Teach Art At Home Like an Artist!
This time of year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who came into the world that we might be saved. As a reminder that Jesus is the reason for the season, here’s a short video where Jim draws a Star of Bethlehem that turns into a cross when a black light is turned on.
This effect is super-easy to do. To recreate it, you’ll need to use white chalk and white invislble fluorescent (black light) chalk. You can buy these at EternityArts.com
Since we’re nearing Christmas, I thought I’d post a video I did a few years back, about how to use black light chalk to create a lighted Christmas tree effect. To make the tree light up, you’ll need to use fluorescent pencils or pastels for the lights. And you’ll need a black light. You can purchase these at the See the Light Art store. You can find links to these supplies below the video.
When I was growing up, I was taught not to copy other people’s work. It was considered dishonest and cheating. That, of course was even more true in college and graduate school.
For most of the last 20 years, I’ve made my living as a freelance writer, and I can tell you that the rule has not changed–at least for writers. The technical term, of course, is plagiarism, and it has ruined more than one writer’s career.
However, there is one area where copying is not only acceptable, it’s encouraged–under certain circumstances. That’s in art.
For many years, artists have honed their craft by copying the works of the old masters. Although there are some who discourage this practice because they feel it hinders originality, there is much to be said for learning to draw and paint by copying the works of master artists.
If you have a young student who wants to learn and grow as an artist, and who is up for a challenge, encourage them to try copying some classic works of art. I’ve linked to some blogs below to help you get started.
And don’t forget to have fun.
Here are some blog posts worth reading:
DRAWING TIPS FOR COPYING OLD MASTERS DRAWINGS
THE THREE STEPS TO BECOMING A BETTER PAINTER
IS COPYING THE MASTERS BAD OR GOOD?
Enjoy these random selections from the blog:
And don’t forget to visit our store! Here are a few of our products that will help you have a first class art program at home:
Here’s a very basic digital art project. No bells or whistles on this one. Just one layer, using a symmetry tool and flood fill.
This is a good, and relatively easy, starter project for a beginner in digital art.
I titled this, marigold mandala, but didn’t think of that name until after I did the video. As I was drawing, the design kept reminding me of a particular type of flower, but I didn’t remember the name “marigold” until later.
To gain a basic familiarity with the tools and software we’ll be using for future digital art projects, specifically the symmetry tool and autofill (bucket) tool. Also, how to set up a digital canvas.
To create this project, I used Autodesk Sketchbook (sketchbook.com) with a Wacom Intuos Pro graphics tablet.
You can download Sketchbook free at: www.sketchbook.com
You can get a graphics tablet and pressure-sensitive stylus as low as $27 HERE
Intro & Software/Hardware – 0:00
Navigating Sketchbook – 4:06
Set Up Your Canvas – 8:00
Select Your Brush – 10:15
Set Up the Symmetry Tool – 11:00
Draw the Mandala – 12:42
Color the Mandala – 18:12
Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these (Luke 12:27 NIV).
All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall (I Peter 1:24 NIV).
It’s interesting to note that when scripture refers to flowers, it is almost always with an eye towards either God’s provision or peoples’ temporality. The two verses above are representative of the divergent thought lines. In one, Jesus instructs his hearers to consider the wildflowers, how God clothes them even more majestically than Solomon in his splendor. In the second verse, Peter is quoting from Isaiah 40 and emphasizing that human splendor and glory passes away with the speed and finality of a flower dying.
They are dramatically different thoughts, and yet there is a powerful connection. I am to trust in the God who created the heavens and the earth, knowing that He will provide for me–whatever I need. The wildflowers are to be my example.
On the other hand, I should never seek my own glory and power, because I–and my presence and glory on this earth–will pass away quickly and with barely a trace left behind. The wildflowers are to be my example.
As you draw this digital “flower,” remember the wildflowers. They will remind you to trust God and seek his kingdom and glory–not your own. — Jim Pence
The foundational skill of art is drawing.
Whether you’re using a pencil, pen, brush, or a piece of chalk, it’s all about drawing.
In your free lessons, you’ll learn…
…The basics of what makes a drawing
…What you need to have in your drawing “toolkit”
…The most essential skill of drawing
…How to synchronize your hand and your eyes
…The basics of composition
How do selection tools work in digital art? Think scissors and glue–only better. With these tools, you can manipulate your artwork in ways you only dreamed of before now.
Check out the cool things you can do in this week’s online art lesson…
The foundational skill of art is drawing.
Whether you’re using a pencil, pen, brush, or a piece of chalk, it’s all about drawing.
In your free lessons, you’ll learn…
…The basics of what makes a drawing
…What you need to have in your drawing “toolkit”
…The most essential skill of drawing
…How to synchronize your hand and your eyes
…The basics of composition
If you’re new to digital art and want a fun way to create something right from the start, experiment with the symmetry tool. This tool enables you to draw beautiful symmetrical patterns–just by doodling. Try it out. And have fun!
The foundational skill of art is drawing.
Whether you’re using a pencil, pen, brush, or a piece of chalk, it’s all about drawing.
In your free lessons, you’ll learn…
…The basics of what makes a drawing
…What you need to have in your drawing “toolkit”
…The most essential skill of drawing
…How to synchronize your hand and your eyes
…The basics of composition
