How to use our Tutorials

What's the best way to use our painting tutorials?

We asked you guys, and you shared your strategies. Most of you watch the entire tutorial before even starting to paint. And while you're painting, you keep the tutorial playing so you can follow along. But we know some of you still find it tricky. So, here are a few more tips to help you out.

One of my students had a problem. They would start one of my painting tutorials, and then suddenly, they'd find themselves doing their own thing. It was as if they had no control over their hand and just painted whatever they felt like. They would lose themselves in their painting. They were worried about this and asked for help staying focused on the tutorial.

Here's how I responded to the student in simpler terms:

First, it's essential to have everything ready. Check these things:

  1. Do you know the paint colors the tutorial uses?
  2. Are you using the right size of the canvas?
  3. Have you printed out a reference picture?
  4. Did you draw the image on the canvas using grids or transfer paper? Ensure the image matches the canvas – vertical for vertical and horizontal for horizontal. If you change the size, does it still look good? We design the paintings the way we do for specific reasons. They will only sometimes make a good painting in a different format.
  5. Have you done a base coat (underpainting) in the color or shade the tutorial suggested before you start drawing?

Before you begin painting, try watching the tutorial once through. Look for these things:
a. Can you see the main point of interest in the painting? The “Star of the Show” is what you want to make sure you know.
b. Have you printed a black and white picture to see where the light and dark parts are?
c. Do you have a hairdryer ready to dry your painting between layers?

When you've done all this, think about these questions:

  1. Did the tutorial suggest a particular order for painting? Our tutorials are split into parts to help you. Take a break if you need one. The tutorials are broken into “bite” size pieces…so take a break now and then.
  2. Can you list a few key ideas from the tutorial?
  3. Imagine the shape you are about to paint in your mind before you put the paintbrush on the canvas. Notice which way the brush strokes go as you watch the video.

While painting, take a break and see how you're doing. Acrylic paint gets darker as it dries. Do you need to adjust the lightness or darkness of your colors?

When you finish painting, take a black and white photo and compare it to your reference. The human eye is drawn to the lightest and darkest points in a painting. Does your painting's focal point have enough contrast?

Let your painting dry overnight. This way, you can see if anything changes or if you notice anything new the next day.

And remember, don't stress too much about getting it perfect. Painting is supposed to be fun. You don't have to make an exact copy of the original. Every painting helps you learn something new. If you did a tutorial a year ago, you'd do it differently now. So don't worry too much about what you're painting today. You can always send your art for Personal Art Coaching or to ask me any questions.

Remember, painting is like a language. As you learn a new language, you start by learning one word, then another, and so on. Once you have a few words mastered, you will begin to create sentences…one after another. Before long, you have a masterpiece known as a complete story. So take it easy, relax, and enjoy your painting journey.

7 Comments

  1. Yes and yes, this is fantastic advice and reminders. Waiting to the next day is so important for me, the colors can look different and I see little things that I overlooked while painting. Most important, for me, is taking a B&W photo, that can make all the difference. Thank you, A H Teent

  2. Great tips! Waiting for a day or more, in my case, is the most important!! I just finished Gingers arboretum, which I had painted before, so I didn’t send it in for a pac. I took a photo, posted in the facebook club, and as I looked at it, I was embarrassed! My reflections were awful! I have since changed them! This is a prime example..if I had been more patient and looked at it for a couple of days, I would have caught that!
    I watched the whole video and I usually follow along with it. In this case, I watched the whole video, but didn’t follow along, thus the big screw up!! I also think a black and white is very important! It has saved me a few times!
    Art Hugs!
    Mary

  3. I do follow all the advice and suggestions, now what I will be doing and should have is take a black and white photo and compare it with the Reference Photo.

    Thanks, I have learnt a lot by following you.

    Regards,
    Bella

  4. Definately agree with stepping back. I see my painting so differently in the morning. I watch the video through then follow along on my iPad. Still so very much to learn but have learned so much from Ginger. You and Jon are very encouraging and so much fun!

  5. This would make an excellent checklist page to print out when you print your reference picture too. Wonderful explanation, thank you!!!! 🙂

  7. To me, this is the most important pre-painting checklist. Everyone needs to read this. I have to go back and reflect on it because I will forget the steps. This is gold in the prevention of headaches. Thank you (side note all my paintings take weeks even if I paint every day, I am slow and often paint over things multiple times.)

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