I joined today after watching Matt between adds. I have invested in tools and supplies but not yet in me. I need a mentor without the interruptions. I think this is going to be great. Matt has been very helpful but I have missed the interaction with him and others, like me, who come here to share and learn.
I am about 8 years into graphite charcoal & watercolor. I have a fun time but the foundational knowledge is missing. I like friendly interaction and I think this is the right time and place for me. I’m 68 and retired near Tucson.
Welcome to the Community/Forum here at The Virtual Instructor. I’m 68 and retired also. Like you, I was drawing and painting on my own for several years, but didn’t have any actual art education. I joined here 3 years ago and keep learning and practicing in several media.
We are a very positive and supportive group of fellow artists of all skill levels. Feel free to post things as you’re working on them, or your completed work. That could be things from the lessons here, or original works of art.
If you watch the Live Lessons on Wednesday evenings, when they are really “live” (versus the recorded versions which you can watch anytime) there is a chat box to communicate with other members, or to ask Matt or Ashley any question about anything artwork related.
Another favorite that I recommend is watching the Members Minute every week. They are only about 20 minutes long and there is much to be learned, whether it is your own art or that submitted by someone else.
Hi Terri, thank you for your comments. I am so glad I have joined the site. Consider yourself wrapped in a big hug.
I would like to upload images of some work old and new. I believe critique leads to growth as we recognize shortcomings and skills developed. I need to learn more about the site and the ways to post and upload. If a tutorial on usage is available I would start there, or simply experiment and see what happens.
Thank you again for a wonderful welcome, Brian.
I’ll try an upload of an image I created with an iPad a few years ago. This was my manic phase.
I gotta say this artwork was totally unexpected, but I think I like it. You have to realize that 100% of what I do is extreme realism so your style is outside of my normal wheelhouse.
If you want to post for the members minute (which is under the “Community” tab) there are directions there that are really easy to follow. The biggest thing is to pay attention to file size restrictions. Your art needs to be photographed well so that it can be critiqued, and it must be original (not from any lessons or tutorials). Watch a few of them to get the feel of what to expect - there are several years’ worth of critiques there.
For posting here at the forum, you can start your own subject, as you did here. But, a while ago I started a post called “Most Recent Drawing or Painting”. If you look, there have already been 841 replies of people sharing artwork, making comments and giving positive words of support. Scroll thru that and you will get to know many of the people who are currently active. To add your own posts there, all you have to do is hit the blue box that has an arrow and the word reply. Take a look at the top of this post to you. Notice how I reference your name and @Zunzez. That way you should get notified via email that you have a message. It’s also helpful when commenting on someone else’s post, not only to mention the artist’s name, but also what the drawing subject is. Otherwise it can be hard for a viewer to figure out what your comments are in reference too.
First welcome to the Virtual Instructor. Yes Matt’s teach ability is excellent.
I have learned so much. I don’t get on the forum but I know I am speaking on behalf of many that we really enjoy seeing the artwork done by others.
It does not matter our level of expertise. i still consider myself a beginner, and as Matt says, we are always learning. all we need is to practice, practice, and practice.
I am disabled and don’t get out and the VI has allowed me to meet people, learn, and interact with others on multiple levels.
The critiques are one of the best ways to learn if you are a member as well as the live lessons where you can ask questions and interact live with others.
Any lesson, no matter the materials can be done in whatever medium you are comfortable with also.
Welcome Brian @Zunzez. Next month will be the start of my 3rd year. I can say that I haven’t even scratched the surface of all that Matt offers on TVI. I enjoy working with graphite, charcoal, & carbon but love to see the creativity of Matt & Ashley & all the artists who post on this community site. Waiting to see more of your work.
Jim
