Virtual Art Academy® Process Painting Lessons

This course of painting lessons gives you detailed step-by-step process for how to create a painting. The first lesson in this series shows you how to paint in the alla prima or direct style, using oils, acrylics or watercolors. An alla prima painting is one that is created in one session.

Organization is key to becoming a successful artists. Learn all about how to organize yourself and your equipment in these painting lessons. They cover everything you need to know to setup your studio and also how to work out doors or "en plein air" in comfort.

To capture the essence of a landscape or outdoor still life where the light is constantly changing, you need to work quickly. In a short time you have to capture the important essence of the mood and feeling of light in your painting. This is the essence of plein air painting. To do this you need to use an ' alla prima' painting process. Alla prima means 'all in one sitting or session', so you can actually use this approach in the studio as well as outdoors.

This course unit contains similar information to the oils & acrylic course unit, but focuses on information relevant to the watercolor painter. The process works equally well indoors or outdoors.

This course unit will help you plan your own “how to paint” learning program and is essential for all students who are serious about improving the quality of their work. It will help you get the most of the Virtual Art Academy painting courses. If you are currently frustrated by not making enough progress and really want to improve your painting, you need to get organized about how and when you learn.

This course unit outlines the basic materials you need to know about before you can put paint to canvas or paper. It gives you all the information a beginner needs to get started painting with oils, acrylics and watercolors, and equipment for more advanced painters. This information is based on my personal experience of different brands and types of equipment.

This course unit outlines the basic materials you need to know about before you can put paint to canvas or paper. It gives you all the information a beginner needs to get started painting with oils, acrylics and watercolors, and equipment for more advanced painters. This information is based on my personal experience of different brands and types of equipment.

Inefficient working habits in your studio take up unnecessary time and get in the way of your art. All successful professionals have well organized studio. Here are some tips that will make your painting time much more enjoyable and less frustrating.

Although I caution that working only from photographs and never from life, will severely limit you as an artist, working from photographs is an important tool for any artist. This is what I've learned so far about working from photographic reference material.

Inefficient working habits are a particular problem when you are working outdoors in conditions that are already difficult. They can waste unnecessary time and get in the way of your art. All successful professionals get themselves well organized when working outdoors. I've been painting outdoors for many years now and have learned an lot of lessons, often the hard way!. Here is everything I've learned about how to make the experience as pleasurable as possible and save you many frustrations I've gone through over the years.

Traveling light is becoming increasingly important in these days of weight restrictions on airplanes, not to mention those of us with bad backs! Painting supports (the surfaces you paint on) are a big part of your weight. This course unit will explain all the options you have for lightweight and compact painting supports and the pros and cons of each. I also give you tips for saving money on your painting supports and how to make your own.