Painting Tips How-Tos
How To: Paint a Realistic Eye with Watercolors
This watercolor tutorial shows beginners how to paint a realistic eye. This video has been sped up 8 times.
How To: Create a Drybrush Painting of Bob Marley
I usually do step-by-step drawing tutorials, but I found drybrush technique to be fascinating and possibly superior to pencil drawing. Pencils are limited tools because they can only be applied with a point of some sort (with the exception of a graphite stick), while paintbrushes allow artists to think in terms of shapes instead of lines. If you look around the room that you are currently in, I guarantee you that you will not see anything that resembles an edge that a pencil gives you; the wo...
How To: Make Abstract Faces Using Ink Pads
This video shows how to paint abstract-looking faces using ink pads. The ink pads I use are Tsukineko Brillance Ink Pads but there are other brands that do pointy-ended ink pads that will work just as well. They are great for quick and easy faces to use in your art journaling.
How To: Stretch your own painter's canvas
This video begins with an unfolded painter's canvas unfolded on a table and a frame which will be used to stretch and mend the canvas. The canvas needs to be laid beneath the wooden frame. The canvas must then be stretched over the sides of the wooden frame and then stapled into place. After the canvas has been stretched and stapled over the wooden frame you can pull the corners to tighten the canvas fabric. After the canvas is being stretched within the frame you must let it sit until it bec...
How To: Stretch a painting canvas
This video begins by showing what a folding painting canvas looks like and what the final stretched canvas should look like. The first step shown is to make sure the bars are measured and marked with a simple A and B for easy measurement recall. After a wood frame is added over the canvas you must fold the material over the back of the wood and nail in place. Once the canvas is nailed to the frame you must add A, B, C and D markings to continue proper alignment procedure. The last step shown ...
How To: Use the cold pressed watercolor paper technique
In this tutorial, we learn how to use the cold pressed watercolor paper technique. Start out with one leaf, then use your brush to apply more color above it. Continue to apply the paint and try to blend it. It will be difficult to blend and get a smooth effect, but it will look great. You can also add your paint to the dry paper by brushing on more paint and creating different layers with your brush. Once you apply enough, you will get the smooth look with the paint and it will look great. Ei...
How To: Paint a cabbage rose using the one stroke technique
In this tutorial, we learn how to paint a cabbage rose using the one stroke technique. Start out by mixing together white and red with your paint brush. After this, add yellow to the tip of the brush and paint it onto the paper using your hand to move the brush gently up and down. Do this in a circle to make several petals into one single flower. Then, paint on petals around the inside petals to create a larger flower. Add in additional color to the center of the flower to make it pop out mor...
How To: Paint a pomegranate
In this tutorial, we learn how to paint a pomegranate. First, paint the circle for the pomegranate. After this, shade the right side with a dark red and the rest with a lighter shade of red. From here, add in a medium red all over the pomegranate and then add another shade over that. From here, start to layer on more additional colors of red to the pomegranate to make it appear more realistic. When finished, paint on the background with whites and grays that are mixed together. Add white to t...
How To: Oil paint desserts with Hall Groat
In this tutorial, we learn how to oil paint desserts with Hall Groat. You can take a brush to create different textures on the painting. When painting bread, this can show the fluffy texture of it, which looks amazing! In this video, Hal is painting a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Use your brush to press down and drag the paint around, looking at the subject to see how it looks. When working on a doughnut, you will move the paintbrush around the top to create small sprinkles. Also add in ...
How To: Paint a red rose
In this tutorial, we learn how to paint a red rose. First, you will add some red paint to your brush and paint along lines of a rose outline. Use an angled brush so you can get a better accuracy while you are painting. After this, continue to paint around the petals until you reach the entire area of the rose. Then, paint the inside of the rose. You will then mix the red together with darker colors and whites to add depth to the flower on the paper. Once finished, you will have a gorgeous red...
How To: Use watercolor pencil techniques
In this video, we learn how to use watercolor pencil techniques. The rendering process is similar to those with graphite. You will use strokes, giving them different lengths and colors to create texture. You can do crosshatching on the paper so everything is darker and you are hiding the white. Burnishing is when you lay down dark colors to the surface of the paper and work more colors in, the white will work as a blender. The end result will be a very smooth finish with a slightly waxy feel....
How To: Use the watercolor salt technique
Vivian shows us how to use the watercolor salt technique in this video. This is great if you want to make underwater paintings and have a coral effect on them. The salt will cause the painting to look more rough and you can see the salt on the paper and how it absorbed the color. To start, you will wet your cold pressed paper on both sides. Then, add your paint to your brush and continue to paint. Don't apply the paint too dark if you are going to work on it later. When finished, let this dry...
How To: Use a round brush for multi-colored scroll work
In this tutorial, we learn how to use a round brush for multi-colored scroll work. First, dampen your brush and grab some bright colors. Take and lay the brush into one color at first. Then, turn the brush over and pick up another color. Now, you will push down and lift the brush up as you are twisting around. Next, reload the brush and do the same process over again. Use more of certain colors, then you will have gorgeous mixes of different colors. You can also add in another color at the ti...
How To: Paint pansies flowers
In this video, we learn how to paint pansies flowers with Marjorie Harris. Start out by using a purple color to paint the petals with a small angled brush. Then, move your brush in an up and down motion to create the petals. You can also use different colors with your brush to make the middle of the flower more appealing. Then, use black on a pointed brush to create lines in the middle of the flower petal. From here, you will be able to paint on the stem of the flower green to create a beauti...
How To: Watercolor paint a California barn
In this video, we learn how to watercolor paint a California barn. To start, you will take a small painted brush and start to paint the outline of the barn. next, you will dip the brush into different colors to create the inside of the barn and the details on the outside of it. Once you're finished painting the barn, start to paint the scenery that is around the barn. Use greens to paint in hills and then paint a fence with animals inside. Continue to add in additional details until you're fi...
How To: Paint in a Norwegian folk style called "rosemaling"
In this video, Linnea Rose teaches us how to paint in a Norwegian folk style called "rosemaling". With this, you will double load your brush and do the strokes in the correct way. To double load your brush, first dip one corner into a color, then dip another color into the other color. After this, stroke again in between the two colors. Next, go to your canvas and simply stroke a looped shake on the paper. Firmly press down with your brush and as your curve around you lift it up to the chisel...
How To: Make and arrange a painting palette
In this tutorial, we learn how to make and arrange a painting palette. First, you will need to buy a large palette that can handle a lot of different colors on it. Now, use the sides to add in the different colors that you are going to use. Use the middle of the palette to mix up colors while you are painting or doing different crafts. You can also use a large paper plate to make a paint palette if you don't have a palette nearby. Anything that is flat with a lot of room on it will work, so g...
How To: Draw the back view of a horse
In this tutorial, we learn how to draw the back view of a horse. Start by drawing the tail. Use a horse main brush made out of real horse main hair. Change to another brush to use a darker color for the rest of the body of the horse. Paint around the tail that you made to create the rear end and the legs that are on the horse. Also create the feet and make sure to just use one stroke as you are creating these. Next, creating a neck and then the head along with the main on the top of the horse...
How To: Do basic brushstrokes in Chinese painting using Sumi ink
You can paint just about anything you want in Chinese watercolor painting, but whether you're sketching out a fish or a crocodile, there exists a basic array of brushstrokes that you will use for any object.
How To: Make Chinese watercolor paintings with the four treasures of chinese paintin
If you're a beginner to Chinese watercolor painter then you do have to do a little research and practice before you actually let your paintbrush hit the canvas. From using the right paint to the right brush, every single thing you employ for your art matters in the ultimate creation.
How To: Paint goldfish in freestyle Chinese painting
The interesting thing about painting in the Chinese watercolor style is that objects, animals, and plants that look pretty simple, such as goldfish and snakes, are actually made up of a complex array of different layers and colors.
How To: Make marbleized artwork paintings with shaving cream and food coloring
Put down the paintbrush and the easel, you don't need them anymore. At least, if you're wanting to create some cool marble-like art pieces. In lieu of the normal painting supplies, grab some shaving cream and some food coloring and you can create some awesome marbleized artworks. See how!
How To: Pick the right brushes for fabric painting
Fabric painting is a fun hobby, but like most styles of painting there are a dizzying array of tools available to choose from. This video will teach you about different kinds of fabric paint brushes and how to choose the right one for your project.
How To: Paint a Chrysanthemum in traditional Chinese style
The chrysanthemum is a beautiful Chinese flower which often appears in artwork to represent autumn and the spirit of survival. Follow along with this this tutorial and learn how to add this seasonal subject matter to your next Chinese still life painting.
How To: Apply the concept of Dragon Vein when painting Chinese landscapes
The concept of the Dragon Vein - the ridge of a mountain range - is an important one for Chinese landscape painters. Using a brush made with chicken feathers, this tutorial shows you how to apply a dragon vein to your own landscape art.
How To: Paint texture wrinkles on a Chinese landscape
Start with a fresh piece of rice drawing paper, and then follow the steps shown in the video to make your own brush drawing of a Chinese landscape. This tutorial focuses on adding texture wrinkles to the sides of rocks or cliff faces.
How To: Paint orchid flowers with watercolor paints
In this video, we learn how to pain orchid flowers with watercolor paints. Start out by using a light lilac color on the petals. Use a thin brush to push the colors around on the picture so you have slight shading around the different petals. Use a darker purple color in the middle of the flower. Then, use a yellow color in the very middle. Add in a green leaf and stem on the bottom of the flower. Use a paper towel to smudge any excess moisture or water off of the flower to make it more prist...
How To: Build a pochade box for outdoor painting
In this video, we learn how to build a pochade box for outdoor painting. This box will hold two wet panels in the back and help you hold other things you need to carry. You will need a medium sized box first, then you will need to cut the back and sides of the top to make slits where you can place in the panels. After this, you will create a barrier for the middle that has two slits in the bottom of it where you can slide it. On the bottom of the box you will have a hold where you can thread ...
How To: Draw dragonflies in Chinese painting
In this video, we learn how to draw dragonflies in Chinese painting. Start out with rice paper, then soak your medium sized combination hair brush in water. Next, squeeze the moisture and then push the ink out. Now, position the brush so it's comfortable and touches the paper lightly. Draw the wings on the insect first, then draw the tail on the bottom. After this, paint a small circle shape for the head and continue to draw the other dragonflies. You can vary how these look by making the win...
How To: Fix mistakes while oil painting a colored portrait
Have you ever screwed up a painting before? Beyond repair? Well, it might be able to be saved after all, at least, thanks to these tips from Merrill Kazanjian.
How To: Make an easy $20 DIY art easel
In this video, we learn how to make an easy $20 DIY art easel with Patrick Lawrence. Each side should be about 6' tall, and make sure you screw it into the wall when you are finished. First, you will hold these together with a carriage bolt that slides up and down the two pieces of wood. At the top, screw the screws into the wall and at the bottom, bolt it up the same way as in the middle using a wing nut and a big washer. That's all there is to making an easel yourself, saving you tons of mo...
How To: Create a portrait of Nelson Mandela with a dry brush oil paint technique
Merrill is quite the artist, but he, like everyone else, must "draw" from inspiration. And he has discovered a new technique from Igor Kazarin's YouTube channel Portrait Drawing.
How To: Build a canvas frame stretcher
In this video, we learn how to build a canvas frame stretcher. First, you will need to choose lumber that is the size you want your stretcher to be. After you do this, use a hammer and nails to connect all of the pieces of wood together so you have a square shape. You will need to hammer in a lot of nails so the frame stays in place. Use a saw if you need to cut any points down or make it smaller than you have it. When you are done, screw any additional nails into the frame and make sure ever...
How To: Use different brush types and colors in watercoloring
In this video, we learn how to use different brush types and colors in water coloring. While you are creating a painting, you will notice that you need to use different types of brushes to create different effects on your canvas. There is nothing wrong with this! You can use many different strokes and brush sizes to achieve what you want on your painting. Pay attention to what stage of the painting you are in, as this will help you decide what types of brushes to use, depending on the style y...
How To: Paint a Hawaiian landscape with island inhabitants
Merrill Kazanjian has this painting tutorial which shows the process of his Hawaiian landscape mixed media painting. Follow along with the video and try to learn some of the painting techniques Merrill uses. He uses acrylic paint and at the end, puts his own twist on a boring landscape painting by using PaintShop Pro to add some island inhabitants.
How To: Stretch a perfect canvas
In this tutorial, we learn how to stretch the perfect canvas. First, measure the canvas. After this, center the canvas and make sure there are no wrinkles. Then cut the canvas and staple it to the frame. This will take several minutes, and you will work your way from the inside to the outer corners. After you are finished stapling hide the folds on all of the corners with the stapler gun. When you are finished with this step, you will be done and ready to paint on your new canvas! These steps...
How To: Paint a leaf tree with oil paints
In this tutorial, we learn how to paint a leaf tree with oil paints. First, paint light green on the leaves using a blank canvas. After this, add in a dark green color to make the stems and the middle of the leaf. Use different greens to draw the leaf out towards where the tree would be. You can blend in darker parts to make highlights, then use white to make a shine on the leaf. If you make a mistake, don't worry. Just use paints to make something change on the leaf and make it unique and al...
How To: Embellish a painted sky
In this video, we learn how to embellish a painted sky. To do this, use white paint and gray paint. Add some clouds with your paint brush and make them loose and puffy in the sky of a painting. Be very loose and let the blue shine through the white like a regular sky. Paint the tops of the clouds more white than the other parts and paint this throughout the entire picture. If you want to take off some of the embellishment, use blue paint to cover up some of the white you have painted on. This...
How To: Draw with colored pencils
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to draw with colored pencils. Begin by sketching out the shape to now how it will fit. Then sketch in the placement and angle of the main features. Now add more loose detail to the main features. Use an eraser to gently remove the heavy pencil marks, leaving out the faint outline. Using a brown pencil, begin lightly sketching the form. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested in art and drawing, and would like to learn how to draw with...
How To: Understand artist tools for painting
In this tutorial, we learn how to understand artist tools for painting. The first tool is plastic, which can be use for great textures on the painting. Cheap brushes are great for painting in big spaces and fan brushes are great for painting wider widths. A badger hair brush will be best for painting tails on canvas and different types of papers. A synthetic brush is very easy to clean and perfect for oil or acrylic paint. A hair dryer is a tool that is great to speed up the drying time of pa...
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