TheVirtualInstructor Blog

Eye movement refers to the way a viewer’s eye “moves” through a piece of artwork.  By manipulating the placement of objects, lines, values, shapes, subjects, and so on, we can control the relative path a viewer’s eye may travel.

Movement is one of the principles of art.  The principles of art should not be confused with the elements of art.  The elements of art are the basic components of art.  Line, shape, form, value, color, texture, and space are the elements of art.  Composition mainly deals with the placement of the elements.  Ironically, most of the principles of art deal with composition.  Some of the principles of art include, harmony, unity, balance, proportion, movement, rhythm,  and variety.  In this lesson, we are dealing with eye movement.

One of the ways eye movement can be achieved in an artwork is through the use of geometric configurations.  People, in general, find geometric shapes to be aesthetically pleasing.  By creating geometric configuration to control eye movement in composition, you have greatly increased your chances of being successful.  To learn more about eye movement through geometric configuration in artistic composition, see the video art lesson, and examples of geometric configurations, click here-> Artistic Composition, Eye Movement

Not many people realize that Plato presented philosophies on everything, including art.  Although Plato, himself, was not a visual artist, we stand to learn a bit from him when it comes to composition.  Composition in visual art, to many people, is the hardest part of crafting a successful work of art.  Many artists, especially new ones, tend to view composition as a “trial and error” endeavor.  This is the wrong way to approach composition.  Creating good composition is almost a scientific process, complete with “rules” that will help you be successful.  The first “rule” that we are exploring comes from an unexpected source- Plato.  One of Plato’s students asked of him, “What makes a good composition?”  Plato’s answer was quite interesting.  Plato responded by saying, ” Find the variety within the unity”.  This statement is quite enlightening.  What Plato is saying is that we must have both variety and unity in our artworks, but they must work together. Too much variety leads to a lack of unity.  Too much unity leads to a lack of variety.  So where’s the balance.  That’s where the artist comes in.  To learn more about Plato’s Rule in composition and to see the video demonstration click here-> Composition in Art Part 1- Plato’s Rule

Often times the need arises to create many copies of the same shape, image, or text.  You could select what you want copied and then paste carbon copies to edit but why waste all of that time?  Instead you could quickly create a custom brush to save you lots of time.  Or maybe none of the brushes in Photoshop suit your fancy, well-just create a new one.  It’s incredibly easy to create custom brushes in Photoshop.  Best of all, the brushes that you create are completely editable, just like all of the brushes already included in Photoshop.  You can get really creative with custom brushes.  Here’s how easy it is..

First, select your image, shape, or text that you would like to make into a brush.  The go to “edit”->”define brush preset”.  Name your brush and you’re done.  All of the brush attributes can now be applied to your custom brush.  And, until you delete it, your brush stays in your brush menu.  Have fun and be creative.

To see the video demonstration of How to Create a Custom Brush in Photoshop click here-> How to Create Custom Brushes in Photoshop

It is quite easy to create a slide show in Adobe Flash.  However,  it is more complex than just throwing a transition between images in a standard video editing program.  Slide shows created in Flash can be used to showcase artwork through the creation of a portfolio.  A slide show created in Flash can also be a nice welcome to visitors to a website.  The process of creating a slide show in Flash can seem tedious, but the level of control you get over the transitions is well worth it.  In this free art lesson, I demonstrate how to make a simple slide show using a fade in/ fade out effect.  You will also learn how to center your images and make them match the size of the stage with just a couple of simple clicks.

To see the video art lesson click here-> How to Create a Simple Slide Show in Adobe Flash

Using clipping masks to create interesting effects is a skill every designer and artist should know how to do.  Although there are variety of ways to create the same effects, using clipping masks is by far the easiest and the quickest.  Using a clipping mask allows you to create an image that shows through text.  It is not just limited to text, though.  Any shape can used to create a clipping mask. You are only limited by your creativity when it comes to using clipping masks in Photoshop.

First, pick the image that you want to use a clipping mask with.  Second, type your text or draw or import the shape that you would like to use as the mask.  Duplicate your background layer (the one your image is on).  Pull the duplicate layer above the text or shape layer.  Go to “layer”->”create clipping mask”.  A small arrow that points to the text below it will appear on the duplicate layer.  Hide your original background layer and make sure that your duplicate layer is visible.  There you have it, you’ve created a clipping mask.  All of your layer effects can still be used on any of the layers.  You can even go to the text layer and type something completely different and it will stay locked within the clipping mask.  Have fun and be creative.

To see the video lesson of How to Use Clipping Masks in Photoshop click here-> How to Use Clipping Masks in Photoshop

Crayon etching works on the concept of resistance. When a water-based ink or tempera paint is used in tandem with a waxy crayon or oil pastel, a resist happens.  This resist allows for the dried ink to be scraped, scratched or etched from the surface revealing the color of the crayon below.  By scratching patterns into the prepared surface, the artwork is created.  Crayon etching is a process that can be used by amateurs and professionals alike.  A great deal of complexity can be created onto the surface in the creation of patterns.

The process of creating a crayon etching allows the artist to be creative in color and pattern creation. It also can be used to create a scratchboard type surface with a monotone color.

The artist begins by creating a simple line drawing in pencil.The preliminary drawing must be simple and not have any value.  When patterns are created later in the process, the image becomes progressively more complex. A permanent black marker with a thick mark is used to go over the outlines of the drawing. The marker needs to have a relatively thick mark. This will aid in the process of scratching out the patterns. Next, the artist uses either crayons or oil pastels to color the image in completely. Special care should be taken to completely cover all areas of white as these areas will accept ink and prevent it from being scratched off later in the process. Ink is then applied over the colored surface covering the entire drawing completely. Using a foam brush will prevent any brush strokes from being noticed.  After the surface is dry, a sharp tipped tool such as scratch board tool or a nail is used to remove areas of the ink with patterns.  The ink will scratch off easily revealing the color underneath.

To see the video demonstration click here->Crayon Etching

Creating an acrylic transfer is an easy process that can result in amazing artistic results. Creating an acrylic transfer can allow an artist a variety of ways to present an idea in an artistic way. Any image that can be photocopied will work and any surface that will accept acrylic paint will accept an acrylic transfer.

Some supplies are needed in order to create an acrylic transfer. First, you need a surface that will accept acrylic paint to work on.  Watercolor paper, canvas, wood, or illustration board are acceptable surfaces. You will also need acrylic gesso, brushes, acrylic gel medium, a photocopied image, and acrylic paint.

You begin by covering the surface with gesso and let it dry. You can then add some interest to the surface by applying color through acrylic paint or texture with tissue paper.  Allow any paint or glue to dry completely.  Next, you will need to cut or tear your photocopied image to the size of the desired transfer…

To see the rest of this lesson and to see the video demonstration click here-> Acrylic Transfer Demo

Acrylic paint is a young medium.  Acrylic paint has been around for just over 50 years.  It has quickly become a very popular medium, thanks to the fact that it is safer than oils, dries quickly, and uses water as a solvent.  Acrylic paints when dry, can appear similar to oil paints.

All paints are made up of three basic ingredients-pigment, solvent, and binder. Acrylic paint is no exception.  Pigment refers to the color and is usually a naturally occurring substance. The liquid substance that thins the paint is solvent.  Water is typically used as the solvent for acrylic painting.  The material that hold the pigment together and allows it to be spread over the surface is called binder.  Acrylic paint has a binder of acrylic polymer emulsion  and dries quickly to create a waterproof surface.  It can also can be used as a glue or as an image transfer medium.  Acrylic paints are produced in a variety of finishes. Gloss finishes are shiny while matte finishes dry to a dull sheen.

Acrylics can be applied with brushes, palette knives, or really anything at all. In my experience, nylon brushes work best with acrylic paint-although any type of brush will work. It is especially important to keep your brushes clean, as acrylic paints will dry quickly and ruin a brush.

Although acrylics can be applied to almost any surface, most artists prefer canvas, watercolor paper, illustration board, gessoed masonite, or other papers. Any surface is fair game, though.

To see the rest of this lesson and to see the video demonstration click here-> Basic Acrylic Painting Techniques- Apple Demo

Using text to create imagery is called Micrography.  It is an ancient technique that originated in the Middle East.  A variety of media can be used to create Micrography. Most commonly drawing media such as pen and ink or graphite is used.  Adjustments in the application of value create the image through the text.  By adjusting the line quality,the illusion of value changes.

Micrography is usually a painstakingly long process, but it can be done quickly in Adobe Photoshop.  First, you will need to bring in the image that you want to use into Photoshop.  I have found that portraits work particularly well. Duplicate the image layer.  Next go to “image”->”adjustments”->”threshold”.  You can slide the adjustment bar to alter the threshold effect. Next, create a text layer and cover the entire document with a small font text in black . Be sure to cover the entire document.  Make the text editable by  going to “layer”->”rasterize”->”type”.  Go to the threshold layer.  Select the white areas with the magic wand tool.  (Be sure that the contiguous box is unchecked) Go to the black text layer and select the eraser from your tools.  Erase everything in the document that is selected. Don’t worry as only the black text in the white areas will be erased.

To see the rest of this lesson and to see the video of this lesson… click here-> Micrography-Text Drawing