Art Prof
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
How do you know whether an artwork has been plagiarized? Several examples from contemporary art are examined here, where artists have been accused of plagiarism, and in some cases where a lawsuit determined the final outcome. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artists Lauryn Welch and Jordan McCracken-Foster. Video Walkthrough Artists mentioned […]
This video provides practical tips and important factors to consider when pricing your artwork. Factors to consider are the type of venue where you sell your artwork, whether you sell in an art gallery or online can greatly impact your prices. Concrete details such as the art media used, and the size of the artwork […]
Here are 5 tips for setting up an effective art studio at home, explaining methods for creating an alert, productive mindset in place for the home studio as well as practical aspects such as keeping your space clean and functional. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artists Lauryn Welch & Alex Rowe. […]
Cold Calling as an artist can be an effective way to create professional opportunities for yourself. This video explains how to research specific people to contact, the logistics of how to write an introductory email that is professional and succinct, and then how to follow up in a manner that is not intrusive or demanding. […]
Color is one of the Elements of Art that is essential to a work of art. Here is an overview of the various components of color to be considered: saturation, value, contrast, complementary color pairs, warm & cool colors, and more. This video provide examples of contemporary art and images from art history where texture […]
This video explains the various types of paint: oil, acrylic, flashe acrylic, encaustic, casein, mixed media, fresco, outdoor paints, egg tempera, air brush, ink, enamel, oil bars, gouache, acryl gouache, and watercolor. Discussion led by Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artist Lauryn Welch, who outline part 1 of our painting curriculum for self-taught artists. […]
Teaching Artist Lauryn Welch demonstrates techniques for creating a mixed media acrylic painting that is inspired by a taste of a texture. Inspired by her experience eating BBQ squid at a Japanese restaurant in New York City, Lauryn creates a thumbnail sketch using Copic sketch markers to plan for the acrylic painting. Lauryn explains different […]
Table of Contents Art Prof Clara Lieu and Teaching Artists Lauryn Welch and Jordan McCracken-Foster discuss mistakes you can avoid when preparing an art portfolio for art school. Types of artwork such as fan art, anime, celebrity portraits are generally not what admissions officers at art school art looking for, in addition to cliche images, […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]