Love having new members participate here and look forward to seeing some of your artwork as well. I’m 70 so we have that in common. The great thing about the Virtual Instructor is how many different media and subject matter are taught by someone who is a trained and experienced teacher, and a kind individual. You will likely find yourself wanting to try other media as you become exposed to them.
One of my favorite member benefits is the Members Minute where Matt critiques a piece of original artwork that was submitted by a member. These are posted weekly and are about a half an hour long. You will learn a lot by watching these even if it is not your own artwork. They focus on composition, value and determining the source of the light, use of materials, and possible ways to improve the work. Check it out if you haven’t already watched it.
We are a kind and welcoming place to come. If you want feedback on how to improve your artwork you need to ask for that. Otherwise we are a positive and friendly place to encourage everyones artistic journey.
Hi Terri,
Yes, as soon as I figure out how to submit things I will try doing that. I did try submitting a drawing “Preacher” for critique but I may not have done that right. When I say technically challenged, I’m not kidding, lol! I am trying to complete one drawing every week or two depending but I usually go through stock photos to find something interesting that is copyright free and practice on that. It is so great to have an art community again. When I was much younger there were still small art supply “local” stores and I used to love going into one in particular in my home town and meeting with other aspiring artists to learn new ways to approach a medium. “How’d you do that?” was the common topic. What fun that was! Anyhow, thank you for the kind welcome and I will look forward to participating more in the future!
Having a problem submitting art for the Members Minute is NOT your lack of understanding. As it turns out, that feature is disabled right now as some technical issues are resolved. So, the work around (as told to me by Matt) is to send an email to Matt with a good photo of the artwork and your comments, including letting him know it is a submission for the Members Minute. It is helpful if you tell him your media, paper used, size of the artwork, and anything in particular that you want feedback on. Matt@thevirtualinstructor.com or contact@thevirtualinstructor.com is the email to use.
Hi everyone . I’m brand new here and pretty new to drawing and other art mediums. I enjoy all of them and have so much to learn. I am hoping I am able learn a lot here
I’ve been doing graphite drawing for a few years now mainly from reference pictures but would really like to be able to draw scenes without using a reference. I just can’t seem to get the images from my mind onto the page properly.
Welcome Anne - it’s always nice to see new faces in this increadible familiar community. Please feel free to share your art work. I have pretty similar problems getting the images in my head on a sheet of paper.
. I’m brand new here and pretty new to drawing and other art mediums. I enjoy all of them and have so much to learn. I am hoping I am able learn a lot here 
. I’m still trying to learn how to get around in here. lol. But I will keep at it