swirl
swirl

Lessons Archive

Gesture 7, part 1

Learn the importance of profile accuracy in your gestures as Jeff approaches this distinct gestural portrait.

Gesture 6, part 2

Join Jeff as he finishes this piece, injecting in a bit of calligraphy and indication of pattern.  

Gesture 6, part 1

Even when working quickly and indicatively, it is important to know when to blend and strive for softness in form.  Watch as Jeff demonstrates subtly in this gesture painting session.  

Gesture 5, part 2

Learn the importance of soft and lost edges as Jeff brings this gestural portrait painting to a finish.

Gesture 5, part 1

Follow along as Jeff has a bit of fun with this warm figure in a warm hat against a cool background.

Gesture 4, part 2

Follow along as Jeff injects complimentary colors into the background of his piece and brings it to a finish, adding a vibrancy and liveliness that brings life to the painting.  

Gesture 4, part 1

Watch as Jeff begins a new gestural portrait; a female against a warm, dark background.

Gesture 3, part 2

Join Jeff as he brings this piece to a finish, allowing the warms of the background to harmonize with the warmth of the face.

Gesture 3, part 1

In this painting, Jeff will work with a gesture on a dark background; learn to how to lose edge work and integrate the head's cast shadows into the background of the painting.

Gesture 2, part 2

Watch as Jeff places the finishing touches on the portrait, taking care to balance brushwork integrity and blending on the soft female face.

Gesture 2, part 1

Follow along with Jeff, as he begins a new painting and demonstrates the importance of properly planning out your gesture paintings.

Gesture 1, part 2

Learn to finish off a gesture painting without relying on rendering, and by letting the paint and brushwork "tell the story."

Gesture 1, part 1

Join Jeff as he begins his first gesture waiting of this series, and gives insight into the gestural lay-in, paint manipulation and decision-making.

Narrative Painting, Part 4

Join Meadow as she dives into painting one of the most expressive parts of the human form outside of the face; The hands.  Learn how to approach the complex form of the hand, and how to position and design them to help tell your image's story. 

Narrative Painting, Part 3

In this lesson, Meadow will slow down and begin locking in the features of the face, securing one of her focal points.  Learn the intricacies of indication when working on smaller portraits.

Narrative Painting, Part 1

Watch as Meadow covers the beginning phases of her painting, going over her drawing, reference, and the initial block-in in oils.

Closing Thoughts

Enjoy Erik's closing thoughts on this lesson, and thank you for joining us for your studies! We look forward to seeing you in other phases! 

Posterior Torso Final Rendering, Part 3

As an incredibly dynamic feature of the back, the shoulders warrant an entire demonstration of their own. Follow along with Erik as he demonstrates how to render the pinching and pulling effect that the shoulder blades have on the back.

Posterior Torso Final Rendering, Part 1

It's time to apply your knowledge of the back's anatomy! In this lesson, Erik will teach you how to utilize your learned knowledge in a practical way, showcasing how to inform your marks by depending on your anatomical knowledge.

Posterior Torso Superficial Muscles

This lesson will solidify your understanding of the superficial muscles, how they overlay and interact with the deep muscles, and where they connect and insert with each other on the back of the torso.