Hi, I'm Matt. I'm an artist and the creator of The Virtual Instructor. Let me first thank you for visiting! There is so much to learn here with well over 1000 art lessons! I created this page to help you get acquainted with all of the learning resources available. (Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this page to see all that's available to you.)
You'll find some of the best and most comprehensive tutorials and courses around, as well as great resources for teachers, students, and anyone wanting to learn and grow as artists. Since 2010, we've been able to help thousands of people just like you and have been featured in/on Professional Artist Magazine, Colored Pencil Magazine, Buzz Feed, and many podcasts.
Below you'll find links to all of the great content available with a description of each feature. New lessons and resources are added every week so if you want to "stay on top" of what's new, be sure to sign up for the free newsletter.
The Virtual Instructor provides tutorials on drawing, painting, mixed-media, and digital art. Many of the lessons are free, while some require membership. Nearly all of the tutorials feature a video demonstration and a written explanation of the concepts taught.
Drawing tutorials are categorized by medium and can be accessed by clicking on the "Drawing" tab in the main menu throughout the site.
Here are a few of the drawing categories that can be explored...
Painting tutorials are also categorized by medium. Painting tutorials can be accessed by clicking on the "Painting" tab in the main menu.
Here are a few of the painting categories that can be explored...
Beyond individual tutorials, you can also learn through our comprehensive courses. Each video course is segmented into "easy-to-digest" modules that include an HD video and an ebook. Courses follow a logical progression, make no assumptions about prior knowledge or experience, and are designed to maximize learning. All of the courses are included with membership.
Here are a few of the most popular courses...
Each week a new Live Lesson is streamed for an hour for members. Members are able to ask questions and make comments during the live demonstration.
Each Live Lesson is recorded and archived for members to watch later, so if you can't make it to the class, it is recorded for you. Members can access all of the past lessons and watch them as many times as they like. Currently, there are over 250 archived lessons with a new lesson added each week. Access to Live Lessons is included with membership.
You can access the Live Lessons by navigating to the "Live Lessons" tab in the menu or you can click here to view them all.
Here are a few of the most popular Live Lesson series...
The blog features articles on artistic motivation, tips on selling your art, teaching practices, links to great resources, drawing and painting philosophies, and much, much more. You can access the blog by clicking on the "Blog" tab in the main menu throughout the site.
Here are links to a few of the most popular posts from the blog...
Lesson plans are offered for teachers in a variety of media and subjects. Plans are categorized by level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each lesson can be amended for any skill level that you may teach. The lesson plans also make great resources for home school students and students that attend a school that doesn't offer a visual arts program.
Members have access to "The Ultimate Lesson Plan", a complete teaching tool for teachers. The Ultimate Lesson Plan is designed to be the ultimate collection of resources and organization of materials for teachers to use in their classroom. All of the lessons feature a cohesive design/theme and are logically sequenced to ensure student success.
Each lesson features a themed presentation (both PowerPoint and Keynote) and relevant instructional videos. Handouts are also included which are beautifully designed to match the presentation materials. Essential Questions, procedures, art history examples, student examples, and quizzes (where appropriate) are also included. The Ultimate Lesson Plan is included with membership.
All lesson plans can be accessed by clicking on the "Lesson Plans" tab in the main menu throughout the site.
The Member's Minute is a weekly video for members that features answers to your questions, a critique from member submitted art, and a bit of inspiration. Members are able to ask questions using a voice recording app and/or upload their work for critique. The Member's Minute provides a way for me to help individual members along their artistic journey.
You can ask your question or upload your work for critique here. If you're not a member, you can check out a free sneak peak of The Member's Minute here.
The Member's Minute is accessible on the member's dashboard page.
I am a teacher and an artist. I list "teacher" first because this is where I find my greatest joy. My life's purpose is to share what I have learned with others like you. All of these resources and this entire site was built out of a love of teaching and watching others grow. I hope that you'll find it helpful and that it brings you as much happiness as it has to me in the years that I've spent creating it.
Thanks for visiting,
You can learn more about me here.
