YouTube Tutorials
Ugh taking photos of artwork without a glare can be so frustrating! I have been trying to figure out a good technique and I've finally found one that just uses a little black paint and a piece of cardboard to make a glare-free setup.
If I can finally manage to get good shots of my resin layered 3D oil paintings then I’m sure you can too!
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originally published December 6, 2018
Painting melanin rich skin actually utilizes much of the same paint as any other skin tone, it's all in the quantities used. Today I'm going to share how to create a lovely vibrant variety of hues that I'm using in my next painting.
Here’s my palette all laid out. You definitely don’t have to match it exactly, but at least it gives you an idea of how to get started. In the video I talk more about the concepts of creating these tines rather that the actual paint mix ratios so you will be able to create these tones with whatever you have as well.
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originally published November 29, 2018
Knowing how much oil paint to use for your artwork can vary greatly depending on how much surface you are covering, how many layers you like to paint in, and how thick you lay down the application. Because of this there really is no right answer, it mostly comes with practice to learn how to waste as least as possible.
However I do have some paint-saving tips I will share with you today while mixing oil paint for an 'adult hand-sized' subject so that you can see the proportions I use for my own artworks.
And PS: This video comes partly from a question I got here on YT so feel free to leave them for me in the comments and I just might make a video just for you! Yay!
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originally published November 9, 2018
Oh boy, oh boy…. crunch time is nigh for my upcoming solo show at The Naughty Vegan Studio this Friday! Yikes!! (Get the info for my opening here!)
If you’re curious about the 1001 things I’m doing to prepare, and especially of you think you might put on your own art show one of these days, check out the four part series I created earlier this year called….
Part Two: How to Frame Your Paintings Inexpensively
Part Three: Preparing for Your Art Opening
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originally published October 30, 2018
It's absolutely essential to ergonomically set up any workspace you use on a regular basis to be kind to your back, neck, wrists, and knees. Many office and studio habits, although mellow, are actually terrible for your body and can cause strains, overuse, and even tendinitis.
Now I am no medically trained professional, but I have done a fair amount of research to create a safe and physically stress-free environment for my art-making as well as office work. Today I am sharing some easy and inexpensive ways to work efficiently and with your body's health in mind.
Advice
http://www.taylordergo.com/cushioned-wrist-rest-mouse-yay-nay/
https://lifehacker.com/how-to-ergonomically-optimize-your-workspace-30833302
Ergonomic Mouse
Ergonomic Chair
Hip Flexor/ Lower Back Stretches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg_66cTAVCc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie5SW9mqmuk
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originally published October 25, 2018
Improving your drawing before applying paint is key to a successful work. Trust me, you do not want to wait until you've got wet paint on your linen or canvas before correcting any compositional or structural issues.
The good news is that I've got 3 super easy tips for you to implement before, during and after your preliminary drawing to insure the strongest and most beautiful final piece possible.
If you didn't catch my previous 'Rule of Thirds' + How to Make a Composition Grid tutorial you can find it here:
https://youtu.be/VvSAlq3ctkw
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originally published October 11, 2018
Howdy friends, today’s little tutorial is mostly geared towards beginner or possibly intermediate artists, and has to do with the famous ‘rule of thirds’ you’ve probably heard mentioned in the past.
Having strong composition within a piece of art is every bit as important as technical skill when appealing to an audience. Our eyes naturally flow in certain ways when taking in a scene so understanding how to direct and manipulate your viewers’ attention can have a huge subconscious effect on how your work is digested.
This is an incredibly simple and super inexpensive tool to make, yet totally invaluable to any art student, and will probably the easiest tutorial you’ll ever see on my channel! Enjoy!
wood picture frame*
ruler
sharpie
rubber bands
hammer
tack nails
pliers
*it’s important you get wood because plastic or particle will break and split if you try to hammer in tack nails
https://drawpaintacademy.com/rule-of-thirds-in-art/
https://www.creativebloq.com/art/how-use-rule-thirds-art-21619159
http://emptyeasel.com/2009/02/03/the-rule-of-thirds-why-it-works-and-how-to-use-it-in-your-art/
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originally published September 27, 2018
Howdy folks! Today I’ve got tutorial for you that has been requested a few times and I’m glad to finally share my secrets with you:)
Well, I guess this vid hasn’t been requested per se…. more like I’ve been asked about my specific practices for preparing my surface as well as creating the pre-drawing for a painting. It’s definitely a bit of a process, but as most artists will tell you, having your art materials just the way you like them is totally clutch.
Preparing a painting surface is usually specific to each artist. Many folks like to purchase their canvases already ready, while others of us prefer to create our own from scratch. I can tell you one reason (of many) that I choose to make my own: it gives me the ability to control my composition according to my desired measurements and scale specific to each piece. I'm not obligated to make my paintings fit a 12x16 or 16x24 inch mold, for example.
So hopefully this vid will answer the mystery of how a roll of my favorite Oil Primed Belgian Linen and a piece of hardwood can become a dreamy and oh-so-deluxe surface, perfect for oil painting and sturdy enough for layering acrylic resin.
**Need new art supplies? Any purchases through my special Dick Blick link helps to support this channel. Thank you!!**
Here’s where you can find the rolls of linen:
Or a much, much less costly pre-prepped panel if you’d like to try the linen before committing:
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originally published September 20, 2018
Painting dreadlocks in oil is simple but can be a bit time consuming. I've developed an easy technique that I'll be sharing with you today so you can just relax and enjoy the repetitive and meditative process when you decided to tackle some dreadhead art of your own.
Round 0 Brush
https://bit.ly/2nqr2Tx
Round 2 Brush
https://bit.ly/2KLpn3U
Fine Liner
https://bit.ly/2vyJ9eh
Naples Yellow
https://bit.ly/2toymBq
Yellow Ochre
https://bit.ly/2nsPvHv
Cadmium Orange
https://bit.ly/2vvrzb6
Raw Umber
https://bit.ly/2nr2jOA
Burnt Sienna
https://bit.ly/2OVAs5G
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originally published August 9, 2018
Ok so today's topic is super duper daunting to many artists, but it really should not be... I'm talking of course about writing an artist statement... Yikes!
Now I know this video is a bit longer than usual, but I didn't just want to share some boring blah checklist like you can find anywhere online. I want to motivate you and give examples and get you excited about talking about your artwork because Lesson One is literally that no one will get excited about your work unless you are first!
You should definitely watch the video first and then this handy dandy little list below is going to make a lot more sense. I just wanted to make sure that you as my audience have all the great info organized here so you don't necessarily have to take notes during the vid.
Hope that gets you started in the write direction! See what I did there ;) Happy brainstorming!
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originally published on August 2, 2018
