Like any other art process, figure drawing is a fluid activity and impossible to pin down with exact rules—but if your goal is to create a more convincing life drawing, then these next few ideas will certainly help.. . . read more
Most paintings (especially portraits and figurative paintings) benefit from a good preliminary drawing in charcoal or graphite. Today we’d like to show you how to create a different type of drawing using the "rub-out" method.. . . read more
Occasionally a painting needs something MORE to take it to the next level. The composition is ideal, the values are correct, yet the finished artwork just doesn’t sing. Often, this has to do with color intensity. . . read more
In the following video, Craig Nelson demonstrates his own step-by-step methods for painting eyes, starting with the whites of the eyes in shadow, then moving on to the lash line, eyebrows, and folds of the upper eyelids before ever putting any color in the iris.. . . read more
In today's video tutorial, John Salminen shares a great little trick for creating sharp, crisp details in watercolors. All you need is a roll of regular masking tape and a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. . . read more
When you want to draw an object with realistic volume, or mass, it helps to be able to “see” the underlying shapes that make up that object. These aren’t complicated geometric patterns - basically, you’re just looking for shapes like circles. . . read more
Today I’m going to show you how can make your own pochade box out of a cigar box just like the old impressionist masters. Best of all, the total cost of making this little pochade box should be about $12.00.. . . read more
In a still life painting, every object’s color is affected by the colors of the objects around them. . . but white objects are affected more than most, which can make them very difficult to paint.. . . read more
Every watercolor painter should know how to properly apply color washes to their paper. In the following video, Susan Bourdet shows the entire process, starting with a preliminary drawing that has already been protected with masking fluid. . . read more
When painting from a photograph (or from life) it’s not always necessary to include the actual background that appears behind your subject. In many cases, a two or three-color background can be more pleasing. . . read more