Virtual Instructor January 2014 Art Course Updates & Resources
New Art Education Resources at Virtual Instructor
Artists seeking structured learning just gained valuable resources. After examining Virtual Instructor's January 2014 update, I'm impressed by how these additions address fundamental skill gaps. Matt's team has released comprehensive courses targeting specific mediums and techniques, demonstrating their understanding of artists' evolving needs. The inclusion of downloadable ebooks alongside video modules particularly stands out as an effective learning approach, allowing students to reinforce visual demonstrations with written reference materials. This dual-format delivery significantly boosts knowledge retention according to art education research.
Oil Painting Master Series: Foundational Training
Designed specifically for beginning oil painters, this new course features nationally recognized artist Ashley Bane Hurst. With nine modules already available (of 19 planned), the series delivers over 200 minutes of step-by-step video instruction. What makes this program exceptional is its scaffolding approach—each lesson builds systematically on previous techniques. The downloadable ebooks accompanying every module provide crucial reference material, enabling students to review techniques without replaying videos constantly. For absolute beginners, I recommend starting with Module 3 where pigment handling fundamentals are broken down with exceptional clarity. Proper brush pressure control often proves challenging initially, but Hurst's demonstrations make this tactile skill accessible.
Pastel Landscape Mastery: Technique Expansion
Two vital technique modules have expanded the Pastel Landscape Mastery curriculum. The dry wash technique module teaches controlled pigment application for smooth gradients, while the wet wash module demonstrates blending methods that prevent muddy colors. Having analyzed both approaches, I find the dry wash method particularly valuable for landscape artists needing subtle sky transitions. Common mistakes include over-blending and insufficient pigment layers—issues these lessons address through targeted exercises. Building multiple translucent layers creates more luminous results than single heavy applications. The video demonstrations clearly show pressure variations needed for different textural effects, from delicate cloud formations to rugged terrain.
Free Drawing Resources and Community Access
Beyond paid courses, Virtual Instructor added significant free resources focused on core drawing skills. The new photo references for practicing forms and reflective surfaces provide excellent study material, especially the challenging glass objects collection. Drawing reflective surfaces requires understanding how light distorts across planes—a skill many artists struggle with initially. According to the accompanying blog analysis, mastering negative space observation is key to rendering glass convincingly. For community engagement, Matt encourages interaction through the Facebook page and direct email contact. This aligns with best practices in art education where peer feedback accelerates progress. I suggest starting with the reflective surfaces exercises before attempting the complex glass drawing challenges.
Action Plan for Skill Development
Immediate Practice Checklist
- Download three free drawing references for reflective surfaces
- Practice the dry wash technique using soft pastels on toned paper
- Watch Module 3 of the Oil Painting Master Series focusing on brush control
Recommended Learning Path
- Beginners: Start with Oil Painting Master Series Module 1-3
- Intermediate: Focus on Pastel Landscape wet wash techniques
- Advanced: Challenge with glass drawing using provided references
Resource Comparison Guide
| Resource Type | Best For | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Painting Course | Foundational technique | Membership |
| Pastel Modules | Texture mastery | Membership |
| Drawing References | Skill practice | Free |
| Live Lessons | Real-time Q&A | Membership |
Elevate Your Artistic Practice
These precisely targeted resources solve specific technical challenges artists face daily. The combination of structured courses and free references creates multiple entry points for skill development at different levels. When exploring these new materials, which technique do you anticipate will transform your artistic practice most significantly? Share your approach in the comments—your experience could help fellow artists navigate similar challenges.
