I grew up in the LA area, east of LA too. I also was a self-taught artist, or at least attempting and to be one. In the last two years I have learned so much to improve my art without changing my style. Two place I have learned the most are the weekly critique, I have gone back and watched all of them, and some more than once as well as the live lesson where Matt and his friend Ashley go through a project over a series of weeks and answer art questions we may have about all mediums.
I hope to see you at a live lesson some time and some of your artwork here on the forum. As others said you will find a kind supportive community here.
Hi everyone! My name is Nicole! Once, a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I went to school for art. Then I got married and had ten kids. For some reason, I didn’t seem to have time for art. However, every now and then, I would daydream about it. Well, finally, now that I"m 52, I’ve decided I’ve got to make time for my passion. If I ever knew how to “art,” I think I lost it. So, I’m starting from square one–and I mean it! There’s no false modesty here. Everything looks terrible! But I’m determined, so let’s hope for the best! I’m excited to be here! YAY!
So happy you’re here, Nicole! Here, you can get lots of input and critiques if you ask. Otherwise, simply sharing art has been such a huge part of my journey. The community members are free with praise and encouragement. It’s a very civil and welcoming environment. I hope you love it as much as I do. I’m starting my second year! TEN KIDS!!! Wow! You go! Take some time for yourself and enjoy every second.
Hi Nicol and WELCOME to the community at The Virtual Instructor. So glad to have you join us. It’s a great place to post things (we love to see artwork as you’re working on it). I’ve been a member of the forum for just a few months, but a member of TVI for about 1-1/2 yrs. The quality of the instruction here is really impressive and the teachers (Matt and Ashley) are friendly and encouraging, always willing to answer questions. Tonight (Wednesday is a “Live Lesson” which is one of my favorite things. It starts at 7:00pm central time and lasts for an hour, and includes a chat box where you can ask questions and just communicate with other members about ANYTHING art related. Have FUN! Maybe you can even get some of those kids involved.
You will find this is a wonderful place to learn. We can never start from square 1 too many times. Hopefully as you restart your art journey some of your 10 kids will follow in your joy of starting over and take an inclination to art.
The VI is an amazing place to learn. I hope that you can make it to the live lesson tonight, Wednesday the 5th. It is a good way to get connected and learn.
The other way, and my favorite way personally is through the weekly critiques. The repetition of the critiques. I have watched all the past critiques (I may have missed a few here or there) and have learned so much.
Again, Welcome as you follow this walk-through art.
Thanks so much, everyone! I’ll have to check both the live lessons and the critiques. I appreciate the tip! I’m really nervous about sharing my work, but hopefully, one day I’ll be brave enough. I have bad memories of college days and soul-ripping critiques!
There is no need to be shy here. Everyone is so kind and helpful. You will only find encouragement from others, and acceptance. If you go through the forum and look at the different artwork you will see artwork on all levels.
Take your time and as you get comfortable you will see this is a safe place and Matt as well as his friend Ashley are both excellent teachers.
Hi Everyone, I’m Claudia and completely new to art. I started drawing and painting several weeks ago as part of a therapy to keep me of my daily work ;-). I have never in my life hold a brush beside in primary and thus are a beginner, but have a lot of fun. I discovered the website just recently and it is so useful. Hopefully I am able to join some classes and I would very much appreciate your feedback. Looking forward being part of the community.
WELCOME to the community at The Virtual Instructor. You found a great place to learn and receive positive support as you proceed on your journey. We all started sometime and that’s what’s important - starting. Don’t forget to have FUN!!!
You have picked the right place! You will feel welcomed here as it is a kind and supportive community. Matt is an excellent teacher, patient and willing to answer relative questions along the way.
Like Terri said, we all started somewhere. I think the 25 days to drawing, all the drawing courses are a really good place to start. I started there and went through all of the courses.
Another place to learn a lot is the weekly critiques. I went back and watched almost all of them and the repetition of teaching in the critiques is really helpful.
I look forward to seeing some of your art pieces, and if you can make it at 8 pm on Wednesdays, the live lesson. They are a lot of fun and the interaction in the chat box is a good way to get to know each other as well as Matt, and his friend Ashley who helps him.
I have just begun 25 Days to Better Drawing, after about a year looking for a self paced class that was constructed for a novice. I attempted to teach myself how to draw using pencils, but was frustrated in my lack of knowledge of technique. Matt’s classes have proven to be just the right approach for me as an adult learner. Step by step, videos, printed class notes, and self paced, with so much encouragement from Matt. I’ve never thought to consider myself an “artist”, but Matt is changing my mind set and has broadened my interests beyond pencil drawing. Instead of creating the perfect drawing, I’m now focused on incorporating each lesson into my work and showing improvement each day. Thank you, Matt.
Hi Jim - Welcome to the community at The Virtual Instructor. What’s great about this place is that people of ALL SKILL LEVELS can feel like they belong. We just like to create, learn, improve and interact with others who like the same things. The things I try to do every week are to . . . 1) watch the Member’s Minute - Critique. Amazing what you learn there. 2) tune into the Live Lesson because there is a chat box and you can interact with Matt, Ashley, and members. Also ask any art related question. Matt and Ashley are great people and very positive supportive teachers.
I ditto all that Terri said. That is what I do. I also went back and watched all of the old critiques which really helped me, repetition in hearing about the important aspects of art.
I hope to see you at the live lesson. On Wednesday we start a new live lesson using soft pastels. Monday or Tuesday there should be a materials list on the live lesson page as well as a reference photo.
Hi @artmama ! Welcome to the TVI forums! Don’t be so hard on yourself, and remember, “Art is subjective, make it yours!” Everyone has different styles, but that’s good, and I can’t wait to see what your create! Jesus loves you!!!
@JimS , welcome to the forums! You ARE an artist! Way to go, broadening your horizons and learning! I can’t wait to see some of your work! Jesus loves you!!!
Hi everyone, I’m Jane from Ireland. 50 years old, I did art in secondary school for 3 years in the 80s. I have been fumbling around with supplies and following You Tube tutorials for the past while.
| anim8103
Everyone has different styles, but that’s good, and I can’t wait to see what your create! Jesus loves you!!!
I hope to see some of your work, happy drawing and painting! You’ve got this! Jesus loves you!!!