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Free Art Lessons and Tutorials - TheVirtualInstructor.com
Free art lessons, drawing lessons, painting lessons and digital art. Over 300 video tutorials! Learn how to draw and paint online. Tutorials for beginners, intermediate artists, and advanced artists.
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Drawing and Painting Courses
Online drawing and painting courses that include HD videos and eBooks. Logically sequenced courses on pencil drawing, portraiture, watercolor painting, colored pencils and more.
Art Tutorials on Drawing and Painting
Drawing and painting tutorials organized by medium including pencil drawing, colored pencils, pen and ink, pastels, acrylics, watercolor and more.
Drawing Lessons - Learn How to Draw
Drawing lessons for beginner to advanced artists. Learn how to draw through video tutorials on a variety of subjects and mediums.
Painting Lessons - Learn How to Paint
Painting lessons for beginner to advanced artists on a variety of subjects. Learn how to paint with watercolor, acrylics, oils, and pastels.
The Fundamentals of Art
The Fundamentals of art including the elements of art, color theory, and tips on drawing
Free Art Lesson Plans-Visual Art Lesson Plans
Free art lesson plans for High School and Middle School.
Community of Artists
An artistic community of artists, teachers, and learners at all levels. Share your art, get a critique, and discuss what it's like to be an artist.
Free Digital Art Lessons-Photoshop-Illustrator-Flash
Learn how to create digital art using the programs of Adobe CS4; Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash in these free video art lessons.
Graphite or Pencil Drawing Tutorials
Pencil drawing tutorials and graphite drawing tutorials. Learn how to draw with graphite with these pencil drawing video tutorials.
Colored Pencils Drawing Tutorials
Colored pencil drawing tutorials. Learn how to draw with colored pencils with these colored pencil drawing video tutorials.
Pastel Drawing Tutorials
Pastel drawing tutorials. Learn how to draw with pastels with these pastel drawing video tutorials.
Charcoal Drawing Tutorials
Charcoal drawing tutorials. Learn how to draw with charcoal with these charcoal video tutorials.
Watercolor Painting Tutorials
Watercolor painting tutorials. Learn how to paint with watercolor paints with these watercolor painting video tutorials.
Oil Painting Tutorials
Oil painting tutorials. Learn how to paint with oil paints with these oil painting video tutorials.
Free Photoshop Lessons-Tutorials-How to Use Photoshop
Free Adobe Photoshop Lessons. Learn how to use Adobe Photoshop with these video tutorials and demonstrations.
Free Adobe Illustrator Lessons-Tutorials-How to Use Illustrator
Free Adobe Illustrator Lessons and Tutorials. Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator with these video tutorials and demonstrations.
Free Adobe Flash Lessons-Tutorials-How to Use Flash
Free Adobe Flash Lessons. Learn how to use Adobe Flash with these video tutorials and demonstrations.
My Teaching Philosophy- TheVirtualInstructor.com
The teaching philosophy of TheVirtualInstructor.com instructor, Matt Fussell.
TheVirtualInstructor.com-About Me
Find out who I am and why I like to teach at TheVirtualInstructor.com
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Colored Pencil and Marker Lesson - "Candy"
Learn how to layer markers and colored pencils to create a realistic drawing of a piece of candy in this drawing lesson.
Pen and Ink Drawing Tutorials
Ink drawing tutorials. Learn how to draw with ink with these ink drawing video tutorials.
Mixed Media Tutorials
Mixed media tutorials. Learn how to create art with these mixed media video tutorials.
Drawing Lessons - Concepts and Ideas
A collection of tutorials on the core concepts and ideas of drawing. Learn how to improve your drawing skills by understanding the fundamentals of composition, theory, and observational skill building.
Portrait Painting with Oils
Learn how to paint a representational portrait with oils on gessoed panel in this lesson that includes a video demonstration and a step by step breakdown of the process.
Pen and Ink with Watercolor - Line and Wash Lighthouse
Learn how to create a line and wash drawing with pen and ink and watercolor in this lesson that features a lighthouse landscape.
Acrylic Painting Tutorials
Acrylic painting tutorials. Learn how to paint with acrylic paints with these acrylic painting video tutorials.
Digital Painting Tutorials
Digital painting tutorials. Learn how to paint and draw with Photoshop, Procreate, Virtual Reality, and more.
The Elements of Art- Shape
Learn the fundamentals of art in this free art lesson on the element-shape. Learn about organic and geometric shapes and how anything can be drawn using simple shapes.
Value- The Elements of Art
Value-The Elements of Art. Learn the fundamentals of art making.
Line- The Elements of Art
Learn the fundamentals of art in this free art lesson on line brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com
Drawing Tips- 10 Quick Tips on Drawing
10 Quick Tips on Drawing to help you in your drawing skills.
How to Draw with Charcoal-Charcoal Drawing Techniques
Learn how to draw with charcoal in this free video art lesson. Learn various charcoal drawing techniques in this tutorial.
Colored Pencil Techniques- How to Draw with Colored Pencils
Colored Pencil drawing techniques brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com
Pastel Landscapes-How to use Soft Pastels
Learn how to draw and paint the landscape with pastels with this free art video lesson brought to you by TheVirtualInstructor.com.
Oil Pastel Drawing- Apple
Learn how to draw and paint with oil pastels with this free art video lesson brought to you by TheVirtualInstructor.com.
Basic Pen and Ink Techniques
Basic pen and ink drawing techniques. Learn how to draw with ink in this video tutorial.
How to Draw with Markers - Skull Demo
Learn how to draw with professional alcohol-based Prismacolor markers in this lesson that features a demonstration of a colorful skull.
Art Fundamentals-The Elements and Principles of Art
The fundamentals of art are the building blocks for successful art-making. Learn the fundamentals of art and start making better art.
Color Theory Art Lesson Plan- Free Art Lesson Plan
Color Theory art lesson plan. Teach students color theory through a color theory object painting.
Clay Figures Lesson Plan- Form
Clay Figure art lesson plan brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com
Crayon Etching-Free Art Lesson Plans
Crayon Etching Art lesson plan brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com
Cross Contour Line Drawing Art Lesson Plan
Cross Contour Line Drawing art lesson plan brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com
Figure Drawing- Art Lessons Plan
lesson plans, figure drawing, art
Futuristic Perspective Drawing-Art Lesson Plan
Futuristic Perspective Art lesson plan for middle and high school students. Teach students one point and two point perspective through this lesson plan.
Object Self Portrait Art Lesson Plan
Object Self Portrait Art lesson plan for middle and high school students brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com
Lictenstein Pics Lesson Plan- Unity and Harmony
Lichtenstein art lesson plan for middle or high school students brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com
Magazine Cover Lesson Plan-Illustration
An art lesson plan focused on students creating the cover a popular magazine. Illustration. Art lesson plan on drawing for Beginning high school students.
Highlight Rendering Art Lesson Plan for High School
Highlight Rendering charcoal drawing art lesson plan for high school students.
Art Lesson Plan- Giant Junkfood
Giant Junkfood Sculpture Art lesson plan for middle and high school students.
Pastel Landscape Lesson Plan
Pastel Landscape art lesson plan for high school students.
Pastel Portraits Lesson Plan
Pastel Portraits art lesson plan for high school students.
Pen and Ink Stippling Lesson Plan
Pen and Ink-Stippling art lesson plan for high school students.
Reverse Self Portraits Lesson Plan
Reverse Self Portraits art lesson plan for high school students.
Scratchboard Lesson Plan for High School Students
Scratchboard Etching art lesson plan for high school students.
Drawing Paper Bags Art Lesson Plan
Drawing Paper Bags - Art lesson plan for advanced drawing students focused on texture and value.
Identity Portrait Lesson Plan-Colored Pencils
An alternate way of looking at portraiture by drawing the identity of the student through images and symbols. Art lesson plan on drawing and illustration for Intermediate high school students.
Master Study Copycat Lesson Plan-Various Media
An art lesson plan focused on students creating a Master Study of a master artist from art history. Art lesson plan on drawing and painting for Intermediate high school students.
Precisionist Abstract Drawing Art Lesson Plan
Precisionist Abstract Drawing - Art lesson plan for Intermediate drawing students focused on creating abstract drawings through representational observation.
Watercolor Landscape Lesson Plan
Watercolor Landscape art lesson plan for high school students.
Expressive Self Portraits Art Lesson Plan
Expressive Self Portraits art lesson plan for high school students.
Foreshortened Figure Art Lesson Plan
Foreshortened Figure art lesson plan for high school students.
Art Lesson Plan- Pixel Pics
Art lesson plan for high school students- Pixel Pics- Painting.
Memory Drawing Lesson Plan-Graphite
An art lesson plan focused on students creating a drawing that has a feeling of memory but uses photography as a reference creating tool. Art lesson plan on drawing for Advanced high school students.
How To Draw Trees
How to draw a realistic tree using a structured approach. This drawing technique can applied to any tree.
Line Quality(Weight) and Cross Contour Lines
Learn how to use line weight and cross contour lines to improve your drawing
Texture- The Elements of Art
Learn the fundamentals of art in this free art lesson on texture brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com Element-Texture
The Elements of Art- Form
Form- The Elements of Art. Learn about form and it's importance in the creation of art in this tutorial.
You Can Draw - A How to Draw Webinar
Anyone can learn how to draw. You can draw and even do it well. This in-depth video and lesson explains the process of drawing and shares simple drawing exercises designed to develop your skills.
How to Draw a Feather
Learn how to draw a feather with graphite pencils in this lesson that shares an easy step by step approach to creating a realistic appearance.
Shading Techniques - How to Shade with a Pencil
Learn basic shading techniques used to create the illusion of form, light, and shadow in drawings.
How to Draw Water Droplets
How to draw realistic water droplets by following an easy step by step approach.
Transforming Shapes into Forms
Learn how to transform shapes into forms through the application of value in this drawing lesson.
How to Draw a Sphere with Labeled Shadows
Learn how to draw a sphere in this video art lesson. Learn to locate values and create smooth gradations of tone.
Two Point Perspective 3D Maze
Learn how to use two point perspective to draw a 3D maze creating an interactive work of art.
How to Create Smooth Shading in Drawings
How to create smooth shading with graphite. Video podcast-episode 1.
Continuous Line Drawing
Continuous line drawing is a great drawing exercise for developing your skills for observational drawing. The imperfections of the finished result are also quite nice to look at.
Blind Contour Line Drawing- Line Drawing Exercises
Learn how to create a blind contour line drawing and it's significance in drawing development in this free art lesson.
Artist Graphite Drawing Pencils - What Pencils Do You Need
Drawing pencils explained. Learn the different grades of graphite, what the numbers mean, and which pencils you need to be successful in your own drawings.
Graphite Drawing Techniques-Pencil Drawing
Learn graphite drawing techniques in this free video art lesson.
The Stages of Artistic Development - Podcast Number 2
The stages to artistic development and why it's important for improving drawing. Video podcast-episode 2.
How to Make a Value Finder
Learn how to create a value finder to help you create better drawings in this free art lesson.
How to Draw Eyes - Graphite
How to draw an eye. Learn how to draw eyes realistically in this free video art lesson brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com.
Gesture Drawing- Figure Drawing
Learn how to draw the figure quickly through the process of gesture drawing in this video tutorial.
How to Draw a Face - Facial Proportions
The ultimate guide to how to draw a face. A look at the locations of the facial features from both the front and side views. Learn the steps to drawing faces.
How to Draw Mouths
Learn how to draw mouths realistically in this free video art tutorial brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com.
How to Draw Hands
Learn how to draw a realistic hand using a simple 3 step approach that includes drawing the shapes and adding shading.
How to Draw Ears-Portrait Drawing
Learn how to draw ears realistically in this free video art lesson brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com.
How to Draw a Nose
Learn how to draw a nose in this ultimate guide that features video tutorials and images. How to Draw a Nose-Step by step.
How to Use Blending Stumps
Learn how to draw with blending stumps and graphite in this tutorial that features excerpts of a 1 hour live demonstration.
Drawing Hands with Basic Shapes- 12 Hands
Drawing Hands- Video tutorial on drawing hands with basic shapes. See how easy it is to learn how to draw hands.
How to Draw a Figure in Perspective- Foreshortening
Learn how to draw a foreshortened figure in this video drawing demonstration. Drawing the figure from any angle can be difficult, especially from below or above.
Graphite Portrait-Step by Step
See the step by step process of creating a realistic graphite protrait in this free video drawing lesson.
Graphitint Pencil Tutorial
Graphitint pencil tutorial. Learn how to use colored graphite pencils in this tutorial that features a drawing of a realistic eye.
How To Draw Feet
How to draw feet - a complete guide to making the drawing process easy.
How to Draw Hair
Learn how to draw hair using a simple step by step approach. Get realistic results by developing the form and texture of the hair with a layered approach of drawing with pencil.
How to Draw Clothing - Video Tutorial
Learn how to draw clothing and the folds that are created by folded fabric in this drawing tutorial. How to draw clothes video tutorial.
One Point Perspective-Linear Perspective
Learn how to draw in one point perspective in this video tutorial.
Two Point Perspective-How to Use Linear Perspective
Learn how to draw using two point perspective in this free video art lesson brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com.
Keep Your Drawing Clean- Time Lapse Drawing Video
Keeping your drawing clean while you work is important. Learn some tips to keep your drawing clean through this time lapse video demonstration.
Drawing Rocks in the Landscape
How to draw rocks in a landscape drawing. Learn how to draw rocks with graphite by simplifying the rocks into basic shapes.
Mixed Media Drawing Lesson - "Great White Shark"
Learn how to draw with a variety of drawing media including ink, charcoal and graphite in this mixed media drawing lesson of a Great White Shark.
How to Draw a Horse - Graphite Pencils
How to draw a horse with graphite pencils. Learn how draw a horse by locating the contour lines and add smooth shading with graphite pencils to create a realistic drawing.
Draw a Realistic Bird with Graphite and Charcoal Pencil
Learn how to draw a realsitic bird using a combination of graphite pencil and white charcoal pencil.
How to Draw Animal Fur
Learn how to draw animal fur or hair using two different approaches in this video tutorial that focuses on texture.
How to Draw a Lion - Graphitint Pencils
How to draw a lion using Graphitint pencils. Activate Graphitint pencils to create a fluid sketch in a short amount of time.
Graphite Drawing of A Dog
Watch the process of commissioned pet portrait in this graphite drawing of a dog instructional video.
Hatching and Cross Hatching Drawing Techniques
Learn how how to draw with hatching and cross hatching with this free video art lesson by TheVirtualInstructor.com
How to Draw with Water-Soluble Graphite - Video Tutorial
How to draw with water-soluble graphite. Learn how to use water-soluble graphite in your drawings in this video tutorial.
Value Drawing with Graphite Tutorial - Excerpts from Live Lesson
Value Drawing with Graphite Tutorial - excerpts from a live lesson. Learn how to manipulate value to create the illusion of form and value in a drawing in this tutorial recorded from a live demonstration.
12 Colored Pencil Tips
Tips for drawing with colored pencils. 12 practices for better colored pencil drawings.
How to Blend Colored Pencils
Learn how to blend colored pencils using five different tools and techniques in this lesson.
How to Draw with Colored Pencils - 3 Techniques
Learn basic colored pencil techniques that will lead to professional drawing results in this tutorial on three approaches to drawing with colored pencils.
How to Draw a Realistic Mouth with Colored Pencils
Learn how to draw a realsitic mouth using colored pencils in this video tutorial. Prismacolor pencils are used to build up layers of color to create the illusion.
How to Draw a Realistic Eye with Colored Pencils
How to draw a realistic eye with colored pencils. Prismacolor pencils are layered to create a natural looking eye in this tutorial.
Combine Tempera Paint and Colored Pencils - Eye Demo
Learn how to combine tempera paint and colored pencils in this video demonstration in which an eye is drawn and painted.
Colored Pencil Portrait Tutorial
Learn how to draw a portrait with colored pencils in this video tutorial that features excerpts from a 2 hour lesson.
How to Mix Dark Skin Tones - Colored Pencils
How to mix dark skin tones with colored pencils using a combination of just 4 colors.
How to Draw a Realistic Nose with Colored Pencils - Video Tutorial
How to draw a nose with colored pencils. Learn a step by step approach to drawing a difficult subject like a nose with colored pencils in this video drawing tutorial.
How to Draw Grass with Colored Pencils-Video Tutorial
How to draw grass with colored pencils. Learn how to draw realistic grass in this video tutorial.
How to Draw Cat Eyes with Colored Pencils
Learn how to draw realistic cat eyes with colored pencils. Layer colored pencil applications on Stonehenge paper to develop a range of value and realistic textures.
How to Draw a Beetle - Markers and Colored Pencils
Learn how to draw an illustration of a beetle with colored pencils and markers in this lesson. Markers are applied first with colored pencil applications layered on top.
Draw a Tiger with Colored Pencils
How to draw a tiger with Polychromos colored pencils. Learn how to layer colors to create a realistic drawing of a tiger in this lesson.
Draw an Elephant with Colored Pencils
How to draw an elephant with colored pencils. A step by step breakdown and video tutorial using Prismacolor colored pencils.
Tiny Drawing - A Challenge of Scale
Creating a tiny drawing can have huge impacts on your drawing skill and mastery of the medium.
How to Draw a Bird-Colored Pencils
Learn how to draw a realistic bird with Derwent Studio colored pencils in this lesson and tutorial.
Polychromos Colored Pencils - Drawing Tutorial
Learn how Polychromos colored pencils are different and how to use them to draw a realistic image in this drawing tutorial.
How to Draw with White Charcoal on Black Paper
Learn how to draw with white charcoal on black paper and create a high contrast portrait.
How to Draw with Markers and Colored Pencils
Learn how to combine alcohol-based markers and colored pencils to create a realistic drawing in this lesson and tutorial.
How to Draw a Realistic Cupcake with Colored Pencils and Neocolor
Learn how to combine colored pencils and Neocolor II wax pastels to create a realistic drawing of a cupcake. A video tutorial and step by step breakdown of the process.
Realistic Colored Pencil Drawing - Arianas Art
Realistic drawing with colored pencils - A demonstration and review using Ariana's Art colored pencils.
How to Draw Glass with Colored Pencils
How to draw glass. This video drawing tutorial takes a look at drawing glass with colored pencils.
How to Draw a Rose with Colored Pencils - Video Tutorial
How to draw a rose with colored pencils. Learn a step by step approach to drawing a difficult subject like a rose with colored pencils in this video drawing tutorial.
How to Use Watercolor Paint with Colored Pencils
How to use watercolors with colored pencil. Video tutorial on combining watercolor paint and colored pencils.
Tips For Drawing and Painting With Pastels
10 Tips for drawing and painting with pastels. Apply these tips to your art and you are sure to see improvement.
Pastel Techniques - 3 Approaches
This tutorial looks at applying pastels through blending, scumbling, and feathering
How to Paint a Realistic Eye with Pastels
How to paint an eye with pastels. Learn the procees in this complete tutorial with a HD video.
How to Draw With Pastel Pencils-Eye Demonstration
How to draw with pastel pencils. Eye demonstration-Video tutorial.
Pastel Portrait Tutorial-Excerpts
Pastel portrait drawing tutorial - Drawing a portrait from a photo reference. Video excerpts from a 2 hour lesson.
How to Draw Lips (Mouth) with Chalk Pastels-Video Tutorial
How to draw lips or a mouth using chalk pastels. Learn how to draw a mouth in this video tutorial.
Pastel Sketch - Autumn Tree
Create a loose pastel sketch of an autumn tree in this lesson that uses acrylic matte medium to develop an underpainting.
How to Draw a Winter Landscape with Pastels
Learn how to draw a winter landscape with pastels in this lesson. Soft pastels and pastels pencils are applied to toned pastel paper to develop the scene.
Draw a Dramatic Sunset With Pastels
How to draw or paint a dramatic sunset with pastels - a video lesson and step by step breakdown.
Landscape Painting Tutorial - Soft Pastels
Learn how to paint a landscape with soft pastels using a step by step approach in this tutorial.
PanPastels Landscape Tutorial
PanPastel Tutorial. Learn how PanPastels can be used to apply pastel in a manner that is closer to that of painting.
How to Use PanPastels with Traditional Soft Pastels
How to use PanPastels with traditional soft pastels. In this landscape tutorial, we take a look at combining the new medium of PanPastels with traditional soft pastels.
How to Paint Quickly with Pastels
How to paint quickly with pastels. A 30 minute painting demonstration showing how to work quickly to develop a painting in a short amount of time.
How to Draw Waves - A Demonstration with Soft Pastels
How to Draw Waves. This tutorial takes a look at how to draw ocean waves with chalk or soft pastels.
How to Draw Clouds with Soft Pastels
Learn how to draw realistic clouds in landscape drawing. This tutorial looks at how to approach clouds with chalk or soft pastels.
Pastel Pencils on Black Paper - "Goldfish"
Learn how to draw with pastel pencils on black paper in this lesson that features a drawing of a brightly colored goldfish.
Pastel Lesson - Quick Sketch of a Bird
Learn how to draw with various forms of pastels including soft pastels, pastel pencils, and hard pastels in this lesson that features a drawing of a bird.
Pastel Pencils - How to Draw a Bird
Learn how to use pastel pencils to draw a bird in this drawing lesson.
How to Draw a Rooster with Pastels
Learn how to use pastels and pastel pencils to create a drawing of a rooster in this pastel lesson.
How to Draw a Cat with Pastels
Learn how to draw a cat with pastels in this lesson that uses pastel pencils and traditional soft pastels.
How to Draw a Horse - Pastels
Learn how to draw a horse with pastels in this lesson on layering and blending colors.
Pastel Pencils - How to Draw an Owl
Learn how to draw an owl with pastel pencils in this video demonstration and step by step breakdown.
Conte Crayon Drawing - Bird - Time Lapse-Video Tutorial
A conte drawing of a bird. Time lapse of a conte crayon drawing from a recorded live lesson. Video drawing tutorial.
Oil Pastel Tutorial-Dog Portrait
Learn how to draw a realistic dog portrait using oil pastels in this tutorial that features excerpts from 2 one hour lessons.
Pastel Still Life Lesson - Apples
Learn how to paint a still life of apples with pastels in this lesson.
How to Paint a Simple Still Life with Pastels
Learn how to paint a simple still life in this lesson on soft pastels designed for beginners. Layer and blend colors to create the illusion of form.
How to Draw with Pastel Pencils
Learn how to draw with pastel pencils in this still life demo and tutorial.
How to Draw a Still life with Oil Pastels - Podcast Number 4
How to draw an oil pastel still life. This tutorial features excerpts from a recorded 2 hour live lesson on using oil pastels to create a still life drawing.
How to Use Oil Pastels - Tutorial
Learn how to use oil pastels to create a colorful and painterly drawing.
How to Draw Basic Forms with Charcoal
How to draw basic forms with charcoal and create the illusion of light using highlights and shadows.
Sketching with Charcoal - Portrait Drawing
Learn how to draw with charcoal in this portrait drawing lesson. Use vine and compressed charcoal on gray paper along with white and black charcoal pencils to complete the drawing.
How to Draw a Portrait Sketch - Charcoal
Learn how to draw a portrait sketch with charcoal. Layer vine, compressed, and white charcoal to develop the form of the head and develop the details.
Powdered Charcoal - Portrait Sketch
Learn how to draw with powdered charcoal in this tutorial that explores using powdered charcoal in a portrait sketch
How to Draw with Charcoal Pencils-A Landscape Sketch
Learn how to draw with charcoal pencils in this tutorial. A landscape sketch is created using charcoal pencils, powdered charcoal, and an eraser pencil.
How to Draw Water-Calm Waves-Video Tutorial
Learn how to draw water with calm waves in this video drawing lesson.
12 Watercolor Painting Tips
Tips for painting with watercolor. 12 practices for better watercolor paintings.
How to Choose The Right Paint Brush
Learn how to choose the right paint brush as well as each paint brush shape, hair type, and part.
Mixed Media Portrait - Watercolor and Ink
Learn how to draw and paint a mixed media portrait that incorporates watercolor and pen and ink. Create a strong focal point using several compositional strategies.
How to Paint an Eye with Watercolor
Learn how to paint an eye with watercolor in this demonstration and video.
Line and Wash Lesson - Landscape
Line and wash lesson - How to combine watercolor and pen and ink to create a landscape sketch.
How to Paint a Landscape with Gouache
Learn how to paint a simple landscape with gouache or opaque watercolor in this video and step by step lesson and tutorial.
How to Paint Trees with Watercolor
How to paint trees with watercolor. Three trees are painted by exploiting the relationships between warm and cool tonalities and light and dark values.
Easy Watercolor Landscape
Learn an easy approach to creating a landscape painting with watercolor in this video tutorial and step by step lesson.
Paint With Gouache - Opaque Watercolor - Tree Demo
Paint with Gouache. Learn one technique to painting with Gouache or opaque watercolor in this video tutorial demonstrating the painting of a tree.
Line and Wash Lesson - Octopus
Learn how to combine pen and ink applications with watercolor to create a playful line and wash drawing of an octopus.
Watercolor Lesson - How to Paint a Dog
Learn how to paint a golden retriever in this watercolor lesson. Layer multiple watercolor washes to build up complexity in color and value.
Watercolor Sketch - How to Paint a Bird
Learn how to paint a bird with watercolor in this step by step tutorial and video.
How to Paint a Bird - Video Tutorial
How to paint a bird. Learn how to paint a hummingbird using opaque watercolor in this painting video tutorial.
Realistic Painting Tutorial - Hamburger
Learn how to paint a realistic painting of a hamburger in this video tutorial that uses gouache or opaque watercolor.
Underpainting Does the Work in Expressive Watercolor Painting
Learn how creating an expressive underpainting can lead to creating an expressive finished painting with watercolors. This video tutorial takes a look at expressive watercolor painting.
How to Paint with Gouache - Video Tutorial
Gouache painting demonstration. Learn how to paint with gouache in this video tutorial of a painting of an apple.
Watercolor Pencil Techniques-How to Use Watercolor Pencils
Learn how to use watercolor pencils in this free video art lesson by TheVirtualInstructor.com
How to Draw with Watercolor Pencils
How to draw with watercolor pencils. Excerpts from a live video tutorial on using watercolor pencils to paint an iris.
Watercolor Papers- Watercolor Painting
Learn all about watercolor papers in this free painting lesson.
About Oil Paint
Learn the basic principles of oil painting with this free art lesson brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com.
How to Paint a Realistic Eye - Oils
Learn how to paint a realistic eye with water mixable oil paints in this lesson. Mix skin tones and add representational details to the iris.
How to Paint Oil Portraits-Oil Painting
Learn How to create realistic portraits in oil paint in this free art lesson brought to you by TheVirtualInstructor.com.
Knife Painting with Oils - Landscape
Learn how to paint with knives to create textured paintings in this video tutorial on knife painting with oils - landscape demonstration.
Oil Painting Lesson - Snowy Owl
Learn how to paint with water mixable oils in this lesson that features the entire painting process of a Snowy Owl.
Timed Oil Sketch - White Cow
Learn how to paint a quick oil sketch of a white cow with water-mixable oil paints in this lesson.
Oil Painting Lesson - Piece of Candy
Learn how to paint a small oil painting of a piece of candy in one sitting in this lesson. Water-mixable oils are used and applied Alla Prima.
Digital Oil Painting
Watch and learn how to create a digital oil painting using a graphics tablet and Photoshop software.
Sketching with Photoshop - Digital Graphite
Learn how to sketch with Photoshop in this lesson that features a portrait drawing completed with a digital graphite brush.
How to Use Brushes- Adobe Photoshop Basics
Learn the basics of Adobe Photoshop in this tutorial about the brush tool.
Selection Tools-Paint Bucket-Gradients-Photoshop Basics
Learn the basics of Photoshop in this tutorial about the brush tool.
How to Create Custom Brushes in Adobe Photoshop
Learn how to create custom brushes in Adobe Photoshop in this free digital art lesson.
Create Metallic Text in Photoshop
Learn how to create metallic text in Adobe Photoshop CS4 in this video art lesson by thevirtualinstructor.com.
Text Reflection and Shadow in Photoshop
Learn text effects in Photoshop. Learn how to create a reflection and a shadow in this lesson.
How To Draw With The Mouse in Adobe Photoshop
Learn how to draw with the mouse in Adobe Photoshop. This tutorial looks at drawing a sphere with only the mouse.
Pop Art Portraits in Photoshop
Learn how to create a Pop Art inspired image from a photo in Photoshop. In the style of Roy Lichtenstein.
How to Sketch with the Paintbrush tool in Photoshop
Learn how to sketch with the paintbrush tool in this free video art lesson brought to you by the vitual instructor.
How to Create a Clipping Mask in Photoshop
How to Use Selective Color in Photoshop
Learn how to use selective color in Adobe Photoshop in this free video art lesson.
Micrography in Photoshop CS4- How to Make an Image out of Text
Learn the art of Micrography and make an image made up completely of text in Photoshop CS4.
How to Edit Symbols in Illustrator CS4
Learn how to edit symbols in Adobe Illustrator in this video tutorial. Changing and creating symbols- this tutorial makes it easy.
How to Use the Pen Tool in Illustrator
Video tutorial on how to use the pen tool to create vector illustration in Illustrator at thevirtualinstructor.com
Metallic Surfaces in Illustrator CS4
Learn how to create metallic surfaces in Adobe Illustrator CS4 in this free video art lesson.
How to Draw a Sphere in Adobe Illustrator 3D Effect
How to draw a sphere in Adobe Illustrator using the 3D effect- Video Tutorial
Use the Blob Brush to Ink-Adobe Illustrator
Learn how to use the Blob Brush Tool in Adobe Illustrator to ink drawings quickly.
How to Use the Paintbrush Tool- Illustrator
Learn how to use the paintbrush tool in Illustrator CS 4 in this free video art lesson by thevirtualinstructor.com.
Use the Live Paint Bucket Tool to Color-Adobe Illustrator
Learn how to use the Live Paint Bucket Tool in Adobe Illustrator to color drawings quickly.
Adobe Illustrator- How to Use the Gradient Tool
Adobe Illustrator CS4, Art, Lessons, Turtorials, gradient tool
Basic Tweens in Flash- How to Use Tweens
Learn how to create a basic classic tween and a basic shape tween using Adobe Flash CS 4 in this video art lesson by thevirtualinstructor.com.
Motion Tween in Flash CS4- The Basics of Motion Tweens
Learn the basics of creating a motion tween in Adobe Flash CS4 in this free instruction video.
How to Create a Simple Slide Show in Adobe Flash
How to create a Flash slideshow. Learn the basics of creating a dynamic slideshow in Flash in this video tutorial.
How to Create Dynamic Interactive Buttons- Adobe Flash Lessons
Learn how to create dynamic interactive Adobe Flash CS4 buttons in this free video tutorial.
Frame by Frame Animation- Flash Tutorial
Learn how to create a frame by frame animation in Adobe Flash CS4 in this video tutorial by thevirtualinstructor.com.
How to Create a Growing Animation- Adobe Flash Lessons
Learn how to create a growing animation in Adobe Flash CS4 in this free video tutorial.
Animated Glowing Text in Adobe Flash
Learn how to create animated glowing text in Adobe Flash in this free lesson.
Animated Fading Text in Adobe Flash
Learn how to create animated fading text in Adobe Flash in this free lesson.
How to Create Interactive Buttons- Adobe Flash Lessons
Learn how to create interactive buttons in Adobe Flash CS4 in this video tutorial.
How to Create Transparent Buttons - Adobe Flash Lessons
Learn how to create transparent interactive buttons in Flash CS4 in this free video art lesson.
How to Create Rotoscope Animation in Flash CS4
Learn how to create Rotoscope animation using Adobe Flash CS 4 in this video art lesson by thevirtualinstructor.com.
Bone Animation-Adobe Flash CS4
Learn how to use the bone tool to create animations in Adobe Flash CS4.
How to Create a Shooter Video Game in Adobe Flash-Part 1-Video Tutorial
Learn how to use Adobe Flash to create a shooter style video game. Video Step by Step Tutorial. Part 1
How to Create a Shooter Video Game in Adobe Flash-Part 2-Video Tutorial
Learn how to use Adobe Flash to create a shooter style video game. Video Step by Step Tutorial. Part 2 animating characters.
How to Create a Shooter Video Game in Adobe Flash-Part 3-Video Tutorial
Learn how to use Adobe Flash to create a shooter style video game. Video Step by Step Tutorial. Part 3- adding a background
How to Create a Shooter Video Game in Adobe Flash-Part 4-Video Tutorial
Learn how to use Adobe Flash to create a shooter style video game. Video Step by Step Tutorial. Part 4- adding lives and score.
How to Create a Shooter Video Game in Adobe Flash-Part 5-Video Tutorial
Learn how to use Adobe Flash to create a shooter style video game. Video Step by Step Tutorial. Part 5- adding sounds.
How to Create a Shooter Video Game in Adobe Flash-Part 6-Video Tutorial
Learn how to use Adobe Flash to create a shooter style video game. Video Step by Step Tutorial. Part 6- adding a title screen.
Free Art Lessons and Tutorials - TheVirtualInstructor.com
Free art lessons, drawing lessons, painting lessons and digital art. Over 300 video tutorials! Learn how to draw and paint online. Tutorials for beginners, intermediate artists, and advanced artists.
Ink Wash Techniques- How to Draw with Ink
How to draw or paint with ink wash. Ink wash techniques. Video tutorial on ink wash
Creativity Exercise with Ink Wash
Boost your creativity with this quick and easy drawing exercise with ink wash.
How to Draw a Bee with Pen and Ink
Learn how to draw a bee with pen and ink in this drawing lesson and step by step breakdown.
Crayon Etching Demonstration-How to Create a Crayon Etching
Learn how to create a crayon etching in this video art lesson by thevirtualinstructor.com. This method takes a look at using ink instead of tempera paint.
Ink Wash Still Life Tutorial - Excerpts from Live Lesson
Ink Wash Still Life Tutorial - excerpts from a live lesson. Learn how to draw and paint with ink in this tutorial on the use of ink wash in a still life drawing.
Photo Transfer-How to Create an Acrylic Transfer-Video Tutorial
Acrylic transfers or photo transfers are an easy art-making process that can be created by anyone. Learn how to make one in this tutorial.
Etching-Printmaking Techniques-Intaglio
Learn the process of etching and Intaglio printmaking in this free video art lesson.
Linocuts - Relief Printmaking
Learn how to create a linoleum block print, commonly referred to a linocuts, in this lesson on relief printmaking.
How to Create a Monotype
Learn how to create a monotype with this free art lesson brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com.
Cut Paper Image-Using Positive and Negative Space
Cut paper demonstration. Video tutorial on how to use negative and positive space to create beautiful works of art.
How to Draw - In a Nutshell
Ever wonder why some people can draw and others struggle? Here's how drawing works - in a nutshell.
Improve Drawing and Painting - Cross Contour Lines
How to improve your drawing and painting by using cross contour lines to communicate form.
How to Draw an Ellipse
Learn how to draw an ellipse in this drawing lesson. Three different approaches are explored in this tutorial.
Drawing 101 - Simplify for Success
Fundamental to drawing is the ability to simplify your subjects into basic shapes. Any subject is easy to draw when we simplify the process.
How to Draw Faster - 5 Tips to Improve Drawing Speed
Improve your drawing speed and learn how to draw faster with these 5 tips.
Six Ways to Create the Illusion of Space
Learn how to create the illusion of space in this free video art lesson brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com.
Use Drawing to Enhance Creativity
Enhance creativity with this fun drawing game. Lead students in this drawing activity that forces them be creative.
Types of Visual Art- Representational-Abstract-Non-Objective
Learn about the different types of Visual Art-Representational, Abstract, and Non-Objective in this art lesson.
Grid Drawing- Use a Grid to Draw
Learn how to create accurate drawings from photos in this video art lesson.
Geometric Forms out of Paper-Still Life Subject Matter
Learn how to make geometric forms out of paper that can be used for still life material for drawing or painting in this easy to follow tutorial.
5 Ways to Create a Focal Point in Artwork
Learn how to create effective focal points in your artwork in this video art demonstration.
Composition in Art Part 1- Plato's Rule
Learn about composition in art in this first part of a three part video series on composition. Plato's Rule.
Composition in Art Part 2- Eye Movement
Learn about composition in art in this second part of a three part video series on composition. Eye Movement.
Composition in Art Part 3- Using the Golden Mean
Learn how to use the Golden Mean and the Rule of Thirds to create strong artistic compositions.
What is Positive and Negative Space
Learn about positive and negative space and how it can be used to create successful composition in art.
Contrast in Art-The Value Factor
How to use contrast effectively in art and design. Learn how to use contrast in this video tutorial.
Use Color Theory for Better Highlights and Shadows
Learn how to create visually stimulating highlights and shadows through the use of color theory.
Drawing and Painting Cast Shadows
How to draw and paint cast shadows of basic objects using perspective.
Three Point Perspective-How to Use Linear Perspective
3 Point Perspective. Learn how to draw using three point perspective in this free video art lesson.
How to Draw a Person - Standing
How to draw a person standing. Learn how easy it is to draw person standing in this video tutorial.
How to Draw a Seated Person - Seated Figure
How to draw a person sitting down. Learn how easy it is to draw person sitting down in this video tutorial.
How to Draw a Figure Running-Video Tutorial
How to draw a person running. Learn how to draw the figure in motion in this video tutorial.
How to Draw a Person Lying Down-Foreshortening-Video
How to draw a person lying down. Learn how to handle the foreshortening that happens when you draw a person lying down, facing the viewer, in this video tutorial.
How to Draw Crossed Arms-Figure with Arms Crossed
How to draw a person with their arms crossed. A video tutorial on how to draw crossed arms.
Expressive Brushstrokes with Acrylics
Learn how to use expressive brushstrokes in your acylic paintings by concentrating on basic shapes of value and color.
How to Glaze with Acrylics
Learn how to glaze with acrylics in this lesson that explores the process of indirect painting. A monochromatic underpainting is developed before translucent color glazes are applied on top.
Acrylic Portrait Sketch
Learn how paint a portrait with acrylics in this lesson that focuses on strong brushstrokes and direct painting.
Mix Skin Tones With Acrylics
Learn how to mix skin tones with this free video art lesson brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com.
Acrylic Seascape Tutorial - Excerpts from Live Lesson
Acrylic Seascape Tutorial - excerpts from a live lesson. Learn how to paint an ocean scene using acrylic paint in this painting demonstration.
Acrylic Painting Lesson - Avocados
Learn how paint with acrylics in this lesson that features a still life painting of avocados.
Basic Acrylic Painting Techniques- How to Paint an Apple
Learn basic acrylic painting techniques in this free video art lesson of a painting of an apple.
Knife Painting with Acrylic Paints
Use a painting knife to create an acrylic painting. Still life demonstration and video tutorial.
Acrylic Still Life - The Importance of Underpainting
Still Life with Acrylics Tutorial. A look at the importance of underpainting and how it can lead to realistic colors in a painting.
Color Theory- The Elements of Art-Color
Color Theory - Learn the fundamentals of art in this free art lesson on Color brought to you by thevirtualinstructor.com
Highlight Rendering- Eraser Drawing
Draw with an eraser. Learn how to create a drawing using mostly an eraser in this free art lesson video.
White Charcoal Drawing of an Elephant Time Lapse-Video Tutorial
White charcoal drawing of an elephant. Time lapse of a charcoal drawing of an elephant from a recorded live lesson. Video drawing tutorial.
Clean Sketching with China Markers
Discover how to sketch cleanly using a china marker in this free art lesson.
How to Draw a Realistic Mouth with Charcoal
How to draw a realistic mouth with charcoal on gray paper. Video tutorial taken from excerpts of a full lesson.
How to Draw a Realistic Eye with Charcoal
How to draw a realistic eye with charcoal on gray paper. Video tutorial taken from excerpts of a full lesson.
Colored Pencil Drawing of an Apple-How to Use Colored Pencils
How to use colored pencils. Colored pencil drawing of an apple. Video demonstration of colored pencil techniques.
How to Use Colored Pencils-Eye Demonstration
How to use colored pencils. Colored pencil drawing of an eye. Video demonstration.
Ball Point Pen Drawing- How to Draw with a Ball Point Pen
ball point pen, drawing, how to draw, art lessons, free, pens, ink, skull drawing,
Still Life Sketch with Pastels
How to draw a still life sketch in pastels, pastel pencils. Video tutorial.
Drawing with Sticks- Non-Traditional Drawing Methods
Drawing with sticks and stones and other non-traditional drawing tools and methods.
The Elements of Art- Space
Space- Fundamental element of art. Learn about space in terms of art.
Scratchboard Etching-Scrapeboard
Learn how to create a scratchboard etching in this video tutorial.
Transfer a Drawing with Graphite
Learn how to transfer a drawing using graphite in this video art lesson
Watercolor Techniques-Watercolor Sketch
Learn how to create watercolor paintings with this free video art lesson. Watercolor techniques tutorial.
How to Lift or Remove Watercolor- Techniques- How to Paint Clouds
How to lift, remove, erase watercolor paint- watercolor techniques- painting with bleach. Video Tutorial.
How to Draw Rocks-Video Tutorial
How to draw rocks . Learn how to draw realistic rocks in this video tutorial.
Watercolor Painting of a Trout Time Lapse-Video Tutorial
Time lapse video of a watercolor painting of a trout from live lesson recorded on September 19, 2012.
Pencil Drawing of a Bird Time Lapse-Video Tutorial
Pencil drawing of a bird. Time lapse of a pencil drawing of a bird from a recorded live lesson. Video drawing tutorial.
How to Draw Wrinkles in Fabric-Video Demonstration
How to draw wrinkles in fabric. Drawing demonstration-Video tutorial.
How to Draw a Tree From Imagination - From Live Lesson
How to draw a tree from imagination. This time lapse video was taken from a live webinar recorded on August 30, 2012. It illustrates a tree drawn from imagination using colored pencils.
Cityscape Painting in Acrylics Time Lapse-Video Tutorial
Cityscape in Acrylics. Time lapse of an acrylic painting of a cityscape from a recorded live lesson. Video painting tutorial.
Colored Pencil Drawing of a Frog-From Live Video Tutorial
Colored pencil drawing of a tree frog. Video excerpts of a colored pencil drawing of a green tree frog from a recorded live lesson. Video drawing tutorial.
How to Draw a Reflective Surface-Sphere-Video Tutorial
Learn how to draw a reflective surface in this video drawing lesson. How to draw a reflective sphere.
Pastel Landscape Sketch- From Live Lesson
How to draw a pastel landscape. This time lapse video was taken from a live webinar recorded on September 12, 2012. It illustrates a a pastel landscape sketch of rocks, water, and trees.
Subject: Portraits
Learn how to draw and paint portraits with this collection of tutorials on portraiture.
Subject: Landscapes
Learn how to create landscapes with this collection of tutorials on landscape drawing and painting.
Drawing With Pastel Pencils
How to draw with pastel pencils. An overview of using pastel pencils to create colorful drawings.
Oil Pastel Drawing of a Race Car Time Lapse-Video Tutorial
Oil pastel drawing of a race car. Time lapse of a oil pastel drawing of a race car from a recorded live lesson. Video drawing tutorial.
Oil Pastel Portrait Drawing Time Lapse-Video Tutorial
Oil pastel portrait drawing. Time lapse of a oil pastel portrait drawing from a 1 hour live lesson. Video drawing tutorial.
Charcoal Still Life - Drawing Tutorial
Learn how to draw with white and black charcoal on gray drawing paper in this tutorial that features excerpts from a one hour live demonstration.
Swiffy Output
Conté Crayon Drawing of a Landscape from Live Lesson - Video Tutorial
Conté Drawing of a landscape. Learn how to use black and white conté to create a dramatic landscape in this video drawing tutorial.
Painting Courses
Learn how to paint with our extensive painting courses on watercolor, acrylics, oils, pastels, and more.
How to Draw an Eye-Pen and Ink-Video Tutorial
How to draw an eye with pen and ink using traditional ink techniques such as hatching and cross hatching.
How to Draw a Portrait with Oil Pastels-Video Tutorial
Learn how to draw a portrait with Oil Pastels in this video drawing lesson. How to draw a face with oil pastels.
Miniature Watercolor Painting-Video Tutorial
Miniature watercolor painting. Learn how to create a mini watercolor painting of a golf course.
Watercolor and Pen and Ink Tutorial Live Lesson Excerpts
Watercolor and Pen and Ink drawing demonstration and tutorial. Excerpts of video from a recorded live lesson. Video drawing and painting tutorial.
Artistic Approach to Crayon Etching Time Lapse-Video Tutorial
An artistic approach to crayon etching. Time lapse of a landscape of a crayon etching from a recorded live lesson. Video drawing tutorial.
Pen and Ink Landscape Drawing Tutorial
Pen and ink ladscape drawing tutorial. Learn how to create the illusion of texture using line in this tutorial that features video excerpts of a 1 hour lesson.
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Drawing Natural Textures with Ink Liners
Learn how to draw natural textures with pen and ink liners in this in-depth step by step drawing tutorial that features a woodland creature in a magical forest.
How to Sketch a Crab - 30 Minute Drawing Exercise
Learn how to draw a crab in this 30 minute drawing exercise that shows you how to simplify the subject into easy to draw shapes. Add the contour lines and a bit
How to See Like an Artist
Artists see the world differently. Learning how to draw is really learning how to see. Here are the keys to learning how to see like an artist.
The Virtual Instructor-Art Lesson Blog
Art Lessons, Drawing and Painting Tutorials, Education and More
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Balance - A Principle of Art
Balance in art heavily influences your composition. Discover the different forms including symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial balance and learn how to use it
7 Must Have Pen and Ink Supplies
The appeal of pen and ink drawing is found in the strong contrast, the emphasis placed on the mark, and the challenge of permanence since ink cannot be erased
5 Tips For Better Compositions
I used to play in several bands. I am a drummer and although drummers don't really receive the same respect as the other musicians, we are still very much
Introduce Students to Texture
Texture refers mostly to tactility. It is mostly measured in three dimensions. However, it can be experienced as an illusion when it is drawn or painted. The
How to Draw Texture
Learn the key components to creating realistic and invented textures in your drawings in this post that explores the concept of texture in great detail.
The Expressive Qualities of Line
Learn how line can be used to communicate expression in this lesson.
Observational Drawing - Draw and Paint What You See
When it comes to observational drawing, you've probably heard to simply "draw what you see." The problem is you have to know what to look for and make sense of
Photo References for Drawing Reflective Surfaces
Learn how to draw reflective surfaces by understanding how we see reflection. Photo references for practicing drawing reflective, shiny metal.
Improve Your Drawing Skills in 6 Days
Drawing is foundational to any form of art-making. It doesn't matter if you consider yourself to be a painter, printmaker, or sculptor, drawing is part of the
7 Drawing Techniques For Accuracy
There are several drawing techniques that the artist can use to ensure accuracy. Combined with observation, these drawing techniques can improve your portraits,
The Art of Teaching Art
Art education can be a challenging profession, but effective art teachers share certain characteristics. This post examines these characteristics and shares how
101 Sketchbook Ideas
Not sure what to draw? Get inspired with this list of 101 challenging things to draw. These are great sketchbook ideas.
How to Know When an Artwork is Finished
For some, knowing how to start is the difficult part, for others it's when to stop. Here's how to know when your art is finished and when to put down the paint
How to Sketch a Bird - 30 Minute Drawing Exercise
Learn how to draw a bird using basic shapes and complete the drawing in just under 30 minutes. This lesson shows you how it's done.
Sketching a Frog – 30 Minute Drawing Exercise
Sketching a Paint Tube – 30 Minute Drawing Exercise
Sketching a Skull – 30 Minute Drawing Exercise
Create a quick sketch of a skull within 30 minutes using basic shapes and forms. Improve your drawing skills with a daily sketching habit.
The Difference Between Sketching and Drawing
What's the difference between drawing and sketching? Can I draw in a sketchpad and sketch in a drawing pad? Why does this confusion exist?
Drawing Pencils Comparison Chart
. They are high quality pencils that are easy to grip and are by far, my favorite. You'll find a consistent mark across all of the grades and sharpening is a
Colored Pencil Comparison Chart - What brands are best?
An unbiased comparison of colored pencil brands based on professional artistic experience. Find out what pencils are best for beginners or advanced artists
All About Drawing Papers
Your drawing paper is the foundation for your artwork. This article examines the characteristics of drawing papers and surfaces and how they can affect the mark
Digital Painting with Procreate
Procreate is a powerful tool for painting and drawing digitally. Learn about its features and how this app is designed for traditional and digital artists alike
Drawing Political Cartoons Using Procreate – Start To Finish
Political cartoonist, Ashley Hurst shares his process for creating political cartoons using the app, Procreate. I remember the world before Photoshop, iPads and
Painting in Virtual Reality with Google Tilt Brush
Paint in virtual reality with Google Tilt Brush. Get introduced to this new experience of making art and learn why this new medium opens up a world of new
Drawing With Adobe Sketch
Three drawing demonstrations working in the Adobe Sketch App. Each demonstration features a different approach to using the app with different artists and
Create an Environment That is Best For Teaching and Learning Art
Creating an environment that is ideal for teaching and learning art is important. Here are two factors that will ensure student success.
5 Reasons Why You Can't Draw
Here's five reasons why you can't draw. Drawing is a skill and anybody can do it. Are these five things holding you back from drawing better?
Thoughts on Drawing
Drawing is one of the oldest and deepest means of communication and expression. What do your drawings say?
Look Closer for Abstraction in Art
If you are looking to give abstraction a go but consider yourself a realistic artist, consider taking a closer look at your subject- a lot closer look.
How to Become a Better Artist
Becoming a better artist starts with wanting to be a great artist. How you define a great artist determines the path to becoming a better artist.
Why You Need a Website as an Artist
Get your art on the internet by creating your own Artist Portfolio Website.
Still Life Photo References - Harmonious Arrangements
A collection of still life photo references for drawing and painting and a few tips on how to photograph your own still life arrangements.
5 Grips for Holding a Pencil for Drawing - My Favorite Grip is #2
Learn how to hold a pencil for drawing. Implement these grips in your drawing and watch your drawings improve.
Optical Color Mixing
Optical color mixing is a phenomenon that happens when a viewer perceives color in an image as a result of two or more colors that are positioned next to, or
Color Wheel Chart for Teachers and Students
Free Color Wheel Chart for download for teachers, students, and artists.
How Do You Evaluate Art?
How do you evaluate art? Should there be a standard for evaluating art?
Teach Harmony and Unity in Art with a Game
Play a game to teach harmony and unity in art.
Four Exercises To Improve Your Drawing
Practice and improve your drawing skills with these four drawing exercises designed to improve your abilities.
How to Paint Texture
Learn the secrets to creating the illusion of texture in a painting. It's all about value and mark making. Here's how you can create variety in your mark making
How to Choose the Right Background Color for Your Paintings
How do you pick a good color for the background in your paintings or colored drawings? Of course, you may consider color theory, but what if you want to
How to Match Colors in a Painting
Learn how to mix colors to match your subject in a painting by using this simple and easy process that uses just a few primary colors.
Using Water Mixable Oil Paint For The First Time
Water mixable oils are a suitable alternative for painting with traditional oil paints. Accomplished oil painter, Ashley Hurst uses this medium for the first
Painting on Panel - Paint like the Old Masters
While stretched canvas is the most popular option, many painters are returning to surfaces that the Old Masters used such as gessoed panel which provides more
The Results Are In. The Next Course Is…
As many of you already know, one of the goals of this website is to bring you the highest quality art instruction that covers a widely diverse spectrum of art
What Course Would You Like To See Next?
"Creative Mixed Media" is now complete, making it the ninth complete course added to our library of courses - which are all available to members. The addition
Turn a Photo into a Painting for Free
Find out how to use this free online program to create awesome digital paintings that look like real oil paintings. Turn any photo into a painting in just a
Vector vs. Bitmap
Ever wonder why Photoshop and Illustrator work so differently? Part of the reason is how these programs create an image. This post takes a look at the
Vote for the Next Course
"Pencil Drawing - The Guide to Graphite" is now complete, making it the eleventh complete course added to our library of courses - which are all available to
Low Relief Sculpture
Learn how to create a low relief sculpture using minimal tools and inexpensive materials in this art lesson and lesson plan idea.
How to Clean Art Paint Brushes
Learn how to clean and care for your art brushes. Watercolor, acrylics, and oils can all destroy a brush if left within the bristles. This post explores
The Multiple Rights of Art
We've all been taught throughout our lives there is one right answer to problems. There is the "correct" answer and then an infinite number of incorrect answers
How To Make A Boring Subject Exciting In A Drawing or Painting
The subjects we choose to depict in our art often contribute to the success or failure of the piece. Sometimes we put so much emphasis on our subject that it
How to Sign Your Artwork
Confused on how to sign artwork after you've completed the work? Here are several things to consider before you place your mark on your art.
Colored Pencils vs. Watercolor Pencils vs. The Others
It's great that there are so many different forms of colored media out there for artists to use. Many are produced in pencil form, attracting the multitudes
Art Supplies for Beginners
A list of art supplies for beginning artists for various categories of visual art.
9 Must Have Colored Pencil Supplies
Whether you're just starting out with colored pencils, or if you've been at it for a while, there are several materials and supplies that I consider to be "must
11 Must Have Watercolor Supplies
Essential tools, materials, and supplies for watercolor painting. Do you have these items in your tool box?
The Best Drawing Pen - It's Not What You Think
Is there a pen that will actually improve your drawing as you use it? I think there is, and in this post, we take a look at how using this pen may lead to
The Best Books for Learning How to Draw
Here's a short list of the best books for learning how to draw for all skill levels - beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
The 30 Day Sketchbook Challenge – Winner Announcement
Thank you to all of you that participated in "The 30 Day Sketchbook Challenge". 60 of you posted your work on the forum, and I'm sure many more participated
How to Teach Movement to Art Students
Teach students the various ways artists convey and use movement in their artworks.
Portfolio Tips
Portfolio tips for visual artists.
Some Interesting Facts about Color
Interesting facts about about how color affects us physically and psychologically.
Perfectionism - The Enemy of the Artist
Why can't I finish an artwork? Why do I make so many mistakes? These are questions posed by the enemy of the artist. The enemy known as perfectionism. Learn how
Teach Color Theory with the Interactive Color Wheel
Here's a cool way to teach color theory in the classroom with this interactive color wheel.
Introduce Students or Yourself to Animation with Stop Motion Animation
Get your feet wet in the world of animation by creating a stop motion animation.
Teach Your Students Video Game Design With Scratch
Include video game design in your visual art curriculum with this free downloadable program from MIT called "Scratch".
Six Reasons to Draw on Toned Paper
Why draw on toned paper? Drawing on toned paper produces more realistic results, encourages a full range of value, increases your speed and more.
Different Types of Erasers
All about the different types of erasers used by artists.
Why You Believe You Can't Draw and What To Do About It
Why is it that such a large majority of people believe that they simply cannot draw? What exactly happens to us that makes us believe this untrue statement? If
Art Education-Process vs. Product
Which is more important in art education, process or product?
More Fun with Complementary Colors
Learn how complementary colors can be used to create optical illusions and interesting effects.
Want to Learn How to Paint? Better Learn How to Draw.
Learning how to paint goes hand in hand with learning how to draw. Drawing is fundamental to learning how to paint. Want to learn painting, better start with
Making a Game of Color Theory
Color theory can be incredibly complex, but a new game has made it much more fun to play around with. Can you match the hue, saturation, and color scheme in the
Photo References for Drawing and Painting - Fruit
Photo references for drawing or painting. Here are a few full color photo reference images that you can use in your art.
Drawing Glass - Reference Photos for Drawing and Painting
Learn how to create reflection and transparency through intensity and contrast when drawing glass. Then practice this concept with these photo references.
Forms for Drawing
When it comes to drawing and painting, there's no denying that value is important. Value is the darkness or lightness of a color. It is value that informs us on
More Drawing Exercises
Looking for a few drawing exercises that will improve your skills? Here's a few that will help you out.
Oil-Based vs Wax-Based Colored Pencils
Learn the differences and similarities between wax-based and oil-based colored pencils. Which type of colored pencil is best for you?
Observation Drills to Improve Representational Drawing
Think Like a Sculptor to Improve Drawing
Thinking like a sculptor might help improve your drawing skills.
Improve Your Drawing Without Picking Up a Pencil
There's much more to drawing other than making marks on the surface. In fact, drawing is very much a mental activity. Here are 3 ways that you can help to train
Improve Your Drawing Skills By Developing a Habit
Want to see visible improvement in your drawing skills? Developing a drawing habit is one of the best ways to see noticeable improvement in your drawing skills.
Is It OK to Draw and Paint From Photos?
Should you draw from photos or draw from life? Which approach improves your drawing skills and when is it appropriate to draw and paint using photos as a
Reverse Perspective - Perspective that Moves
Artist Patrick Hughes developed "Reverspective", a method of painting that creates a dramatic illusion of space through the use of linear perspective and relief
The #1 Drawing Mistake Plus 7 More
Mistakes are expected when learning any skill. Some are unavoidable while a few are easily avoided. Here are 8 common drawing mistakes made by beginners and how
Essentials of Oil Painting
Learn 8 essentials and tools used for oil painting in this article. Number 8 is perhaps the most important.
Teaching Art - 7 Ways to Start the Year Off Right
As a teacher, you need to start the year off right. Here are 7 things that you can do to make the school year awesome.
How to Teach Visual Art Effectively
Art is a discipline that can be taught. In fact, I believe that anyone can be taught to be a good artist. If I didn't believe that as an art teacher, I would be
How to Present a New Art Lesson
Avoid the pitfalls of lesson failure by following these steps to art lesson success.
Why Art Teachers are The Most Important Teachers in the School
I know that I'll be sparking quite a bit of controversy in this post, but I feel that in light of recent budget cuts and a general misunderstanding about what
Learn 3D Computer Animation for Free
Think you have to pay thousands of dollars to create stunning 3D animations? Think again. You can learn 3D animation with a free program called Blender 3D.
The Technology Divide in Education
Classroom teaching must change to meet the demands of student learning. We must narrow the technology divide in education to meet the needs of our students.
The Watercolor Workshop Modules
As most of you are probably aware, the next course is right around the corner for members. You guys voted, and a course on watercolor painting was the
The Creative Process
As artists, we all approach how we create differently. However, there are steps that most of us follow to produce art, the creative process.
Break the Rules With Your Art
I'm a rule follower. In fact, I'm a rule follower to a fault. I never wanted to risk "getting in trouble", and as a result, I probably missed out on some
How to Grade Artwork
Grading artwork has traditionally been a subjective activity. This can cause problems for art teachers, especially when questions arise about where the grade
How to Photograph Artwork
Learn how to digitally adjust photos of artwork to make them look more like the original in this quick tutorial for artists, teachers, and student.
Why Isn't My Artwork Selling?
Why isn't your artwork selling? Well there are several possible answers to this question. Determining the reason why you're not selling your artwork is the
Landscape Drawing with Colored Pencils – Excerpts
Markers and Colored Pencils - Time Lapse Drawing
Use alcohol-based markers as an underpainting and combine them with colored pencils to create realistic drawings. Save time and speed up your colored pencil
Charcoal Animation
Artist William Kentridge creates his own unique form of animation by by using the traditional drawing medium of charcoal.
Value vs. Intensity
Although similar, value and intensity are clearly different. When it comes to drawing and painting, it is important to understand these differences.
The Stages of Artistic Development
The stages of artistic development in children and how understanding them can help you be a better artist or educator.
Photo References for Drawing and Painting
An extensive listing of photo references that are handy for practicing your drawing and painting skills.
Implied Lines in Drawing - Losing the Edges
In drawing, the line that we draw is seldom the line that we see. Learn how to understand implied lines and how to use them in your drawings.
How to Mix Skin Tones
Learn how to mix accurate skin tones in this breakdown of how to mix any skin tone. It only takes four colors.
Prevent Colored Pencil Wax Bloom
A waxy white haze on your colored pencil drawing? That's called "wax bloom" and here's how to prevent it and keep it from happening again.
Artistic Confidence-Why You Need It and How to Grow It
Confidence in your art is important for success. Here's how to develop confidence in what you create and how you create it.
Colored Pencil Product Review – Prismacolor Premier
Quality can also be spelled P-r-i-s-m-a-c-o-l-o-r. (Yes, I know that spells Prismacolor) And if you're looking for the highest quality colored pencils, then
Pushing Contrast in Value in Art
In drawing and painting, the contrast in value of the subject and the surrounding objects can affect the perceived value of the scene. Simply changing the
Understanding Your Learning Style
Are you an observational, cognitive, or conditional learner? Understanding your learning style will help you learn how to draw and paint more efficiently.
Improve Creativity by Changing Your Thinking
Want to become more creative? Here's an eye-opening thinking exercise that will help you change your mind's way of thinking that will lead to improved
Fun with Complementary Colors
Check out this optical illusion created by complementary colors.
10 Essential Drawing Materials and Tools for Beginners
Here are the essential drawing materials for beginners. This list is for artists ready to get serious about their drawing tools.
Charcoal Landscape Live Lesson Excerpts
In this video, we explore the process of creating a landscape drawing with charcoal. Vine and compressed charcoal are used to create a wooded scene.
How to Draw Marbles – Lesson Excerpts
Learn how to create the illusion of reflection and transparency in a graphite drawing by positioning shapes of tone and value.
5 Things I Never Learned in Art School
It's been a while since I graduated from college, but what I learned and what I didn't is still a clear memory. I think that time often allows us to look back
How To Make Time For Your Art
If learning how to draw and paint is a priority to you, then finding time to pursue it should be paramount. Here are several strategies for making time for your
How To Build a Photo Box
Learn how to build a reconfigurable photo box for photographing your still life compositions, small sculpture, and jewelry in this video and step by step lesson
Drawing Tips - The Winner
The best drawing tip from those that were submitted. Want to develop as an artist? This tip will help you grow.
Be Creative, Have Some Fun, Draw a Stick Figure
One creative company has taken the good 'ole stick figure and animated him into a story. The catch here is that you draw the stick figure and all of the tools
The Importance of Encouraging Students
I was working with a student the other day that was struggling with drawing. Nothing I said to him or showed him seemed to help. His response was always, "I
Interview with Artist Veronica Winters
Colored pencil and oil artist, Veronica Winters discusses how she became an artist, her influences, and her instructional books
Talent is a Myth
There is no such thing as talent-just desire. If you have desire, can do anything.
10 Quick Tips on Drawing
10 Easy to apply tips to make your drawings better.
Art and Academics- Blurring the Lines
Many teachers are exploring new ways to teach academic subjects to students including using the arts.
Visual Artists and Stereotypes
There are stereotypes that follow every profession. There are unfortunately a lot of stereotypes associated with being a visual artist.
Sculpting Materials for Beginners
Looking for some inexpensive, easy to find, and safe materials for beginning sculptors? This list of sculpting materials will get you started.
Is Illustration Art?
The division between Fine Art and Illustration is silly. It's all Art, or is it?
Build an Portfolio Website Without Coding - A Complete Guide
Learn how to build a portfolio website step by step without knowing a bit of coding. Follow this guide and you can have your portfolio online in as little as 30
Fighting Artistic Limitations
Managing Limitations Limitations are a part of our daily lives. It's the reality of life - right? You can do this - you can't do that. We are all used to this,
Artist Postcard Contest
Enter to win drawing supplies and a lifetime membership to TheVirtualInstructor.com. Just send me your best artist postcard!
Cymatics-The Art of Sound
Cymatics-The connection between science and art. Images of Sound, making visual art from the unseen.
Technology and The Arts-The Need for an Educational Revolution
Public Education is in trouble and without reform, may become extinct. Could technology and the Arts be the answer?
Color Wheel Chart for Values
Knowing where colors are found on the color wheel is just one step to understanding color theory. You must also understand practical applications of using color
The Steps to Art Criticism
Understanding the steps to art criticism and implementing them in critique will help you become a better artist.
Holiday Video Game
Have a look at a recent animation project that I did with my students- Santa vs Aliens
How To Varnish And Protect Paintings
Learn how to varnish and protect your paintings and improve their appearance. See why this important step in the painting process should not be overlooked.
How to Prevent Artist's Tape From Damaging Your Paper
Artist's tape or masking tape can produce clean edges around your art, but it can also destroy the paper when you remove it. Learn how you can prevent this
The New Blue – YInMn – A Brilliant Primary is Born
The new blue is here. YInMn Blue, also called Oregon Blue and YinMin Blue has been discovered. This vibrant blue may prove to be one of the most significant
You Voted. The Next Course Is…
This site is designed, constructed, and lovingly crafted for you. It is my goal to serve you as student. A big part of achieving this is learning from you. I
The Results Are In. The Next Course is…
Most of you know that my goal as a teacher is to serve you as students. Part of this is teaching you what you want to learn. Each course that has been developed
Time To Vote On The Next Course
"Portrait Drawing The Smart Way" is now complete making it the latest addition to the collection of comprehensive courses offered here at TheVirtualInstructor
Interactive Starry Night - Teach Students Movement in Art
Interactive Starry Night by artist Petros Vrellis can teach us about movement in visual art and help our students understand the concept as well.
No Tablet? Draw with the Mouse
Don't have a tablet? So what! You can still create great drawings in Adobe Photoshop without a tablet. All it takes is a good understanding of the tools
The Next Course is…
Members of TheVirtualInstructor.com are able to vote on what courses are developed as part of the membership program. Voting takes place as the development and
K'nex - Can a Child's Toy Be Art?
The engineering toy, K'nex can be used to create incredible kinetic works of art. Here's a couple amazing creations by some unique and inventive individuals.
Artistic Inspiration
Finding inspiration for artworks can be more challenging then creating the artworks themselves. Here's a little bit of advice on harnessing ideas as you get
How to Become an Architect
Architecture refers to both the process of designing and building structures as well as the finished structures themselves. The designers that design the
Art Not Improving? These May Be The Reasons Why
If you're not seeing much improvement in your art, it may have something to do with how you are approaching it. In this post, we explore the reasons why you may
Real Masters Are Life-Long Learners
Masters know that learning art is a life long endeavor. Learning doesn't end when you reach a certain level of skill. Here are a few strategies for continued
The Importance of Critique in Art
Does the sound of critique make you scared? It shouldn't. Critique in art is one of the most important ways we can improve as artists.
Embrace Your Artistic Style
In art, your style belongs to you. Embrace it. Develop it. Learn to accept your personal style and let it work for you.
How to Draw From Memory
Drawing from observation is fairly direct. It demands a level of practice and develops over time, but the process itself is straight-forward. We observe the
Is It OK to Trace in Art?
It is considered cheating to trace when you are creating art? Many artists do it, and many more have done it throughout history. But is it wrong to do so?
How to Make Prints of Your Art
The barriers for an artist to enter the print market are eroding fast and anyone can start selling their own prints with a small investment of time and money.
Dealing With Artistic Frustration – When Things Don't Go Your Way
Ever feel frustrated when you are in the middle of creating? Ever sit down with an enormous amount of inspiration only to become discouraged when your materials
How to Organize Art Supplies
Here's a look at a few tips for organizing art supplies including the containers that I use to keep my supplies in good order.
We Can All Be Masters
It's easy to watch a master draw and think that their actions are almost magical. The lines are made with such accuracy and the marks, gracefully executed. The
30 Day Sketchbook Challenge
Draw one sketch in your sketchbook every day for 30 days and watch how dramatically your drawing skills improve. Learn more about the challenge here.
Artist Postcard Results
Another artistically-inspired contest has come to an end with a winner! I hope to make the art postcard contest an annual event from here on out. Thank you to
Industrial Design-The Art of Objects
Industrial Design is the art of objects. But what makes for good Industrial Design?
Why Be an Art Major
Students ask me all the time, "Why should I be an Art major?". They need some convincing and they are searching for it from me. I've also seen a lot of students
Top 10 Most Influential Visual Artists of All Time
Here's a list of The Most Influential Artists of All Time and a short list of who they influenced or inspired.
How to Price Your Art
How much should you charge for your artwork? I'll attempt to answer this tough question here.
Drawing on a Flat or Tilted Surface - Which Angle is Best?
While most of us are comfortable with drawing on a flat surface, is drawing on a tilted surface a better option? In this post, we'll look at the pros and cons
Ceramics Classroom Floor Plan
Here is a look at how you can plan an effective classroom space specific for teaching ceramics.
How to Market and Sell Your Art - A Guide
Learn how to leverage the internet and social media to start selling your art with success online.
Whole Lotta Changing Going On
A lot can happen in three years. Since starting TheVirtualInstructor, many changes have taken place. Here's a brief look at the history...
Going Beyond Our "Comfort Zone" in Art
Don't limit yourself as an artist. Learn to go beyond your "comfort zone" to grow artistically.
8 Painting Websites and Resources for Artists
Great painting websites are sometimes hard to find. Here are 8 great online resources for artists looking for tutorials and inspiration.
Try Something New in Your Drawings
Create drawings with non-traditional drawing tools and techniques
7 Ways to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
Sometimes as artists we get stuck. It happens to all of us. Either our motivation is lacking or our inspiration is missing. If you're experiencing this, there's
Understanding Abstract Art
Most distaste of abstract art stems from a misunderstanding. Knowing what it's all about will lead to a greater appreciation of this genre of art.
Why are Art Programs are Being Cut?
Why can't there be more lawmakers that understand the importance of Art Education?
Drawing Websites - Unique and Creative
A collection of 5 unique and creative drawing websites to inspire, improve, and challenge your drawing.
Pastel Portrait Drawing - Speed Painting
How to paint or draw a portrait of a young girl with pastels and pastel pencils. Watch as this portrait is developed from start to finish.
Try a New Art Medium
As artists we often confine ourselves to a specific medium. It may be time to try a new art medium and discover what we've been missing. Here's why it's time to
Crush Artist Block
Learn how to overcome artist block and let your creativity shine. Work S.M.A.R.T. to make sure that artist block doesn't stop you from creating.
5 Things I Learned in Art School
Art school isn't always what everyone expects it be. But I did learn a few valuable things that have developed me into the artist that I am today. Here are 5
Sell Your Art on Etsy
Learn how to set up your Etsy shop, promote your shop, and start selling your art online.
How to Become a Graphic Designer
Want to make art for a living? You can by becoming a graphic designer. Find out what it takes to be one and what a graphic designer does in this post on this
7 Characteristics of Successful Artists
What defines an artist? Is it skill or something else? Here's a look at seven characteristics shared by many successful artists that can be acquired by anyone.
What's Art Therapy All About?
I'm an artist and a skeptic of art therapy. But there's more than a few benefits to art therapy and this post takes a look at some of them.
The Inner Artistic Struggle We All Fight
Every artist, no matter what their skill level struggles with feelings of doubt and inadequacies. How you overcome them says a lot about who you are as an
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