Video Tutorials: Learn Drawing and Painting Techniques from Professional Artists

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

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

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

In this short video from Creative Catalyst Productions, Carl Dalio shares some great tips on painting realistic figures inside landscape paintings. As you’ll see, it’s not about adding lots of detail. . . read more