready photos for Instagram, Etsy, or your portfolio
- •A simplified editing checklist for color accuracy
Here's Everything You're Getting So Far:
But now you get everything for just: $47
Total Value: $154
Now Only $47
One-time payment.
Lifetime access.
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30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
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PLUS... A Special Bonus When You Buy Now
If you purchase before the timer hits ZERO...
I'll add in this incredible LIMITED-TIME bonus…
But only for those who purchase before the timer hits zero.
If the timer hits ZERO - this Special Bonus will disappear!
Order in the next 00:00:00 and you'll also get:
🎁 Limited-Time Bonus
$27 FREERainbow Cluster Masterclass
All five gems in one finished piece, using the same system you already know.
- •How to plan a multi gem composition so nothing competes for attention
- •Learn to draw cast shadows between overlapping gems for real depth
- •You'll balance color harmony across 6+ different gem tones in one piece
- •The final layering pass that pulls a busy piece together into one cohesive drawing
P.S. This bonus is only available if you enroll before the timer ends. After that, it's gone.
Get The Full Course, All Bonuses, And The Time-Limited Bonus For Just...
Total Value $181
Now Only $47
One-time payment.
Lifetime access.
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P.S. If the next page doesn't load... then I'm sorry, but the special offer has expired.
Got More Questions? I Got You:
I've never drawn anything shiny or reflective before. Is this course for me?
Yes. That's exactly who this is built for. The whole system is designed around the specific challenge of drawing light on faceted, reflective surfaces, which is a completely different problem from drawing flat or matte objects. You start with facet mapping and light basics before any shading happens.
Do I need prior drawing experience?
No. The course starts from the beginning and every step is shown clearly. If you can hold a marker, you can follow along and finish your first gem.
Do I need to be “artistic” or have natural talent?
Not at all. Drawing a shiny gemstone isn't about a steady hand. It's a small set of repeatable rules about where light sits, how facets bounce it, and where the darkest shadow always falls. Follow the rules in order and the stone comes out right.
Will any brand of markers work?
Yes. Any brand works, and you don't need a specific or expensive set to get started. The course recommends a few affordable options, but whatever you already have will work just fine.
What materials do I need, and are they expensive?
No, they're simple and easy to find. A basic set of markers, a few colored pencils for the fine detail work, and any smooth paper that holds up to layering. The full recommended list is included in Bonus #1, with a starter option under $30.
How much time does this take?
Most students spend 20 to 40 minutes per module. You can move faster or slower, it's entirely self paced.
Will I only learn these five gems?
No. You'll finish five complete stones, and you'll also learn the light and facet system underneath them, which applies to almost any gem you'll ever draw. The goal is five finished pieces plus a skill you can use on every stone after that.
Is this suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, it's built for beginners first. Module 1 starts with a simple step cut stone precisely because it teaches the whole system in its easiest form, before anything more complex.
I'm 60+, can I do this?
Yes, absolutely. Many students pick this up for the first time in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. The pace is yours and the steps are clear.
When does the course start?
Right away. The moment you enroll, you get instant access to all five modules. No waiting, no scheduled start date.
How long do I have access?
Forever. This is a one-time payment with lifetime access, including any future updates to the course. You can rewatch any lesson as many times as you want, from any device.
Is this a one-time payment?
Yes. $47 once. No subscriptions, no hidden fees, no upsells buried inside the course.
What happens after I buy?
You will receive an email with simple instructions on how to access the course. From there, you can start the first module right away.
Is there a guarantee?
Yes. You have 30 full days to try it. If it's not for you, send one email and you'll get a full refund. No questions asked.
Is it safe to purchase here?
Yes. Your payment is processed through a secure, encrypted checkout. Your private information is never shared with anyone.
Here's Everything You're Getting When You Buy Now:
But now you get everything for just: $47
Total Value: $181
Now Only $47
One-time payment.
Lifetime access.
Access Now
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
🔒 Secure Payment 🔒
P.S. If the next page doesn't load... then I'm sorry, but the special offer has expired.