Online art classes, tutorials, demos, which one is better?
Learning how to paint has never been so accessible, thanks to the Internet. I, myself, have learned almost everything I know about art from online classes, workshops, tutorials, and even demos. The vast amount of content available online can be overwhelming, making it difficult to choose between all the resources.
In this post, I will try my best to explain some differences between art classes and demos, based on my own experience as an artist who still learns a lot from all those resources.
When it comes to online art instruction, there are various levels of information provided. Art classes or courses are usually more comprehensive and offer in-depth knowledge and a wealth of information. These classes are ideal for beginners who are starting from scratch and need to learn even the most basic concepts. Some come in the form of live Zoom sessions, and others via pre-recorded videos that guide you step-by-step through the entire process. Most also ensure you the opportunity to ask questions and seek feedback from the instructor, whether it's through live interaction, email, Facebook groups, or comment sections.
Before choosing your art class, make sure that the style of painting taught by the instructor resonates with you. Art is subjective, and each person has their own preferences. There is no right or wrong style or medium to learn first. One of the benefits of the internet is the ability to skip over content that doesn't interest you and dive straight into the styles and mediums that captivate you. For instance, if you are passionate about realistic watercolor landscapes, you can find a course that focuses specifically on that subject. You can also seek out artists who have a style that you admire. While you shouldn't aim to copy them, learning their techniques will equip you with the necessary skills to develop your own unique style using the medium and effects that you enjoy.
Bailey - Portrait Painting in Acrylics Class
As you gain experience and accumulate many hours of painting under your belt, your needs as a learner may change. At this stage, you may find that watching demos are also very helpful. Demos can vary in the amount of information provided by the artist. Some may be speeded-up versions that offer inspiration and a glimpse into the artist's process, while others may provide more detailed insights into brush techniques, color palettes, and other tools used. While they may not be comprehensive art classes, demos can be a valuable resource for experienced artists looking for fresh ideas and approaches.
It's important to have realistic expectations when watching demos. Remember that they are primarily meant to inspire and give you a general idea of the artist's process. They are not intended to be a substitute for an art class. However, if you already have some experience, you'll likely be able to recognize the tools and techniques being used and make connections with your own practice.
Spotty - Pet portrait in watercolors class
And here is a friendly etiquette tip I have as an online art student /instructor myself. When sharing a project based on what you've just learned in an online art class, remember to give credit to the instructor, especially if you are using the same reference image and materials. Ultimately, with dedication and practice, you will develop your own unique artistic style and become the artist you aspire to be. And if you, too, become an instructor, you will appreciate this behavior from your students.
Finally, here is my latest free demo for you. Feel free to ask me any questions about this project in the comments below, via email, or message me on social media.
Let me know your thoughts and experience learning art on the internet. What do you find more helpful? And what are your pet peeves? I’m curious to know.
Love,
Pat
Refinishing a Vintage Frame
The first time I saw a piece of contemporary art in a vintage frame on Pinterest I became obsessed. It combines so many things I love. An old frame, or any old object for that matter, creates a connection between the past and present by hinting at the story of its previous life. And it adds character and charm to any style of decor.
Whether you choose to restore it to its original beauty or transform it with bright colors and bold modifications, a vintage frame will always make a statement. And also very important to me, is the fact that every old frame I salvage and repurpose will be cherished for many years to come, instead of ending up in a landfill.
I "discovered" the world of vintage frames in 2022, and since then, I started collecting (more like hoarding) them. It took me just a couple of hours on a Saturday to fill this box with some gorgeous old frames from thrift shops in my area.
My precious finds after a couple of hours of treasure hunting in thrift shops.
Here are some examples of recent paintings I framed with these beauties.
I've been getting a lot of questions about the vintage frames I use, so I decided to make this blog post and a video tutorial to show how I refinish and attach my paintings to old frames, making them ready to hang.
I hope you ejoy it.
And here is the list of supplies I used to refinish and wire this particular frame. You can find most of them in arts & crafts stores and online as well. I’m providing some links to Amazon in case you prefer to buy them online.
Vintage Frame (thrift shops, FB marketplace, etc.)
Canvas panel or wood panel - most vintage frames won’t fit a stretched canvas. Make sure your panel is the same size as the opening of your vintage frame. Sometimes you will need to cut your board to match that size.
Modern Masters Warm Silver (opaque)
One-inch paint brush
Kraft paper - thick
Ruler
Box cutter
Clay needle tool (optional)
Screwdriver
I hope you give it a try.
Love,
Pat
The commission I almost turned down
Let me tell you one of my favorite commission stories. It was fall and I was having coffee with a friend, talking about Christmas shopping for the family, when she pulls her phone to show me this picture.
“Pat, do you think you can create a painting of this photo? My mother-in- law is the little girl in this picture. She carries it in her wallet and this memory means a lot to her. We thought of giving her a painting of it.”
For a second I panicked. This photo is the ultimate example of a bad reference photo for painting, so I had to say no. Except, I said yes. The beauty and joy of this moment were so striking. How could I refuse to recreate this memory in an artwork?
It was SO hard. After many weeks of work, I just had to call it done and cross my fingers she would like it.
My friend loved it, and on Christmas Day she texted me this.
She recently sent me another great photo and it really made my day. I have their permission to share it with you.
Images and stories like this one make me glad I sometimes say yes to the hardest challenges. For the record, I still prefer clear, sharp reference photos for my commissions.
I hope this story brought some joy to your day.
Have a great one!
Love,
Pat
P.S. If you are considering giving art as a gift to go to the Commissions page on my website to check the prices and let’s start the conversation.
Where I Learn How to Paint
I rarely call myself a self-taught artist and when I do, it feels as if I am being dishonest about the fact that 95% of what I learned came from other artists, mostly over the internet. I didn't teach myself what I know. They did.
I always loved drawing and coloring, but my decision to learn how to paint came much later in life, back in 2018 already in my late 40’s when I did my first watercolor workshop at a local community center near my home. From the first day I was hooked, but weekly classes were not enough for me, so I started binge-watching watercolor tutorials on YouTube, and on social media.
I don't remember how exactly I came across my first online art school, but it was probably through some of the artists I follow on Instagram. Whoever that artist is, I am eternally grateful to her. It was a complete game changer. Yes, these classes are not free, but prices are super affordable and I learn so much more from them compared to YouTube tutorials and demos. The beauty about them is that you can choose what class(es) you want to take, without having to commit to a monthly or yearly payment. When you purchase a class, you get immediate access to the videos and you can watch them at your own pace. Prices vary a lot from one school to another, but they often go on sale and you can purchase an entire class for as little as $40 with a coupon.
I will tell you a little more about my three favorite online art schools but if you do some research, you will see the list is much longer, and it keeps growing. I take classes in several other sites, but these are the three I keep going back over and over because there is always something new I want to try and experiment.
This is not a sponsored article, and this is my true opinion on these art schools. Also, this list is not a ranking. I love them equally and am an avid student of all three.
Kara Bullock Art School
Kara Bullock Art School - Kara Bullock is an amazing artist from California and her online school has an immense catalog of classes, and although most of them focus on portraits and the human figure, you will also find some great lessons on animals, abstracts, flowers, landscapes, etc. If you love portraits as much as I do, you should try one of her year-long-courses “Lets Face It". Kara has a wonderful Facebook group where artists can post their work and other things art-related. It is a very active and inspiring community.
Olga Furman Art
Olga Furman Art - Olga Furman is an incredibly talented portrait artist based in Pennsylvania and she also offers a one-year-long course called “Paint your Heart and Soul”, which includes all kinds of classes besides portraits. In addition to PYHAS , her school has a great and varied catalog of classes. Olga is a very kind and supportive person and I felt incredibly honored to be invited to create some classes for her art school. She also organizes an art auction on Facebook that happens every other month in which some artists sell original pieces at affordable prices for a very short period of time. Full disclaimer, Olga became my friend, and in this community I found incredible people, including other amazing artists, my first students, and new buyers of my art. This is what can happen to you as well once you start getting involved in the art world that does not come from conventional art education.
Bold School
Bold School - Created by the Canadian artist Charla Maarschalk, this school is newer than the other ones I mentioned. When I first saw a Bold School ad on my Instagram feed, it stopped me in my tracks. I am fascinated by Charla's bold, colorful and powerful paintings and although her course is more expensive than the average, I just had to do it. To me, it was worth every penny. She paints my two favorite subjects, which are faces and animals and all the vibrant colors and texture she adds to her paintings make my soul happy. Her work and classes are by far the biggest influence on my current painting style. She has a students-only Facebook group where two awesome mentors offer thoughtful and helpful critique to students' works.
I hope you check those schools out and find the same inspiration and motivation I do in them. If you are reading this post, chances are these classes will resonate with you too. What art schools are your favorite? Let me know in the comments.
Finally, to learn more or purchase one of the my classes, here is the link to them. (Click each image)
Paint your Heart and Soul - 2021
I have two classes here.
Painting With Rainbow
My solo class at Olga Furman Art School.
Just Chilling
Quick art class on how to paint this cute penguin in acrylics.
Thanks for hanging out with me.
Love,
Pat
Why I don’t Buy Black Paint
Click image to watch video.
All my paintings have the color black. No exceptions. But I learned a long while ago from my favorite artists and art teachers that the black you create by mixing other colors is a much more interesting alternative to using black out of a tube.
I painted this black dog using no black paint. Zero.
You are probably wondering why someone would do that. It seems to be adding unnecessary steps to the painting process. Well, that is a way to see it, and you can certainly create gorgeous paintings using pure black paint, but once you try it, you may discover and even love the beautiful variations you can get only by creating your own black.
In my new Quick Art Class (video above), I show you how I do it, and tell you why that is my choice. There are lots of color combinations that make beautiful blacks. These are the examples I demo in this video.
Ultramarine Blue + Burnt Umber
Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson + Burn Umber
Payne's Gray + Burnt Umber
Burnt Sienna + Ultramarine Blue
Enjoy the class I play away with your own blacks!
Love,
Pat
How to Frame your Own Canvas - A Cheap and Easy Solution
Learn how to frame your own canvas with this easy and cheap floater frame.
Whether you are an artist just want to find a cheap and easy alternative to frame a canvas you have, I think you will love the video tutorial I just made.
We have a few paintings hanging in our home. Some painted by me but most by other artists we love. Although I like the way they look without a frame, I always wanted to find an affordable alternative to frame them. Truth is, framing is expensive. Sometimes more expensive than the art we, regular people, buy.
My favorite type of frame are floater frames. I love them because they add elegance to the painting without stealing attention from the art itself.
I painted this pair of elephants on a canvas panel, not a stretched canvas, so hanging it without a frame was not an option.
20 x 16 - Acrylic on Canvas
My go-to place for framing is Michaels. Here in the US, this Arts and Crafts store usually offers the best deals to those who sign up for their coupons, and they do a great job with custom framing. I had a 70% discount coupon for framing services so I decided to check out how much they would charge to frame my 20 x 16-inch painting. It would be around $118 for a floater frame. Not a bad deal, but I had seen a floater frame on Amazon for $39.99, and it seemed pretty straightforward to install, so I purchased it and framed it myself!
It was really easy, and I love the end result! And if you are planning to frame a stretched canvas, this will be even easier for you. I had some extra steps to work on to make my panel a little thicker so I could attach it to the frame.
I recorded the process step by step and made this video tutorial for you!
I hope you enjoy.
Love,
Pat
Here is the list of product and supplies I used. Some of them contain affiliate links*
Floater Frame (Choose the right size for you!)
Square Dowel Rods Olson
*If you purchase these products via one of the affiliate links above, Amazon will pay me a small commission. There is no additional charge for you. Thanks for your support!