Reviews of Virtual Art Academy courses

"I've been really impressed with how clearly Barry John explains his concepts. I've been a full-time fine arts student for the last 2 years, and yet I keep having 'lightglobe' moments of sudden clarity as I go through the material - really enjoying it!"
.........Jill, January 22, 2012

"After taking this course for a little more than a year now I am always amazed at how the elements of the program come together. That which seemed impossible a year ago now seems doable if I follow some simple steps and keep on practicing. You have helped me rediscover the joy in painting."
.........Jane, January 14, 2012

"I was browsing free art lessons on the web two years ago. Barry's course looked interesting, but because I am working full time from home I did not intend to start painting in a big way. I just wanted something to inspire me to do something else beside work. I loved receiving the Newsletters with the monthly lessons and Assignments. I also enjoyed the videos, but because they were not complete, it whet my appetite, and I finally purchased the first year. Because I made the commitment I have scaled down my work, so that I can have some fun now. And what better way than Barry's Virtual Art Academy®. I like the idea to do it on my own in my own time. The people in the 'Campus' are warm and friendly yet could give me advise to stop fretting and just send some work in, when I started feeling 'not good enough'. Thank you Barry for having a brilliant idea. It is changing my life."
.........Rony, January 11, 2012

"The main reason I joined was to have a comprehensive, structured, printed outline or guide to learning how to paint and everything related to that course. I have taken many courses but none dealing with the topics mentioned in your studies, as well as the on line community where we can compare and learn from each other. Also, access to videos and your newsletters which provide a wealth of information."
.........Maria, January 2, 2012

"You have asked me why I joined the Virtual Art Academy®. One of the reasons is that I live in a small rural city of about 18 thousand people, and although we have an Art Society and run about 6 workshops with visiting artists during the year there is no on-going reference person/teacher in this area. I had enjoyed receiving Guest Newsletters but was after more! Having joined Virtual Art Academy® I have already benefited from the assignments set and the excellent videos made available for this month. I have been struggling for years to overcome the tendency to produce wishy washy work in watercolours, and, in acrylic and oil paintings, ones which are rather strident. Since studying the unit on notans, especially the video, I feel that I have come part way to understand and overcoming the watercolour problem. And having sat down and tried using complementary colours with oils, I can see ways to make more subtle colours."
.........Meg, Dec 29, 2011

"Why did I choose Virtual Art Academy®? Because this is the only course that is strictly foundational using the building blocks of art. All of the other courses I looked at showed a picture of a tree or a cloud, or maybe some other type of still-life or landscape and gave the instructions on how to paint/draw THAT particular composition. I became more and more frustrated as I looked at more and more books and classes. Then I decided to use a popular search engine and typed in "virtual art courses", and Barry's Virtual Art Academy® came up! The more I researched Virtual Art Academy®, the more impressed I was. What sealed it for me was the independent reviews that I read on various websites, it wasn't just the favorable critiques that were posted, but when there was a negative review (which was rare), Barry answered it and tried his best to resolve the problem. Also, you learn Virtual Art Academy® at your own pace, which is EXTREMELY helpful for me! I can study for ten/twenty minutes or a few hours a day, at my discretion. I can also go over material that I didn't understand over and over again or even better; go to the Virtual Art Academy Online Campus and there are literally hundreds of people there to help you out with lessons you may have questions about! I cannot say enough good things about the Virtual Art Academy®, I'm really pleased......and I'm learning so much!! Thank you ."
.........Steven, Dec 14, 2011

"I just wanted to let you know how much I'm enjoying this course! Right now I'm learning about paints and pigments in the process unit 3 section of the lessons and I cannot begin to tell you how ignorant I was about hues until I really started learning about them in that particular section. I'm going at my own pace and that's the beauty of the Virtual Art Academy®, there's no pressure whatsoever to complete assignments at a certain time. The wealth of information in the full course is astounding and I plan on telling everyone I know who has an interest in art to seriously consider enrolling in the Virtual Art Academy®."
.........Steve, Dec 6, 2011

"I am very impressed with quality of information, the way it is presented, and the interactive facility. It motivates me to keep up the studies. I joined Virtual Art Academy® to better myself as an artist. This is a flexible, easy to participate course with many options to suite everyone that has the same artistic goal. I found the information on the Internet and compared with other courses available. This is by far the best on line course available."
.........Adri, Nov 23, 2011

"When I went to the website, downloaded the trial lessons and watched the videos I thought the quality was excellent. I was also very pleased at the educational format of the materials - educational goals/objectives for each unit and the well conceived lessons at the end of each chapter. This format, quality of information and obvious effort that went into the educational program made getting the full course attractive. Now that I have been diligently working my way through the course, I feel even more excited about the purchase. As your marketing materials point out, it's a great value. I've taken many classes and workshops and usually the standard price of admission starts at $500 and goes up."
.........Suzanne, Nov 21, 2011

"The questions you ask yourself are,"Will it be worth the cost?" and "Will it be truly useful?". After a couple of weeks working on/in Virtual Art Academy®, I can say that the amount of work it represents - by Barry - is incredible! The information presented alone is more than worth the price and, yes, it is a real course that trains you in a structured way. It's very well done."
.........Denise, Nov 17, 2011

"I stumbled upon the Virtual Art Academy® site whilst conducting research for my artwork on the internet that aroused my interest and curiosity because of your Course Structure, and of course the cost was another enticing factor. I decided to enrol because your Full Course appears to “fill the gaps” that I know are missing since the Diploma Course I have already completed. It is painfully obvious to me that the Diploma was basically only an ”introduction” to the Art World, barely scratching the surface of all the information available – it only wet my appetite! The prospect of the journey with Virtual Art Academy® thrills, excites and motivates me enormously. Already, just exploring your campus has convinced me I have done the right thing! At this stage I am digesting all the information I have received, getting organised with materials etc., and planning my Learning Path. Barry is to be congratulated on his Course design."
.........Jan, Nov 3, 2011

"I joined Virtual Art Academy® because I feel that even though I've been painting for a few years, I lack a solid foundation, thus confidence in my ability. I live on a remote island that has little art instruction to offer and the nearest school is a 3 1/2 hour trip away (with a ferry ride). Although I avail myself of that from time to time, it's not enough regularity for the amount of time I have left in my life! I looked at the Virtual Art Academy® program and was impressed by the thoroughness of the approach - and have found truth in advertising - Barry's program is very solid!"
.........Maggie, Sept 23, 2011

"One of the things I have been very pleased about since joining Virtual Art Academy® is that it has become clear that I wouldn't need to buy books, as the course is so comprehensive. So, thank you for that. As someone who loves to read just for the sake of it, I have always found the library a great first port of call - it's not every book that you want or need to buy."
.........Nicci, Sept 21, 2011

"I spent last week, a fantastic time in Barry’s workshop in Tuscany; the overall experience was more then rewarding and the location at Castiglione del Terziere just magic. Our host Loris Jacopo Bononi and Raffaella Paoletti are amazing human beings. Barry has developed a well-designed series of courses on the web on fundamental principles in painting, and how to apply these principles. It is so far the most concise and exhaustive courses on painting I have found on the web, and his workshop complements extensively his teaching. Barry shares generously his knowledge developed through his personal trials and errors. His approach is unique in terms of analytic understanding; as an intuitive in my way of painting I have found Barry's approach extremely helpful. I do highly recommend Barry's virtual academy course as the fastest way to learn the principles of painting, and how to paint well."
.........Adrienne, Sept 21, 2011

"I am very happy with the program and the way Virtual Art Academy® online works. Although I'm moving at a very slow pace, due to the fact that I don't have much painting time, I still feel I've learnt a lot so far and am already resolving some of my problems and frustrations with painting. I am going through the video lessons and these have proved invaluable to understand the principle concepts on which the course is based. I don't think I would have grasped them so well with just the course notes alone. I also find the online community immensely helpful, both through feedback on my assignments and sometimes just by going through what other people have posted - the latter helps me understand better what is required of the assignments before trying them out myself. Over all, my experience of the course is a very positive one."
.........Joanne, Malta, July 22, 2011

"I have had quite an extraordinary e-experience with your program. I have no qualms about recommending your program. I look forward to continuing to apply all you offer to many future artistic projects. Your program is marked with integrity and quality."
.........Sharon, USA, July 26, 2011

"I appreciate your work to make Virtual Art Academy® a very helpful tool to learn and/or improve painting skills online. I find the program to be very well structured and organized, and this makes it easier to understand the whole concept of painting. I am enjoying learning at my own pace with the Virtual Art Academy® program, in which not only knowledge is shared, but experience and tips to improve individual art work. Many thanks to you and Barry! "
.........Olga, Spain, June 13, 2011

"I found your academy about six months ago on a website devoted to art workshops; it was at the very bottom of a long list, but it appeared to be informative, well spoken and reasonably priced. I watched the videos and bookmarked your pages for future reference - returning to the site several times to review the content and check for updates or additions. I also googled reviews and found them to be very positive. I decided to take the plunge! The main reason that I decided to purchase the course was because I feel my art education was second rate. I majored in art at a state University in the US in the 1970's. As you may well know, that was a dismal time for education in the arts, and I am a product of that misguided philosophy. To my credit, I persisted anyway, and never lost the desire to draw and paint well. As a result, I have developed what some would consider a successful art career. At this point, though, I have a gnawing feeling that what I don't know is holding me back. To me, your course seemed like the perfect vehicle for ferreting out and filling in the blanks. I have been more than pleasantly surprised with your course. I spent the time to read through all of the materials in the beginner course and began immediately to incorporate several of the approaches to working that you have laid out. This week I begin the lessons in earnest so you will be seeing some uploads coming from me. "
.........Micki, USA, June 1, 2011

"I am an experienced painter, but as all experienced painters understand, there is always more to learn. I teach painting myself, but I also study with a master painter who acts as my mentor and critic. I was attracted, in addition, to Barry's Virtual Art Academy® because it offers a structured program of self study, pushing me to revisit the basics--Notans, for example--as part of an ongoing effort to refine my skills and push my work to new levels. I was also attracted to the idea that Barry had gathered so much information together in one place for easy reference."
.........Steve, USA, June 10, 2011

"I am following the site regularly and enjoying the posts the other students put up. Some of the paintings they interpret are just beautiful and I don't think to have ever seen them before. Very inspirational. There are a lot of very talented and impressive people coming into the program and I am sure the benefits for them myself and the art community are so great and a pleasure to a be part of. I am amazed so far as to the extra knowlege Iv'e gained and the simplistic and well organised manner in which it is presented. Can't wait to see what else I've been missing."
.........Terry, USA, April 12, 2011

"Just a quick note to say "hi" and let you know how much I am enjoying my membership and the entire course. I really appreciate all the great information that you and Barry provide and of course the support from the online community is the best. Many thanks for all of the talents that you have and for sharing them with all of us "out there" in this virtual art world who are on this artistic journey. The monthly newsletters and lessons are inspiring. I am delighting in the program! It is working very well for me. I move in and out through the different units as I need information. I have been reading past comments on the online community from other students who have already done assignments that I am in the process of doing. I enjoy learning at my own pace, while being in the company of so many others online who are also on this artistic journey. As my husband and I journey out for a few days vacation into the mountains, he will be skiing and I will also be outside doing some assignments for the outdoor color studies and notan lessons! Everybody is happy! :-) Many thanks to you and Barry, you are the best! Keep up the great work."
.........Susie, USA, April 6, 2011

"I am just so thrilled to have the course. I love the way it has been structured and presented, and will enjoy its comprehensive and practical approach to painting. I now look forward to working slowly through it, as time allows. Thanks once again,"
.........Jenny, England, March 6, 2011

"Firstly, I was looking on the internet and found you and basically what you said made sense inasmuch as art schools do seem to teach and want their students to adopt their methodology and style. Now whilst one needs the basics one also needs to develop one's own style. We had a very thorough grounding in measured drawing, Golden Section and colour in respect of the Impressionists but I could never understand why values alongside warm and cool colours seemed to be discouraged. I always thought that both could be integrated. Ultimately, I lost my confidence and didn't paint or draw again for years simply because I came away from college thinking that everything I did in painting was wrong. I have read quickly read through the whole of your course and it has shown me that there are many different ways to draw, you have related values to colours, brushwork techniques are actually discussed and the end result is exciting. Not only that, there are guidelines given for constructive criticism and analysis. A very well thought out course. Many thanks."
.........Evelyn, England, March 4, 2011

"First of all thank you Barry for sharing your "gems" with us. In the past 15 years I bought about 250 books about painting, I can´t resist when I see one. And in spite of that, I found a lot of things that were completely knew for me. Once I have started to view everything, I couldn´t stop reading anymore. The lessons are very detailed and well structured and the learning path is so easy to follow, that it is a joy to read the units. It is only 5 weeks I started with the Beginner Painting Course and since than I learned so much."
.........Wilhelm, Germany, February 2, 2011

"I have been very much enjoying reading the material and have already discovered many points of which I was completely ignorant. The comments on colours and suggested mixes are immensely helpful and the concepts of Poetry and Music in the sections on composition are entirely new to me and have already triggered a fruitful line of thought."
.........Richard, France, February 4, 2011

"I joined the Virtual Art Academy® at a time when my previous classes had come to an end. I was ready to be out from under the influence and direct supervision of an art teacher and be on my own, following the direction of my own art spirit. The time feels right for me to be on a self-directed, self motivated study plan and the Virtual Art Academy program fits the bill. I found Barry's school one day while searching on the Internet for information on notan. That lead me to a link to the Virtual Art Academy. I looked at and studied your website for quite some time, did some research on various reviews of the program, researched Barry's work and saw his incredible paintings. I made the decision to purchase the entire course and I am glad that I did. I especially love the depth of knowledge Barry is able to communicate in written form, the concise and organized way the program is presented and all of the visual aides ( the photos and videos). I am an advanced painter/sketcher. However, many of the concepts and techniques that I am somewhat familiar with are becoming clarified through the detailed explanations in the course."
.........Susie, USA, January 31, 2011

"I returned to painting on very early retirement having missed out on a career in commercial art for family reasons. Like Barry I had spent a lot of money on books but found that they never really seemed to answer all my questions - or in my case, take me much further on. More importantly, I didn’t find them very inspiring. The same with some art magazines and also my art club practical demonstrations. It just seemed to be the same old stuff – very nicely done, but not inspirational, for me at least. A friend at my painting class had been looking on the internet and after getting that referral I looked at the Virtual Art Academy site and was impressed. I signed up to the guest newsletter because I liked the content and layout - and distributed several copies to friends at the class. I then signed up for the web forum and subsequently bought a couple of courses - and then the beginners course. I will eventually upgrade to the full course. I had done a degree programme with distance learning before and the Barry's material was very much on a par with the excellent material the UK's Open University produces. Barry also provides not only the answers to a lot of questiosn not found in the more popular book editions, but deals with so many different facets from the philosophy to the practicalities - coming at it in all sort of useful and thought provoking directions. I feel that the course is clearer and more comprehensive than anything I have seen before. That, coupled with the attractive layout, makes it a joy to study. I nearly forgot to mention that I was very impressed with the high standard of work the other artists were exhibiting on the web forum and I also learnt a considerable amount from their comments, suggestions and discussions. ."
.........Eric, UK, January 30, 2011

"I only began seriously painting a few years ago but totally immersed myself in my art. I am self taught through a process of studying other artists work, reading a lot of instructional books and just putting paint to canvas. I quickly progressed initially to a point where others seemed to enjoy my paintings and began to buy them for reasonable prices. However the more I learnt the more that I realised how little I actually knew about what I was doing. I really felt that I needed to go back and learn the basics and in some structured way. I chose this art tuition program because it appeared to be the most comprehensive coverage I could find of the basic elements of what makes a good painting. The program is very well written in an impressively succinct format. In a former life I was also involved in training and development and immediately recognised the quality of this instructional format. The informal and online nature of the program is very convenient and suits my lifestyle needs."
.........Rob, Australia, January 10, 2011

"I love your materials. I have been quietly working behind the scenes – reading and rereading the materials, watching some videos.......... I am not following the lessons exactly. I have decided that this year – I am focusing on my draftsmanship and painting in values of gray. I have several artists that I emulate and have begun with Renoir “Déjeuner des Canotiers”. I much prefer precision in my drawing so I am using the grid technique. At this time I am redrawing this painting on an piece of paper. From there I will redraw it again on my canvas using the grid technique again– then proceed to paint it in gray scale. John Singer Sergeant, Vincent Van Gogh, Degas, Toulouse Lautrec and Hokusai are the other artists on which I will concentrate. After this year – I will sincerely begin the procedure again – but paint the same paintings in color. I am reading and studying your instructions over and over again to remind myself of what I need to remember. Taking a quote from Van Gogh – he says “semer – c’est dessiner, recolter – c’est peindre.” – Drawing is planting the seeds and painting is the harvest – the reward. All the artists that I admire had incredible draftsmanship and I know from my job – that if my lines from the start are not right – my painting won’t be either. But I keep always in mind your instructions, composition and poetry etc. for when I begin finally painting from my imagination. If you are interested to see my first drawing of Renoir – I would be happy to upload to you. I draw much quicker than I paint and I am nearly done with the first work. I am looking forward to redrawing it on a larger canvas. I have a tendency to paint big and this grid technique helps me to stay concise and within boundaries. I read that John Singer Sergeant sometimes would paint a canvas 16 times before he got it “right” to his eye. ........ I love the lessons on Notan and Color – I study other paintings with this in my mind. I also love the lesson on values –adore that! And most of all - you taught me how to hold correctly my pencil and paintbrushes! What a difference. Incredible difference. Also – the lessons on volume and simplifying form. The most simple of forms – painting a human being with just 2 forms – with the correct values – it’s like magic."
.........Emmi, US, January 9, 2011

"I think the program is excellent and extremely well set up. It is easy to understand and follow the assignments and even though I have only just started I am already thinking about my paintings differently. I can look at earlier work and recognize where it could be improved and am beginning to understand how to move towards greater clarity and simplicity in my current sketching and painting. The exercises are simple enough to do to not feel overwhelming and the doing of them has led me to an understanding of the concepts which I had read many times before but not really understood until now."
.........Jane, US, January 7, 2011

"I'm an absolute beginner when it comes to painting but very keen to learn...i'm excited about where it will take me...from what i've read it's the first painting course i've come across which explains everything you need to know logically and in some order....i love it already."
.........Steve, Australia, November 28, 2010

"The Beginner Program is excellent, thank you. It is clearly set out, I am working through the videos at the moment and already I have learned a great deal. I am realising the importance of composition as the basis for the rest of a picture and realise that I have a lot to learn. I am really enjoying it and it's great to be able to study in the comfort of my own home at my convenience. I look after an elderly relative at the moment and it has been an ideal way to learn new skills and occupy myself. I do hope to be able to purchase the upgrade package in the future."
.........Jayne, UK, November 9, 2010

"I have recently signed up for your newsletters and I just want to say thank you! Your ability to articulate is amazing. I am a professional artist from South Africa and I find the information incredibly helpful and inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge."
.........Jacqui Simpson, South Africa, September 17, 2010

"I've been studying like crazy. I think the course is wonderful it's just what I've been looking for. I've finally picked up a brush and have been "redoing some of my paintings I was not happy with". I am finally getting the "happy feeling again painting". Still a lot to learn, but I'm seeing some improvement. I was almost at the point of "giving up" on painting since I was so disgusted with my paintings. Tell Barry R. how much I enjoy and appreicate the course. I love the video THOSE SEEMS TO RESONATE. Wish he had more of those."
.........Linnea, USA, September 8, 2010

"I love the videos. I have watched most of them but I need to make more time to do the work. In the past I was looking for the information for what I was struggling with as I worked on a painting or pastel. These videos look great. I am working on another painting and I am started on the 1st assignment. I am not moving at the speed I would like but I am looking foward to getting some of the work done soon. : ). I am very impressed with your program! "
.........Arlene, USA, September 8, 2010

"I am enjoying reading through my material and assignments and feel committed and excited. The program is very thorough and I can see that a lot of thought and effort has gone into preparing it. I appreciate the effort, education and experience that has gone into the content of the courses, which are excellent. "
.........Rhonda, Australia, August 31, 2010

"The program, as far as i could see is amazing. Your explanations on your videos are of great value, and the way the virtual forum is done it is of valuable help for those who really want to improve their painting."
.........Carlos, Portugal, July 29, 2010

"I purchased this program about 8 months ago.  I have been studying and applying the lessons for the past six months,  I try to paint everyday now.  My work has improved as evidenced by the juried shows I am getting into.  I recently won 1st place in a large regional show.  Up to then, I had an one honorable mention in 12 years. I have been painting for 12 years now and my progress was inch by inch.  The course work has improved my art by leaps and bounds! 
Its nice to win something, but I get my satisfaction and enjoyment in just painting better today than I did yesterday."..........Edward, July 22, 2010

"I do not regret having bought the full program. This program gives me a pathway to paint correctly and this is the way that I need to move forward because until now I worked on my random thoughts which does not provide results. Now when I sit to work, I do not ask myself what to do. I do my assignments and I see a big difference when I do a painting. The modules are clear and comprehensive even for someone who is not a native English speaker."..........Lewis, July 1, 2010

"The Virtual Art Academy® program is excellent in its detail and nature of progression. I have chosen Barry's intermediate route through the program and this is how I know that I can 'feel the progression of skills and confidence', plus enthusiasm generated by being active in the 'virtual learning environment' online and experiencing peer assessment. Although I have painted throughout my life I have never studied art theory and Barry's fine detailed study guides really help me a lot. I draw up mind maps for the theory and follow the guidelines to the 'point' i.e. doing the number of studies suggested rather than just the number required for submission online. I just love each and every day knowing that I am going to learn something new and acquire new painting/drawing skills."
.........Christine, June 10, 2010

"I am so pleased I found you, and was able to get your program! At first sight it gives a lot of do's and don'ts which I hopefully will be able to apply in my work. From a very rapid and superficial reading of the material I already look at things differently ad see lots of things which were alwyas there but I was not paying attention. Still at the beginning of a path which I do not know where it will take me, but I am pleased I had the chance to try."
.........Zully, Israel, June 8, 2010

"I have been busy reading and viewing the videos! There is so much to learn - it will take me the rest of my life to get through the full course but what a wonderful way to spend my twilight years! I love the fact that the course is structured so well and that I can work at my own pace."
.........Villoo, UK, May 15, 2010

"I had bought the beginner program and it was so good that I immediately bought the full program. I was not disappointed as the full Program is simply amazing. I'm not a complete beginner but dabble in oil painting sometimes. I have never taken any art classes or instruction. Recently I have started taking it more seriously and knew I needed help. Virtual Art Academy® is what I needed. The Program is very comprehensive, easy to understand and suitable for all levels. I have read and re-read the whole program for the past one and half months. Have started doing some of the exercises too. What I really like is how the course is divided into smaller sections, so that when you have problems in certain aspects of your painting you can refer to a particular section without having to look for it. The other thing I really like is how all the text is supported by so many examples. It really helps you understand what Barry is talking about. I also liked the Notan and Observation course a lot. Overall I absolutely love it and cannot thank Barry enough for putting this program together. On a side note,I took my first workshop last week and was apprehensive if I would understand what the instructor was talking about,values..temperature etc .. Well, I could understand everything thanks to the program and as each day of the workshop went by, I began more confident. The other artists in the workshop were very surprised to hear that it was my first workshop as my work was not reflective of that. So,I'm very happy with the course and would highly recommend it to anybody as it's one of it's kind. Thank you so much once again!"
.........Priya, USA, April 27, 2010

"I have just started my journey with the Virtual Art Academy and so far I find it very exciting and useful. I feel that the beginner program offers exactly what I need to learn. It is very structured and focused. That makes it easier for me to study"
.........Ilze, Brazil, April 11, 2010

"Thank you so much for the videos. They have taught me so much. Each lesson is a very condensed learning tool. I have no problems in the download, viewing or understanding the lessons. I plan on purchasing more courses in the future. I keep reviewing all the first lesson\'s information until it has become second nature to my thinking. It is a marvelous way to learn. He is a great teacher and I enjoy his painting theories very much."
.........Maria, USA, April 7, 2010

"Thank you very much for the art course I just purchased from Virtual Art Academy. I am very happy with my purchase and have been reading and re reading the course materials. I absolutely love the videos. I like that I could download them to my computer to watch again and again. Barry has a wonderful *common sense* way of teaching that I find easy to follow. He makes what can be *overwhelming* subjects for me, very interesting. I work in pastels and watercolours, but find the information goes across the board for the most part. I am not signed up for his full program, and only able to purchase portions of his course, but what I have purchased are like wonderful gifts guided by the angels of artistic teaching. I was happy to have had Barry cross my pathway of learning."
.........Paula, Canada, March 26, 2010

"I am going through your Beginner Program right now and absolutely love it. It has been an absolute pleasure reading all the basics. Everything a beginner needs to know is there in the program. It has been assembled very well and very easy to read and understand. I would highly recommend it to anyone. I have quite a few books on oil painting but they do not cover all the information that is in the course. Even though I am not a complete beginner, it has helped me so much to understand the basics and strengthen my foundation. I will definitely buy the upgrade course next. Thank you so much for developing such an incredible program."
.........Priya, USA, March 14, 2010

"I own numerous books by artists such as Emile Gruppe, Richard Schmid, Edgar Payne, Kevin Macpherson, etc. These are wonderful books I would not want to part with. I copied some of the paintings in the books and my copies came out extremely well. But whenever I tried to create my own compositions I ran into a brick wall of frustration. I was finding myself lost in the woods every time I tried to take a shortcut. I finally decided that I needed to build from a foundation that only a structured art course could give me. I knew I needed thorough, disciplined, intense training. After much research, I discovered the Virtual Art Academy and purchased the full course in December 2009. I am so glad I did. This course is wonderful. It is concise and easy to understand, but best of all are the assignments which are giving me the experience I so desperately needed. Uploading the finished assignments to the Virtual Art Academy Member Website gives me a feeling of actual progress and interacting with other members is a big plus. Yes, I would read my excellent books and say to myself, “I know how to do this; I don’t need to waste time practicing that, I’ll keep reading and discover the secret to success from these masters.” It’s easier and more fun to read anyway isn’t it? It’s especially nice because it keeps you from going to the easel where you may be forced to face up to your mistakes again. Well, enough of that. I’ve got work to do now – my next assignment in the Notan course. Thank you, Barry John Raybould, for putting me on a path with a clear view of the lake from the deep, dark recesses of the woods."
.........Cindy, USA, March 3, 2010

"The program is phenomenal. I have taken several art classes before but they were run by artists with no educational knowledge. This program is logical, comprehensive and very easy to follow."
.........Iwona, Canada, February 28, 2010

"I am so glad I enrolled, as it has given me a more organized approach to my painting. I did some courses before, but not such an exhaustive program, so I am following The Learning Path - Full Program route. I am doing everything from scratch, even though I have been painting for a while. This way I thought I will not take anything for granted, but will definitely get better in my painting. I am enjoying the challenge of the course and am glad we are asked to do so many pieces in some assignments, as I hope to be doing them concurrently. I was glad to have the overview, so that I know how the pieces of the course fit in together."
.........Geeta, USA, February 15, 2010

"I just wanted to let you know that I love the Virtual Art Academy course. I don't think there is another course that has as much detail and is as well organized as your course."
.........Maureen, USA, February 9, 2010

"I have reviewed the course, and I think it is fabulous. I wish I could have taken it years ago. I've taken many courses and workshops over a lifetime but I've never felt like more than a novice. If I can complete this course, I believe I will be well on my way to becoming a lower lever master."
.........Robbie, USA, January 5, 2010

"I absolutely adore your Full Program. I have completely downloaded all the classes and printed out a few courses to read and highlight. In fact, I feel very organized. And the videos are so fantastic. The simplicity in which Barry explains technique – it amazes me. How I wish I could devote my full time to your program. I may not be an active member just yet – in terms of you hearing from me and seeing some of my work, but that will come. I am in the background, studying and taking it all in. And what surprises me is that you are writing to me personally. I just assumed this was a “non personal” enterprise – but I am learning it is not and it makes me feel like I could seriously be a part of an art community – something that I have always wanted but never could achieve due to life events. So, please know you are doing an excellent job."
.........Emmi, USA, January 1, 2010

"The Virtual Art Academy Program is excellent. There are so many times, while reading, that I said wow. I’ve got so many books but none of them is so complete. I think I’m going to put them aside for a while. I wasn’t sure which learning path I should take so I start from the beginning. I believe I’m going to learn many thinks from all these assignments. The Online Campus is an excellent idea too. This is the first time I can upload my work for other fellow artists to see and say their opinion and discuss art issues with people from all over the world."
.........Demetris, Cyprus, December 18, 2009

"The video course is just as if I am in a class with Barry. Each video is practical, he shows me how to do an art technique. Besides the videos, each video has reading material so I don't have to transcribe what is said. And there are also assignments provided if I care to do them. I feel very fortunate to have found such good instructions; I am glad I bought the full 20 video series."
.........Swami, USA, December 12, 2009

"I am very happy with the program. It was worth every penny and I have only scratched the surface of the material and support offered. Everything is perfect! I am impressed with the details, the overviews, the format, the examples, and the assignments. I am also impressed with the personal contact and genuine concern for your students. I could go on and on. Thank you for a wonderful program."
.........Anne, USA, December 2, 2009

"I am totally thrilled to have this valuable information at hand thus I do it and study everyday. As a self taught artist I have never had "formal" training and that was a burden... now I follow the structured course and I am so very happy. No frustrations...When I paint I follow the steps as suggested by the course, this makes life so much easier...now I enjoy painting. I have just started on the Unit for Alla Prima painting....I can hardly wait to get my paints going and not to worry about detail...another frustration. I can go on and on with this but as far as I am concerned it IS A MUST PURCHASE for all artists amateur and professionals. We never cease to learn...Why not do it the right way."
.........Georgia, Canada, Nov 5, 2009

"Thanks for your diligence in getting me joined up with The Virtual Art Academy® Campus. It is more than I expected--useful, good looking, fun, educational, and it will draw me out of my artistic isolation."
.........Lowell, USA, Sept 10, 2009

"I just wanted to express my appreciation regarding how well you have organized this material. The way the lessons are broken down, makes it so easy to understand. You have left nothing out, and have included the most difficult to grasp details of painting, such as "setting up the studio" and "how to work en plein air for all mediums"... thank you! Believe me, not one instructor in my four years of college ever got close to helping the students on this level... I've had all kinds of art teachers over the years, but you must truly want your students to succeed, it is clear, by the way you have organized these lesson plans. I just wanted to tell you this, so you would know how much your school has meant to me."
.........Linda, USA, Sept 10, 2009

"I love the layout and ease of accessing the information so that it is easy to go back and find anything. The information seems very comprehensive and logically presented and having similar things repeated in various units as they apply (which saves a lot of cross-referencing) gives continuity, and of course the repetition is good for learning. I have a number of books which provide varying information, some very helpful, but your course puts it all in one place, explains it so that I can understand why something works or not, and makes it easy to find. "
.........Olwen, Australia, Sept 1, 2009

"Wow. Even better than what I expected. So well sequenced, organized & comprehensive.The content is all that I cannot find at workshops, art books & fine art students graduate without the great foundation that this course provides. Am so glad I bought the complete course."
.........Dawn, Australia, Aug 31, 2009

"I love the program and have printed out everything. WHEW! There's a lot of information there. I now have 3 very large binders (Beginners Course and the Drawing Course) of information and lessons to go through. I'm going through them page by page and practicing what is taught. I truly appreciate the way in which it's written. It's very easy to understand and if I do have a problem, I know where to go to get any answers. Thanks again and I look forward to learning more from your program."
.........Christie, USA, Aug 28, 2009

"I want to let you know how happy I am with your courses. Your courses are exactly what I needed, and I had seached for a long time for most comprehensive materials. I am confident to say that your courses are truly unique, honest, and written with so much passion. You are generous in sharing your knowledge and your dedication in helping others is evident. Thanks for giving me great tools and vision to be a better artist. "
.........Jo, USA, August 27, 2009

"Five years ago, I completed two Beginner’s Art Courses at a Community College, which proved to be very beneficial. However, over the next four years, I discovered that it was very difficult to find additional courses or material that would develop and build on those basic fundamentals that I had initially learned. Three months ago, I discovered the Virtual Art Academy. I am very grateful to Mr. Raybould for his diligence, for sharing his knowledge and for providing a very complete program and reference. I believe my progress, since purchasing the program, has helped me to improve more in the last three months, than the past four years! I have much greater confidence and I feel assured that my art skills will continue to progress and expand, because I now have a guide to get me there! I believe that the Virtual Art Academy’s complete program is a very worthwhile investment. "
.........Lori, Canada, July 14, 2009

"This course is truly well run, professionally handled -- and I can only echo the great comments of other students: I am glad, I enrolled in this course!! I got so much out of it already -- lots of explanations, areas to study up on, other artists to learn from. AND I am not at the end of the course, yet. I am getting more and more confident and bold enough to follow my dream -- to become a proficient and sensitive artist. "
.........Erika, USA, July 10, 2009

"I have been looking over the information and I am so pleased. I work full time and I have taken some Art classes at the College but it is very hard to find anything that fits in my schedule. I have also taken non credit classes around the area and have many books but I only get some information from them. The writing is very easy to read - it flows nice. The examples are great. There is more than I expected."
.........Arlene, USA, July 10, 2009

"What You are doing it is unbelievable . In Your program I found everything, I have read many books, but no one gives me so much information. Exercises improve my paintings and now there is the online campus. This is wonderful! "
.........Rima, USA, July 9, 2009

"The material is very well presented and easy to understand - no lengthy explanations but short and condensed paragraphs with a load of very valuable information. Along with plenty of illustrations, this makes it a fun and easy study."
.........Jacqueline, Spain, June 23, 2009

"I have just finished printing it out, and I cannot wait to get started on it. It appears to be thorough, easy to understand, and beautifully presented. I wanted to increase my knowledge of the basics, and I know I landed on my feet with this program."
.........Betsy, USA, June 16, 2009

"In my opinion, your material is the best I have found. It builds the basics, from the ground up, recognizing that there are no short cuts.....Your course puts all the right info into one package, and even more important, it gives me an organized, building block way to get these things into my head, and I have already noticed an improvement in my work,"
.........George, USA, May 5, 2009

"My painting has improved no end, I have plenty of books, but your course has no equal."
.........Bob, Cyprus, May 5, 2009

"This program has given me a far greater appreciation of composition and that in itself is a monumental thing for me and has made me look at everything with a different mindset. I think the videos are an excellent addition to an already excellent program."
.........Michael, USA, May 1 2009

"I bought the complete course & this is the most detailed, complete, easy to understand, comprehensive program out there. He gives you examples on what to do & not do, he actually shows you paintings, notans on the right way & wrong way 2 do it. 4 anyone serious about painting who is on a limited budget, This is worth 10x & more the amount sold for. I wish I would have found this sooner."
.........Xtremely gr8ful student, May 1, 2009

"I have just received your Colour course and am excited by the fact that it contains information I have been trying to access for many years. Many thanks for that. I can see why so many of the comments praise the information contained in each course. No one (except Barry) includes this sort essential content in their courses.(and I have tried lots.)"
.........B. Cox, Canada, April 16, 2009

"Your courses are the best, most comprehensive, and exciting courses I have found anywhere - in books, in class and/or on the internet. Thank you for compiling these for us. I always look forward to your newsletters and putting them into practice."
.........R. Bennett, USA, April 11, 2009

"I love receiving the newsletter. It reinforces the concepts from the complete program."
.........Joanne, USA, April 10, 2009

"As I approach age 80, I find your course to be the most instructive, useful and comprehensive investment I have yet made in support of transitioning my career from yacht designer/builder to full time artist --- I thank you for your effort and commitment to the Art Discipline."
.........Charley, USA, April 8, 2009

"On a more personal note, despite having barely skimmed the surface, I am really enjoying your Virtual Art Academy course. I might add that I can say with certainty that I will learn far more from your course than from my 3 year fine arts degree. Thank you so much for putting it together."
.........Kerry Lymn, Darwin, Australia, February 18, 2009

"This is an in depth, extensive, comprehensive, practical and very revealing treatise on painting and art. I am very happy I bought it."
.........Patricia, Bulgaria, November 5, 2008

"I have just finished printing all the beginning and advanced lessons and I am now overwhelmed. I need to digest the material! Without a doubt, this is the most thorough, well written and illustrated art instruction I have encountered , including personal one-on-one instruction. My compliments to Barry. If only I had known about him 20 years ago I would have saved many wasted dollars spent at school and would now be a much more accomplished amateur artist."
.........Donald, USA, October 28, 2008

"I have bought your full program and also the videos and both bring me forward to make better paintings. So I know on which parts I have to work to improve my work"
.........Karl, October 26, 2008

"I find this video very useful and it is a good supplement to my studies. As you know 10 minutes with a video tells more than 1000 words can say, your comments guide the students to get the focus of the main subject, and then we can let ourselves start to think and practice."
.........Jan, October 26, 2008

"The video explanations were simple to understand, with visuals provided concurrently with the explanations. It was just like attending a live lecture in an art school!. The written notes and the assignments also helped to reinforce what I learnt from the video lectures."
.........Ching, October 25, 2008

"I want to tell you that I am really glad to have bought your learning program. I already benefit from it after only a few weeks of reading and exercising, although I am an absolute beginner and have to translate everything into German."
.........Angelika, Germany, September 11, 2008

"I spent four years at art college studying graphics and advertising many years ago. Art history and drawing and painting were a part of the course, but not fine art. If the visual poetry and music units had been available all those years ago I think it would have helped all aspects of my art work. Thanks to Barry for making a subject I found difficult to grasp so much clearer for me."
.........Laura, September 8, 2008

"Thank you thank you for your course. I have self-studied with the best of them and your course fills in all the gaps including answering questions on some topics on form hue changes that i never got a chance to ask Charles Sovek prior to his passing away. I have read more books (many on your respected list) than anyone. I did not follow my dream to get my BFA and MFA.....but, now (20 years later) I have a second chance because of a supportive husband and, in large part, your course. I love all the concise yet, completeness. It gives you the big picture of each course topic and then goes into the details and all the possible options. My brain gets it! Even arenas which are review - I enjoy because I always get a nugget or two of helpful insights and tips (which is pretty much all I get these days from 3-day workshops with world-respected artist teachers. Also, my brain loves the organized nature of how the material is presented."
.........Kathy, September 1, 2008

"Thanks again for the best courses on art I have ever taken. (Attended two art schools...your courses are much better than any other education I have received.) Virtual Art Academy is a great pleasure to work with."
.........Barbara, August 30, 2008

"I have attended two art schools, but did not stick with it because I was not learning what I really wanted to learn. (That was back in the 1980s) Since then, I have been buying books like there is no tomorrow, and trying to teach myself how to paint up to the standards I picture in my mind. I have had only very slow and limited success. It has been expensive, defeating and exhausting. Your courses are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have learned more in several days than in years of genuine hard work. I do not have all the courses yet, but the ones I do have are the most important things I have ever owned. In only a few days I have obtained visible results. The rewards from your courses are too extensive to describe. Thank you for your exceptional contribution to artists and to the arts! I spend every spare moment on these courses, and I feel renewed enthusiasm."
.........Barbara, August 12, 2008

"I was thrilled to receive your newsletter this morning. Having started painting again after 40 years at the age of 64 I am devouring every bit of information I can get and your info really is awesome. The brushstrokes just make so much sense and the colour part really is helping me."
.........Lucia, July 24, 2008

"Your recent Part 1 and Part 2 Newsletters was a great improvement. Yours is by far the very best online Art websites/programs. I am impressed by the depth of information provided."
.........Alvin, July 21, 2008

"I LOVE the Virtual Art Academy. The materials are very readable and well organized and I look forward to going into my studio and working on each lesson."
.........Mary Kay, July 14, 2008

"So far the courses have been a tremendous help. So much information and different approaches to getting the lessons down! Its great. Some of the most comprehensive info I have ever come across!!!"
.........Gretchen, May 15, 2008

"The Virtual Art Academy is the best all-around training for the self-motivated artist who is dedicated to becoming an excellent painter."
.........Marilyn, November 15, 2007

"As a beginning painter, I have looked for information in many places. I have found your information to be the best. Very complete and very well presented."
.........Paul, October 23, 2007

"i just want to thank you very much for this opportunity, without which I may have never have been able to take lessons.. I work full time, have always had a passion for art, but our university art school here has instructors who think hanging dead animals in trees is art. They are prolific, well known and touted as wonderful, but I disagree. I am a lot more classical in my likes, and really there is nothing here for me. I have struggled with what talent I have and mere creative energy, which has won me prizes in some pretty big contests, but I always had to work so hard for so long that it is difficult to be prolific. With just a few of your lessons I created very nice paintings in a few hours which previously would have taken me weeks! So thank you, I am sure making these lessons has been a great undertaking!"
.........Lori, September 27, 2007

"I would like to say how pleased I am with my purchases. The units are really interesting, very informative, and I have learnt a lot already. I have looked a several other art instruction courses, and I must say that they do not even come close to the quality of your courses."
.........Pauline, August 28, 2007

"I have been using the beginner package for over 2 years and I love the quality of these courses, the excellent explanations and the easy to read notes. I know I am a slow learner but I love every minute I spend with the assignments. I am doing absolutely all the learning assignments and cannot wait to finish and get the upgrade for the master course. I have to thank virtual academy not only for the great material but also for the fantastic support they have provided me over the 2 years."
.........Graciela, August 21, 2007

"Thanks for your Virtual Art Academy courses - I find their depth and presentation well adapted to satisfying my desire for more complete understanding than I get from most popular books, magazines, and even teachers who can do beautiful work but not explain it well."
........David Kellam Brown, June 8, 2007

"I purchased two of your specials so that I could see your courses. I was so pleased that I immediately purchased the complete Beginner program. I am thrilled and have already begun reading and getting organized. I am confident that I am on my way to building my skills and knowledge. The layout, presentation of material, and the quality/quantity of information are beyond my expectations. I was hesitant to order at first, but I am so happy that I did. I have taken many courses with some very good teachers and have many books. This is a program that I am confident I will be able to "stick with"."
......Jackie, June 5, 2007

"I have just purchased a few weeks ago the Brushwork series. I am very impressed with the quality of the information!! It could be called "what you always wanted to know but couldn't find in any classes."
.....Francine, May 3, 2007

"The instruction units are very helpful and very well planned. I have been doing the small color studies with colored blocks and those studies do help a great deal"
...... Robert, March 13, 2007

"This is such a thorough course - it is like having my own university at home - unfortunately when I went through my BFA program I had very few instructors that would share (or knew what to share) with us. That was more than 30 years ago... Since then I have attended many workshops which were far more informative and were great as a means of working faster and fresher. Your system is really the best way for me. The information is given in an understandable manner."
.....Jane, February 10, 2007

"I can't tell you how impressed I am. I have taken about 20-25 workshops from some of the best but I feel like this program will fill in many of the gaps that I have been missing. I am so thankful to find this."
...... Ellen, January 2, 2007

"Have to tell you I am extremely impressed with the scope and information contained in the course. You obviously went to a lot of work to compile this and it will be a legacy for you!"
...Dee, December 9, 2006

"I am the proud owner/student/artist of your virtual art academy course. I feel that it is the best--very best--investment the I have made for my growth as an artist. I do think that it is so well planned. I have many "how to" art books, but I am also a credentialed teacher, and I know when a teaching tool is well done. I am just so grateful that I found ithe course and purchased the course. I do refer to the lessons often."
....Karlene. November 20, 2006

"In 1986 I was received a BFA from Otis/Parson's Art Institute of Design. I majored in illustration and design, and had an awful time. None of what I learned in school ever added up to anything that helped me do what I wanted to do. And ever since graduating I've been going through life with the nagging feeling that I'd been fleeced, ripped off and conned. I draw well. I always have. And I've spent 20 years making a good living in advertising working as an Art Director. I can draw and I can write and I faked the other stuff. But I've always wanted to paint. I just had no idea how to go about it. When I found your art academy on the web, I felt I'd discovered the education I was expecting to get 20 years ago. Painting makes sense to me now. The ideas and concepts hang together. My work is improving. And I know the more I do the better I'll get."
...Josh. October 20, 2006

"I've spent all today reading the course and am absolutely delighted that I found Virtual Art Academy. I was surfing the net looking for Art Instruction and I feel like I hit the jackpot. Mr Raybould is an outstanding individual. Reading his material, which was written brilliantly, was like having him in my room answering my art questions. I had one of my best days today just reading the course units. Many of my frustrations in painting were because of my lack of painting knowledge."
...Shirley. October 10, 2006

"Congratulations on these courses, they are genuinely very good ... especially compared to other Art Instruction I have found over the years across the world. I have found most Art Courses to have a great deal of filler and short of real constructive advice. These are very useful to actually developing your skills."
...Karl. August 16, 2006

"Thank you so much for this great learning package. I am already printing away and looking forward to alot of fun doing all the assignments. Barry has a gift at explaining concepts that many teachers just don't have."
...Walter. August 4, 2006

"I am loving your Colour Course! It's very informative. Exactly what I was after."
...Kate. July 31, 2006

"I love your work, and just recently purchased your full art course. It looks great! Thank you so much for your excellent course!! It's terrific. Thank you."
.....Judy. July 25, 2006

"Thanks so much. I feel I will get a lot out of the material I have bought. I have bought many books that I read on art from Northlight but this course seems to get down to the nitty gritty of it. I did see Barry's work and that indeed makes me think he knows what he is talking about. Thank you,"
... Dorothy. June 28, 2006

"Just reviewed the Sample Set I ordered yesterday. Loved it. So, here is my order for the complete set. Looking forward to getting started."
...Linda M. June 5, 2006

"Thank you for your great books."
... Gary H. May 13, 2006

"Finally, affordable art instruction. I am looking forward to using your program."
... Lynn B. May 12, 2006

"I am very happy with all of the information that I have received so far. The newsletters are great also."
... Robert S. March 3, 2006

"Hi Barry, Successfully purchased and downloaded the first three packages. Have just skimmed through the materials. As you know I have read most every book and seen most every video out there on how to paint. You have set a new standard in art instruction. Simple, clean, concise and easy to understand. Really wish I had this available ten years ago. Thanks,"
... Alex

"Absolutely! Anything I can do to help Barry be a great success. After all this thought and hard work he deserves it. Another thing about this course. Barry is such a clear thinker and an excellent writer. I have been so frustrated plowing over and over again through the disorganized prose and writing styles of all those how to paint books. Often left me guessing at what they were trying to say. It was even difficult trying to figure out what an instructor was trying to communicate in class. They pass by your easel for a couple of minutes, say something, then it's back to bad painting again! After I have completed his course, if you like you can set up a link to my website so potential students can see the results of this wonderful unique teaching method in action. Hopefully by then Barry will have helped me win some awards. Blessings"
....Alex

"Barry...Completed two notan units on the train today. Superb instruction!!!"
...Alex

"This is fabulous! Thank you so much - I’ve referred you to another plein air artist here in Oregon - your instruction is incredible. Thanks again."
... Mary Lou, Beaverton, OR, United States."

"Hi Barry, Thanks, I got the attachment for the Visual Poetry & Music Units. I did get the Form units a while back along with the ones on Brushwork. I can’t tell you how much your courses have helped me to understand what it is I’m trying to do. I spent many years in frustration knowing that there was much I needed to know in order to progress, but unable to do it even with the numerous art instruction books that I purchased over the years. In some ways I think certain books did more harm than good because they only gave part of the information needed. In any case, you have presented the information in a clear, concise way, and the assignments are an invaluable tool for learning. I feel confident that with hard work and perseverance, my work will improve. I sincerely hope that if you ever decide to stop the VirtualArtAcademy, you will have your courses published in book form. You have written the quintessential art instruction book, every bit as valuable as Carlson’s Guide To Landscape Painting - maybe even more so because it incorporates every aspect of painting! Every artist out there would benefit from its contents. I wonder if you realize what you have written? I eagerly look forward to any future courses, and hope to be back on track with the assignments soon. Wishing you all the best,"
...Janet

"I have recently recovered from a long illness and am ready to start painting again. And it was with joy that I received your excellent lessons. I am very impressed with the acuity of Mr. Raybould’s observations. These are the clearest, most cogent instructions that I have ever received. This material has given me a kick-start and enables me to start anew with great enthusiasm. Renascence at the age of 80 is an unexpected and wonderful thing. Gratefully,"
...Jode Sumrall

"The module looks superb !"
... B.M., Alicante, Spain.

"The three courses I’ve ordered are so wonderful! Thanks for putting this information together; it’s exactly what I need in my painting right now. You’ve clarified so many points for me already and I’m just beginning to read and do the exercises. I’m sure my painting will see the results."
... A.H., Switzerland.

"I can’t tell you how much I feel I’m gaining in understanding. A light has gone on. Thanks."
... Janet W., Chicago, IL, United States.

"I’ve been painting on my own for a while and thought I was doing okay. Now that I’m taking this course I see so many things I can learn from that will make my work so much better. This is the stuff you can’t get in art school anymore, sadly. There’s no way your paintings can’t improve after this course. That’s how strongly I feel about it."
...Bob Akers., Crystal Lake, IL, United States".

"I cannot say enough about Barry John Raybould’s Virtual Art Academy. The course is a compendium of information for painters, but could be used by artists of other mediums simply for the knowledge base on art principals in general. It is divided into sections around the fundamental areas of value, color, paint application, composition, etc. It is filled with specific information about specific problems. The thing I particularly like about the Virtual Art Academy program is how Barry presents the information. He gives specific steps along with visual examples in every section of the course. I can remember visuals much more easily that text, but when visuals are combined with text in such a logical manner, it is much easier to take in and remember all the information. When I am painting and come across a problem that I need to solve, I often think to myself, Oh, yes, I remember what Barry said about that."

"Painting, in my opinion, is one of the most complex of endeavors and there are so many aspects of it to learn. Barry has obviously spent an enormous amount of time compiling the information from his own experience in workshops and from his own painting. I highly recommend the Virtual Art Academy courses for both beginners and advanced painters who want to really put it all together. ."
... Kathryn Townsend, (artist & author of Working Artist software, www.workingartist.com). Olympia, WA, United States.

"The online self-study course looks fantastic -- it’s presented so professionally; it must be the best, if not the only, of its kind."
...A.P., New York, United States.

"I bought the Master course of the Virtual Art Academy last year and have been slowly working my way through it - painting, thinking, looking. I find it straight forward and practical. It is full of essential information on techniques and materials that you won’t find elsewhere, certainly not scattered at various sites on the internet! My husband is an amateur photographer and also has used concepts from this excellent course. I find the photos of paintings placed throughout the course "worth a thousand words" because as artists we remember things better when we have visualized them. Painting is a complex endeavor! No wonder it is a life-long pursuit. With the help of the logically presented courses in the Virtual Art Academy, you can’t help but make progress in your art work. I highly recommend them."
...Audrey H, France,US

"Hi, Thank you very much, and yes you can quote me anonymously. I would like to purchase the upgrade to the Master Program. I’m very appreciative of the courses that you have put together. I’m a survivor of a poorly designed university art program and am relieved and grateful that you are actually teaching skill and not vague assignments and theory. I highly value the convience of your program and the wealth of correct information that’s there for me to pursue at my own pace. These are courses that I can review and reflect on the rest of my life. And I can build and hone my skills as it fits into my busy schedule. Thank you again and the check is in the mail."
...Thea

"Thank you for your generous courses. I am at a crossroads, at the moment, between moving forward in a new focused direction, or wandering laterally about the barren fields of a "wanna be like x artist". I have had too many superb teachers, and not enough apprentiship with just one master. The structure of my compositions has not had enough attention paid to it and my hoping to cover it’s weakness with details, of course, isn’t satisfying me or my painting peers. I plan to do the exercises of the courses I purchased, Notan painting, and the complete composition and brushstroke units. I feel confident I will solve my "painterly" deficiencies! I trust my website will look entirely different by the end of 6 months study! Wishing you continued success, and many thanks for taking the time to share your vision in this way."
...Carole

"Thanks for taking the time to speak to me by phone and for my order confirmation. I have looked at the newsletter -- the artwork is breathtaking, evoking memories of an earlier time when I lived on the West Coast. Your BJ is, indeed, a master artist. Look forward to delving into the Course material -- the bit on cropping in the Newsletter is enlightening, the upcoming exhibition announcements helpful, and the paintings awesome. Thank you. Sincerely,"
...Catherine

"I have purchased the Beginner package as well as the Notan and Brushwork from the Master Series. I am so very happy with my purchase - finally, information is put together in an easy to absorb format and in a condensed to the point method. No beating around the bush with you! Thank you so much,"
...Lily

"I think your art lessons are wonderful and I have learned so much from them. I will be studying them, probably, for as long as I continue to paint."
...Sue, February 2006 "

"These are the best lessons I have seen on the internet.... and I can do them at my own pace !!! Thank you for all your help... it is great to work with people who understand !!!"
...Ayn, February 2006

"Just wanted to state that I am finding these lessons to be extremely helpful. Although I am currently taking a college painting class I have been feeling frustrated that I am not liking many of my paintings. After reading through and absorbing the Music and Poetry package I went back to a painting that I had considered "finished" even though i was not happy with it. Applying the concepts and techniques from the lessons I evaluated the painting , made some minor (yet major!) changes to the painting and now LOVE it! My son’s girlfriend saw it for the first time last night, fell in love with the painting, told me that she loved the misty, soft quality of the sky and mountains (exactly the concept I was trying to develop but hadn’t shared that with her!). So, now the painting is hers! Thank you to Barry for these most helpful lessons which have already taught me more than my painting class! Thanks, "
... Barbara. October 7, 2005

"You certainly do have permission to quote me. I knew that I was missing the basic tools to enable me to complete a painting completely on my own and have been searching for years - purchasing books and materials trying to get the information that you have single handedly provided in an informative neatly organized manner. . No more searching, you have covered it all! Thank you for taking the time to condense this vital information to enable me to succeed as an artist. Thanks again,"
...Lily, Sunday, August 14, 2005

"I find your courses really superb in two ways: first they are very complete and comprehensive, and second they go straight to the point, to the essentials. Both my wife and I paint and we both agree that these art instruction courses are one of the best sources of education for people who want to learn to paint in a direct or alla prima style"
...Bernado Martin, Alicante, Spain.