1 Point Linear Perspective Drawing Demo

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 […]

Acryl Gouache & Watercolor Pencils: Mountains

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 […]

Contracts & Invoices for Artists

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 […]

Abstract Acrylic Painting Compositions with Collage

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 […]

How to Start Exhibiting Your Art

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 […]

Balancing a Website with Instagram

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 […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Upper Back Muscles

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 […]

Digital Illustration Portfolio Critique

This video critiques a digital illustration portfolio by Bryan Voell, providing an overview of the body of work, followed by critiques for each individual artwork. 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 […]

Should I Get an MFA?

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 […]

Drawing Celebs as Monsters in Oil Pastel & Procreate

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 […]

Instagram Tips & Critique

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 […]

Abstract Acrylic Painting Prompts

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. […]

Elements of Art: Texture in 3D

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 […]

Top 5 Figure Drawing Mistakes!

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. […]

Budget Framing Options for Artists

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 […]

Sculpting a Foot in Oil Based Clay 1

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 […]

How to Choose Reference Photos for Your Art

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. […]

Business Curriculum 2

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 […]

Business Curriculum 1

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 […]

Sketchbook Prompts 2

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 […]

Water Mixable Oil Painting: Purple & Yellow

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 […]

Watercolor in Utah: Goblin Valley & Mushrooms

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 […]

Watercolor in Utah: Mt. Pleasant

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 […]

Abstract Acrylic Painting Effects & Tricks

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 […]

Pen & Ink & Pencil Drawing

Art Prof Clara Lieu and Guest Teaching Artist Song Kang demonstrate Song’s drawing technique to create effects similar to ink wash using pen & ink, pencil, and matt medium. Song creates a lively, imaginative composition based on textures and forms in nature. Song begins the drawing by sketching the composition with pencil lines and areas […]

Drawing Roses in Pencil & Charcoal

See how to draw roses with pencil and charcoal as preparatory drawings for oil paintings. Kathleen Speranza explains her engagement with roses as a figurative subject for her paintings, providing a comprehensive demo on how to set up the lighting and placement of the roses. Kathleen explains how to sharpen & prepare pencil/charcoal supplies, and […]

Wet Charcoal Drawing

Art Prof Clara Lieu demonstrates techniques for wet charcoal drawing. Prof Lieu shows how to use a spray bottle, newsprint , and compressed charcoal in order to experiment with making abstract strokes on the paper to create a dynamic and engaging range of contrasting marks. Video walkthrough Art Supplies Tips Prof Lieu’s Tips As far […]

Oil Pastel & Oil Stick Drawing: Peacocks

Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artist Lauryn Welch demonstrate how to draw with oil sticks and oil pastels by drawing peacocks. Prof Lieu and Lauryn explain the differences and similarities between oil sticks and oil pastels as well as their distinct qualities as drawing media. Art Supplies Oil Pastels Oil Bars Other colors Reference […]

Procreate Animation, Ball Bounce

This video shows step by step, how to do a simple ball bounce animation in Procreate, using a bounce guide as a reference for the movement. Next, simple shapes are added to the ball, like eyes, wings, horns, etc. in order to turn the ball into a character. Demo led by Guest Teaching Artist Sean […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Major Masses

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 […]

Artistic Anatomy Lecture: Intro for Beginners

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 […]

Gelli Plate Image Transfers in Acrylic

Art Prof Clara Lieu demonstrates how to create an image transfer using a gelli plate, acrylic paint, and magazine pages. Prof Lieu explains the process from beginning to end, emphasizing techniques which will provide many opportunities to explore the potential behind this exciting printmaking technique.  Video Walkthrough Art Supplies As a free educational source, Art […]