Atmospheric Perspective

Atmospheric perspective in art creates the illusion of space in a 2D artwork. Atmospheric perspective emphasizes spatial intervals, the distance between objects where as objects recede into the distance, they become less detailed, lower in contrast, and more blurry. Objects in the foreground by contrast are articulated with crisp details and high contrast in order […]

One & Two Point Linear Perspective

The essentials of 1 point and 2 point linear perspective are explained in this video by breaking it down with clear, concrete images that make it easy to translate perspective to observational drawing, as opposed to dry and boring diagrams of cubes and blocks. Basic ideas of linear perspective, such as point of view, and […]

Intro to One Point Linear Perspective

The nuts and bolts of 1 point linear perspective are comprehensively explained in this video. Using stills from movies that display 1 point perspective shows that linear perspective doesn’t have to be the boring, dry, outdated technical exercise that it frequently is presented as in classrooms. Basic concepts of linear perspective, such as point of […]

One Point Perspective, Demonstration

This video is a drawing demonstration of how to apply rules of 1 point linear perspective into the context of observational drawing using pastel pencils. The processes of how to identify the vanishing point, the vanishing lines, establish the horizon line, and how to develop the drawing to convey a convincing sense of space are […]

Basics Curriculum

The complete Basics Curriculum for Self-taught Artists is a series of 3 videos. If you’re a beginner, this curriculum is a great way to get a comprehensive overview of the skills and topics you’ll want to learn, regardless of what you want to ultimately focus on. The Curriculum’s document is a complete resource for all […]

Basics Curriculum 3

This video is part 3 of a basic curriculum for self-taught artists that cover the basics for a foundation in art. Topics covered include specific skills are important when you are just getting started, as well as advice for what sequence is most effective for gaining these skills. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu […]

Basics Curriculum 2

Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artist Alex Rowe provide Part 2 of a basic curriculum for self-taught artists that cover the basics for a foundation in art. Alex and Prof Lieu explain why specific skills are important when you are just getting started, and give advice for what sequence is most effective for gaining […]

Basics Curriculum 1

Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artists Deepti Menon provide Part 1 of a basic curriculum for self-taught artists that cover the essential skills. Deepti and Prof Lieu explain why specific skills are important when you are just getting started, and give advice for what sequence is most effective for gaining these skills. Video Walkthrough […]

Warm & Cool Colors

This video explains how warm colors and cool colors can be used to create mood and contrast in an artwork. While there are colors that are stereotypically seen as “warm” and “cool,” warm and cool colors are contextual, and is often times not as straightforward as it might seem! Examples from contemporary art and art […]

Color Saturation

This video explores color saturation, explaining how intense and muted colors can work together effectively in fine art, illustration, film, character design, and more. Both muted and intense colors contribute important elements of color that are both equally important in an artwork. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artist Jordan McCracken-Foster. Video […]

How To Create Color Palettes

Planning a color scheme for an artwork is an effective way to achieve visual cohesion and intent in your artwork. Color schemes are an effective way of establishing a mood in a painting, as well as creating visual contrast and textures. There are many ways to collect ideas for color schemes and apply them to […]

Complementary Color Chart

This video shows a color chart mixing exercise based on complementary color pairs, using purple and yellow. This color chart is very effective in terms of training your eye to see subtle shifts of color. This video shows how to develop a more sensitive color mixing technique, and mixing different levels of saturation with the […]

Complementary Colors: Purple & Yellow

This video explains the basics of how complementary colors work, focusing on purple & yellow. An explanation for how complementary colors are laid out in the color wheel is provided, as well as how complementary colors can be implemented into paintings.  Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artists Deepti Menon and Lauryn […]

Complementary Colors: Blue & Orange

This video explain the basics of how complementary colors work and how they can be used effectively to create color contrast in color art media. This video focuses on blue and orange as an example. By looking at examples in contemporary art and art history, this video discusses the way the complementary colors are laid […]

Complementary Colors: Red & Green

Complementary colors are a fundamental part of color theory that can vastly influence how you use color. We define what complementary colors are, and how they can be used effectively to create color contrast in color art media. Explained is the way the complementary colors are laid out in the color wheel, as well as […]

Elements of Art: Space

This video explores Space in 2D artworks, one of the Elements of Art. Topics include how to create the illusion of space in a 2D artwork, ways to create depth through atmospheric perspective, point of view, and articulation. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artist Lauryn Welch. Video Walkthrough Artists mentioned The […]

Elements of Art: Form

This video is a comprehensive look at FORM, one of the Elements of Art. There are infinite ways form can be manipulated in visual arts to create engaging images. Examples of contemporary art and images from art history are shown and explained, where form plays an integral role. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu […]

Elements of Art: Texture in 2D

This video explains texture, one of the Elements of Art. Topics include texture that is achieved in single art media vs. mixed media, texture as it relates to patterning, ways of collecting texture references, exploring texture as a means of conveying a tactile sensation, and more. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching […]

Elements of Art: Line

This video explains LINE, one of the Elements of Art and the infinite ways line can be manipulated in visual arts to create engaging images. Examples from contemporary art and art history of illustrations, paintings, sculptures, and more are shown, where line plays an integral role.  Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching […]

Elements of Art: Value

This video explains VALUE, one of the Elements of Art. Topics include using value as a means of creating dramatic lighting and contrast, how to create subtlety with value, and fostering an illusion of a broad range of greys. Examples from both art history and contemporary art are shown to illustrate how value works. Discussion […]

Elements of Art: Shape

This video explains SHAPE, one of the Elements of Art. Shape can be a powerful visual tool for creating dynamic compositions. Examples of illustrations, paintings, sculptures, and more are shown, where shape plays an integral role. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artist Deepti Menon. Video Walkthrough Prof Lieu’s Tips Everything in […]