Before diving into the comparison between watercolor and gouache, let’s first take a brief look at gouache’s unique characteristics and basic techniques. Since watercolor fundamentals—its basic techniques including transparency and layering—were discussed in earlier posts, this section will help clarify how…
Pastel is a vibrant and versatile medium made from pure pigment and a binder. Soft, powdery, and luminous, pastels act as a bridge between drawing and painting. They offer rich colors that can be layered, blended, or left raw for…
Charcoal drawing for beginners starts with understanding the expressive nature of this timeless medium. It offers a rich and versatile field of exploration, encompassing everything from tools and techniques to mark-making and the medium’s historical significance. In this introductory lesson, we’ll…
What Are Complementary Colors? *For a better understanding of color basics, please visit my post on Color: Beginner’s Guide to Hues or watch YouTube Video. Complementary colors are pairs of hues that sit directly opposite each other on the color…
What Are Positive and Negative Shapes? “A good composition is not just what you add—it’s also what you don’t add.” Before You Begin For a deeper understanding, be sure to review my earlier posts: SHAPE: A Foundational Guide (June 19,…
Why Format Matters in Art Many students begin drawing without first considering the format. Yet format is not an afterthought—it should be the first decision, even before planning the composition. Would a horizontal format best emphasize New York’s towering skyscrapers?…
Watercolor has a unique character—fluid, transparent, and luminous—that comes alive through skilled technique. My demonstrations highlight core methods: flat wash, graded wash, wet-on-wet, and glazing. Each technique produces its own distinct effect, and mastering these foundations sets the stage for…
Understanding color temperature is fundamental in both visual art and lighting. It shapes how artists express mood, depth, and atmosphere, making it a powerful tool for visual storytelling. *Helpful post for this lesson: Color: Painting Color Wheel – Beginner’s Guide…
Cross-hatching involves layering lines at varying angles to develop value to represent light, shadow, and form. When the lines are placed close together, they produce darker tones; when spaced apart, they create lighter areas. In this lesson, we’ll explore the…
Before diving into color, painting in black and white is one of the most effective exercises for beginners. It sharpens your observation skills and builds a solid foundation in understanding value—the lightness or darkness of tones—which is essential for creating…
