Art Prof
Part 2: This video demonstrates how to sculpt a small scale foot using plastilene, an oil based clay that is flexible and safe for home art studios. Working from custom reference photos for the sculpture, techniques such as how to build up the base and structure of the sculpture and articulate the skeletal structure are […]
This is the art challenge if you want to level up your figure drawing skills! The 2500 Drawing Challenge consist of drawing 1000 heads, 500 arms (including hands), 500 legs (including feet), 250 hands, and 250 feet. This video provides tips for how to complete the challenge, and the many benefits and skills you will […]
This video demonstrates how to illustrate a plate of cookies using soft pastel. Starting with a quick thumbnail sketch, decisions about composition, creating depth and emphasis are discussed. Techniques shown in soft pastel include how to layer colors, how to create gradients and blend to get specific colors, and how to create a balance of […]
This video provides specific, concrete tips for increasing your growth as an artist on Instagram, by navigating through 2 artist Instagram accounts. Identifying aspects such as the photographs, text captions, the flow and diversity of content are all important in evaluating the effectiveness of an artist’s Instagram. Discussion led by Prof Lieu, who critiques Instagram […]
This video demonstrates how to paint a mountain landscape using acryl gouache and watercolor pencils. Techniques for creating a convincing sense of depth and atmosphere in the landscape such as atmospheric perspective and brush work are explained and shown. Demo led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artist Alex Rowe. Video Walkthrough Prof Lieu’s […]
This two part series demonstrates from beginning to end how to sculpt a small scale foot without using a wire armature. The clay used in this series is plastilene, an oil based clay that is flexible and safe for home art studios. Working from custom reference photos that were shot specifically for the sculpture from […]
How do you know if a contract you received as an artist is fair? This video addresses how to spot red flags in contracts when doing freelance work, commissions, and more as an artist. You’ll learn how to negotiate terms in your creative projects that won’t let companies and clients take advantage of you! Discussion […]
What is a “bad” abstract composition? This video shows a broad range of abstract paintings, and the opinions of several artists as to why the compositions are effective or not. The opinion of each artist on the abstract composition then stimulates a discussion on why a specific abstract composition is successful or not. Discussion led […]
The complete Business Curriculum for Self-taught Artists is a series of 2 videos. The Curriculum’s document is a complementary resource for both videos. Business Part 1 Business Part 2
Fan Art is often where many young artists begin, but there’s a time and place for it, and inevitably copyright issues and ownership make it a more complicated subject. Read high school student Iris Yip’s short article on the subject or watch Art Prof’s in depth video with Teaching Artists Cat Huang and Jordan McCracken-Foster. […]
See how to begin and develop an abstract painting composition with acrylic paints, starting with collage as a prompt, from beginning to end. This video demos the process of how to come up with an idea for an abstract painting, determining the tools and techniques to be used, and how to layer and push the […]
First steps This video provides all the info you need to start exhibiting your artwork in galleries and other venues. There are a wide range of opportunities for artists, but you need to do the research to figure out what exhibition venue is the best fit for you! You can try juried exhibitions, you can […]
This video provides tips on how an artist can balance their artwork on their Instagram and website, in a way that maximizes each platform and complements the other at the same time. Artist Tina Figarelli’s website and Instagram are featured as an example of how content can be organized, presented, and delivered within the context […]
This explains the most important muscles on the upper back torso of the figure for artists to be able to draw and recognize. Muscles covered include the deltoid, latissimus dorsi, teres major, infraspinatus, and the trapezius. The relationship of these muscles to the bony landmarks, how they overlap on top of each other is covered […]
This video critiques a digital illustration portfolio by Bryan Voell. Topics explored in this video include achieving a broader range of textures in digital media, how to push the full potential of what a background can offer, artwork titles, and the potential for integrating text into the images. Featured Artist Bryan Voell “I am an […]
How do you decide if you should get an MFA program in studio art? A lot of the decision is based on a number of factors, is enrolling in an MFA program worth the time and cost? This video addresses the many reasons why people attend MFA programs and weighs the pros and cons. Do […]
Draw a celebrity and transform them into a monster! Techniques in Procreate and oil pastel + colored pencil are shown here as a means to illustrating these monster portraits, and approaches to distortion, drawing a range of textures and forms are explained. Demo led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artist Deepti Menon. Video […]
This video provides specific, concrete tips for increasing your growth as an artist on Instagram, by navigating through 2 artist Instagram accounts. Identifying aspects such as the photographs, text captions, the flow and diversity of content are all important in evaluating the effectiveness of an artist’s Instagram. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu, who […]
This video demos exciting painting prompts to get you started creating abstract paintings in acrylic, using a wide range of techniques and tools for creating abstract paintings in acrylic paint. These prompts are a great way to jump start your process so you can get moving with your paintings. Demo by Art Prof Clara Lieu. […]
Texture is one of the Elements of Art that is readily seen in 3D artworks. Materials, surfaces in 3D artworks vary tremendously and contribute towards the character of an artwork. This video provides examples of contemporary art and images from art history where texture plays an integral role. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu […]
Avoid these mistakes when drawing the human figure: tracing the outline, drawing too dark too soon, leaving the hands and feet to the last minute and more. See these mistakes demonstrated, and followed up with more effective and efficient techniques for drawing the figure. using stills from Eadweard Muybridge’s book The Human Figure in Action. […]
Explore options for framing and hanging your artwork in an exhibition on a budget! This video provides many cheap options for installing artwork other than custom framing. Formats like plexiglass + L pins, push pins and clips can all be used for a clean, professional presentation. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching […]
This video demonstrates how to sculpt a small scale foot using plastilene, an oil based clay that is flexible and safe for home art studios. Working from custom reference photos for the sculpture, techniques such as how to build up the base and structure of the sculpture and articulate the skeletal structure are explained. Demonstration […]
Finding good reference photos for your artwork isn’t always easy! This video explains what specific qualities to look for when looking for reference photos for your art. Factors to consider include the resolution of the photo, lighting, focus, and more. Tips for sites that provide a diverse range of references are talked about as well. […]
Part 2 of a complete guide to running an art business as a self-taught artist. This video addresses fundamental concerns such as networking, non-art skills like public speaking, interviews, writing, self-promotion. Discussed as well is how to find support within a creative community, establishing a professional reputation in the field, dealing with copyright and legal […]
Part 1 of a complete guide to running an art business as a self-taught artist. This video addresses the reality of how consuming running an art business can be Discussed is the importance of determining your audience, figuring out exactly what you do (and don’t!) want to sell, how to research the market, how to […]
How do you start a page in your sketchbook when you don’t know what to draw, or feel unmotivated? (or both!) See a drawing demo which provides several prompts for how to get your creative juices flowing. Contrary to the sketchbooks you see on Instagram, real artist sketchbooks are a mess, full of scraps of […]
Art Prof Clara Lieu demonstrates water mixable oil painting techniques of a still life based on the complementary pair yellow and purple. This is a follow up exercise to a complementary color chart that Prof Lieu did in gouache to explore complementary colors. Prof Lieu talks about color saturation, value, composition, and more. Art Supplies […]
Art Prof Clara Lieu visits Goblin Valley in Southern Utah, where she paints 2 landscape paintings on site, blending watercolors and alcohol based brush pens. Next, Prof Lieu goes mushroom hunting with family in the mountains, bringing back gigantic mushrooms which serve as still life subjects to explore watercolor techniques including dry brushing and diverse […]
Art Prof Clara Lieu visits Mt. Pleasant, Widstoe, and Green River on the way to Southern Utah, where she paints on site using Winsor & Newton watercolors and alcohol based brush pens. Prof Lieu paints a “monument” of rocks in the desert, a fence with a patch of trees and a propane tank & watermelon […]
This video shows a wide range of techniques and tools for creating abstract paintings in acrylic paint. You’ll see how to create many visual effects in acrylic paint like how to achieve various types of textures, lines, strokes, and other unconventional tools. All of these techniques can be used to create a visual language to […]
Art Prof Clara Lieu and Guest Teaching Artist Song Kang demonstrate and explain all of the art supplies and drawing techniques you need to create a detailed scratchboard drawing from beginning to end. Song demonstrates the broad range of lines and marks you can make on scratchboard using an etching needle, a scraper, sandpaper, and […]