Art Prof
This is a comprehensive explanation of 3 point linear perspective, that distills the most essential elements. Hear a concrete breakdown of the process, including how to apply these skills into the context of an artwork, without your piece looking like a boring series of cubes in space! Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu. Video […]
Does the rule of thirds actually work? Or is it a bad technique that will limit what you can do with composition as an artist? Explained are the pros and cons of the rule of thirds, and the challenges of learning skills in composition. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artists Jordan […]
This video demos how to apply 1 point linear perspective principles in drawing, using Procreate, ink wash, and movie stills from Alfred Hitchcock films as reference images. Drawing techniques and Procreate and ink wash and a bamboo pen are explained, as well as how to identify the vanishing point, the vanishing lines, establish the horizon […]
Linear perspective can be captured quickly as a gesture drawing, it’s a great entry point to creating a loose cohesive view of the scene. This skill is very helpful in not getting caught up with creating a precise linear perspective drawing dictated by measurements and rulers. Demo by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artist […]
See how effective taking the time to shoot your own reference photos can be. Explained are ways to set up photos with lighting and point of view to create reference photos that can be used to create intricated figurative paintings. Discussion with Art Prof Clara Lieu with Guest Artist Owen Rival. Guest Artist Owen Rival […]
This video is a demo of how to draw thumbnails using several reference photos to create an original composition. See the process of how to merge the reference photos to create a dynamic landscape that shows depth. Demo led by Art Prof Clara Lieu. Video Walkthrough Prof Lieu’s Tips It’s common for people to know […]
This video explains how lighting can be used in paintings to show form in a portrait. You’ll see how to break down the specifics of light and shadow: direct light, reflected light, shadow core, types of shadows, how light effects color. Lighting can establish a mood or narrative for a painting, and more. Lecture by […]
This video explains the bone structure on the back torso of the human figure, and how that anatomical information can be used to enhance your figure drawing skills. Bones explained in this video include the scapulae, acromion process, manubrium, seventh cervical vertebrae, the ilium, the iliac crest, posterior superior iliac spine, the sacrum, and the […]
This video is a demo which shows approaches to brainstorming as an artist. How do you start with an idea and develop it into a viable piece of artwork? Several brainstorming exercises are shown, including drawing mind maps, how to research topics, search for reference photos, draw thumbnail sketches, and more. Demo led by Art […]
While every student has their weaknesses they’re working on, the one skill that none of my students seem to have experience with across the board is brainstorming. Even strong students who have exceptional drawing skills struggle tremendously with brainstorming. In fact, many of these students have an even tougher time because they’ve been using their drawing […]
This video provides a comprehensive explanation of the structure of the human hand. It explains how to subdivide the hand into its major parts. These large sections of the hand are then broken down into smaller forms, including the metacarpals, phalanges, the wrist, and more. Lecture by Art Prof Clara Lieu. Video Walkthrough Bones, Landmarks […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
Art Prof Clara Lieu explains the “major masses” of the human figure, the largest forms: the head, rib cage, pelvis, and thighs. Prof Lieu illustrates how the major masses are oriented on the figure and how this contributes towards understanding the gesture of the human figure more clearly. The major masses are angled in relation […]
Art Prof Clara Lieu introduces the first of a series of videos explaining basics of anatomy for artists. Prof Lieu explains the reasoning behind why understanding the fundamentals of human anatomy are extremely useful for figurative artists. Using examples from art history, contemporary art, and her own artworks, Prof Lieu talks about the many challenges […]
Lighting plays a huge role for artists and can dramatically effect the mood of an artwork. This video explains the differences between artificial light and natural light in illustrations, paintings, comics, films, animation and more. Examples in art show how natural lighting and artificial lighting create different visual affects, and how that can impact the […]
These videos explain and demonstrate the process of how thumbnail sketches work within the artistic process. ‘ There are many benefits of thumbnail sketches: they can save you time when working on a final piece of artwork and allow you to explore more options for composition. The demonstration shows simple strategies on how to crop […]
Brainstorming is an essential process that artists can use to develop their ideas to create their artwork. Exercises such as word association, mind maps, thumbnail sketches, and sketchbook doodles are all discussed as a means towards stimulating the development of ideas for future artworks. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artists Eloise […]
Creating mood boards is a fun, exciting way to gather visual inspiration for your projects. This video explores Jordan’s mood boards, created for the character designs in the series Shadow Boxers. Jordan explains his process for finding visual inspiration, using Pinterest to organize the images, developing the stories behind the characters, and ultimately to the […]
Art Prof Clara Lieu demonstrates how to run a group art critique in a classroom. For every art teacher, leading art critiques during an art class is an ongoing challenge. Every student, every artwork, and every art critique is different. Art students have their own challenges as participants in a group critique, how do you […]
Critique is a fundamental part of the artistic process, providing artists an opportunity to get a fresh pair of eyes on their artwork. This video explains concrete, practical strategies that both art teachers and art students can apply to group critiques in the classroom. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artists Cat […]
Shooting your own photo references for your artwork can be very effective for getting the visuals you need! This video explains what is necessary for a photo reference to be effective, what visual elements to look for and emphasize, how to make choices on setting up a model, lighting, props, and more. Discussion led by […]
This video provides a comprehensive look at how to photograph your 2D & 3D artwork, showing common problems and with practical techniques to achieve photos that will accurately represent your artwork. Having high quality photos of your artwork is more important today than ever: you need photos of your artwork for your website, social media, […]
Creating different lighting situations for characters has impactful visual effects and can also be used as a narrative tool. The interaction of color and various types of light can create a broad range of color schemes. Lighting can be a very effective means of creating a mood or atmosphere to a character as well. Draw […]
Lighting can be a powerful visual tool in art! This video gets down to the nuts and bolts of how lighting works in an artwork, focusing on the specifics of different types of highlights and the various ranges of visual effects they create. Examples from art history and contemporary art show how artists can apply […]
This video explains how lighting works in art, focusing on shadows and breaking down the specific visual qualities. Knowing how shadows work, and understanding the difference between cast shadows and form shadows are important skills for all artists in order to create a broad range of visual effects in many art forms. Discussion led by […]
This video shows common problems artists encounter with 2D compositions, explaining how certain types of compositions can come across as tiresome and/or cliche. Examples of artworks with compositions that are “bad” are shown, which stimulates a discussion on why a specific 2D composition is successful or not. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and […]
This video discusses common problems artists encounter with 2D compositions, explaining how certain types of compositions can come across as tiresome and/or cliche. Next, artwork examples are shown explaining which are effective, which are not, and why the they think a composition is successful or not. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching […]
What qualities are seen in great 2D compositions in art? Examples of impactful compositions from fine art, comics, illustration, movies, and more are shown in this video. These examples explain and break down the compositions to point out strategies that make for an engaging 2D composition. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artist Jordan McCracken-Foster. […]
This video provides ideas for how to create backgrounds for portraits so that your compositions are visually dynamic and engaging. Backgrounds are often neglected, especially in portraits where the focus is usually on the face. However, backgrounds can have a great impact on the way a portrait comes across, especially in terms of conveying a […]