Learn how to design stronger paintings with balance, focal points, and harmony. Free tutorials and courses on composition for watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media.
Design & Composition in Painting
Master back of head construction to avoid the common lollipop-on-a-stick look. Learn how the neck and trapezius connect to the skull, proper ear placement using thirds, and overlapping layers from back view. Essential anatomy for complete portrait drawing.
Drawing Tutorials
Two students submitted value studies. Both understand value hierarchy theory - lightest to darkest, atmospheric perspective, vertical elements darker. But both are trying to apply that knowledge to broken drawing foundations. Eye levels misplaced, car heights wrong, figure relationships off.
Drawing Tutorials
Without value, you're staring at a blank page. Value is what makes things visible - not just visible, but three-dimensional and spatially convincing. Most artists copy colors from references without thinking about value relationships, and that's why their paintings feel flat.
Drawing Tutorials
After reviewing car challenge results, students needed better understanding of tracking lines. This perspective observation skill helps you see how forms sit in space before you draw them. Cast shadows, parallel relationships, and visual problem-solving that applies to any subject.
Landscape Painting Tutorials
Strong landscape paintings don’t just happen—they’re designed. In this garage studio lesson, I’ll show you how horizon placement, shapes, and values build a painting that works.
Mixed Media Painting Tutorials
This tutorial breaks down the systematic approach to building a cityscape using acrylics, collage and layered construction techniques.