Live art classes versus art classes on the internet
Why are live art classes loved so much when all kinds of online and offline art learning materials are available? For established artists or someone who has quite a lot of painting experience, watching tutorial videos can be beneficial. They know what the demo is about, they understand how to achieve what is told they would, and there is usually no problem with following the guidance material, even though it can take pretty much time.
Are there any benefits for beginners?
It is a bit different with beginning artists or students, who have no painting experience. For people, who have encountered tough situations when painting on their own, for students, who struggle with some parts of painting, some colors or application of some techniques and who never get the result they are looking for, for somebody who tried and was ready to give up painting because of difficulties, nothing can replace live direct teaching and personal approach in live art classes.
How we gain experience
It is very obvious that knowledge can be achieved thanks to learning, trying and experimenting. I like shortcuts in all areas of life, so I am teaching how to get great results in painting without having to struggle and getting frustrated. It is no secret that many people give up painting, drawing or art because they assume it is something they will never manage or make work for them.
Specifics of acrylic painting
Acrylic is a specific painting medium: along with huge advantages it possesses some drawbacks, too. The most frustrating part is probably the very fast drying times which gives little time to work out painting properly. However, once one becomes familiar with these specific features, acrylic painting does not feel any more difficult. It is as easy to use acrylic paints as any other medium. We learn treating a painting in such a way that we can work in layers and on segments.
Painting tips for beginners in art
You shouldn’t overdo with blending. Instead of brushing all along from dark to light and from light to dark which very often will cause everything become the same color, try applying paint exactly on the spots which require it. Place dark colors where you see them, place medium tones where they belong and finish up using light colors and highlights. They come together with a careful, soft brush stroke of damp clean brush, usually flat brush.
Importance of contrast
Great artwork usually contains many or some contrasts and strong contrast areas: light, dark, subtle and strong values, sharp and soft edges, contrasting colors, both in tone and temperature, contrasting lines, layouts and shapes. Problems often arise when there is no contrast in the painting. Painting looks flat and unimpressive. Try not brushing around, but move smoothly from one color to another by applying paint in segments so that no dark spots are lost. If you lose your dark areas or sketch lines, or if your drawing has disappeared, recreate the dark areas and contrasting spots, as well as sketch new lines or shapes.
Advantages of participation in live art classes
While any advice can be helpful, in direct class, we can learn how to avoid most problems and issues; what effects to use, what techniques to avoid and what to pay more attention to. Your art instructor will provide with immediate solutions when a problem arises. Any issue can be fixed when it occurred.
Suggestion for beginners in art
Tip for beginners: unless your painting requires lots of pure white, use pre-painted canvas or canvas board since human perception works better with medium dark backgrounds. It is easy to add dark colors and light colors on pre-painted canvas. It can be dark brown, dark grey, cardboard color, black or red, any color which facilitates better creation process
Tip for everybody, who wants to start painting
Do not give up painting when you encounter the first problems. When painting does not work, instead of putting pressure on yourself and painting, set it aside, give it some time. Place it so that you can see it when walking around, and the right solution will cross your mind at some point. You will later understand easily what exactly you have to do with this painting and how to turn it into masterwork. Anger causes more mistakes, and frustration is even worse.
Tip when using photo reference
If you are using a photo reference, remember that painting is more important as it develops than reference. The photo reference is just a reference. Always do things that matter for painting without trying to create a copy of your photo. That refers to color, shapes and details, as well. The task of art is not to recreate a photo, but to create something completely new which is perceived on its own.
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Happy painting!