These are some of the emails about these painting courses that we have received from all over the world.

"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

"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

"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."

"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

"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

"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.