Active Fine Art Posts
How To: Draw a simple cartoon dog
When you first begin to drawing dogs, it can be difficult to know where to start. Usually, there are tricks that can get you started with ease, and the same is true in regards to drawing dogs. You don't have to be an expert artist to learn how to draw a dog; it's as simple as beginning with a 'cheat', or a few specific lines, and building a style from there. To draw a dog, you should begin by drawing the number 'six', followed by three lines, fairly close together. This will create the dog's ...
How To: Take an HDR photo with a Nikon D50 digital camera
See how to take an HDR photo set (three photos, each with different exposures) using a Nikon D50 digital SLR camera. This how-to video includes a walk through of the settings you should use to take the high dynamic range imaging photo. It pretty much works the same on most digital SLR cameras, so pay attention to this video tutorial.
How To: Draw a cartoon tortoise
Whether you're looking to make your own comics or you just like the style, check out this how-to video and find out how to make a quick cartoon style tortoise sketch. The cartoon tortoise rendered in this video is quick to make, and only requires an ink pen, and water-soluble markers if you want to add some color. Watch this video drawing tutorial and learn how to sketch a cartoon tortoise.
How To: Draw a cartoon-style dog
Whether you're looking to make your own comics or you just like the style, check out this how-to video and find out how to make a quick cartoon style dog sketch. The cartoon dog rendered in this video is quick to make, and only requires an ink pen, and water-soluble markers if you want to add some color. Watch this video drawing tutorial and learn how to sketch a cartoon dog.
How To: Ink a wolf drawing with tech or micron pens
Ever wonder how some one created that piece of art? Inking, as shown in this how-to video, is a common technique used in comics, but can be applied to any other fine art. You might want to use a copy of the original drawing in case of any inking mistakes. Watch this video drawing tutorial and learn how to ink a wolf drawing with tech or micron pens.
How To: Make a watercolor painting of an existing sketch
Learn how to stretch your paper and prepare it for painting in the watercolor style from this how-to video series. Pick up some techniques for watercolor, like wet on wet paint, using salt for texture, creating shadows, detailing, color choice, and finishing. Watch these video painting tutorials and learn how to watercolor a pre-drawn painting.
How To: Draw a wolf step by step
Whether you're just learning to draw or already have some illustrating skills, this how-to video series can offer you some tips. Demonstrating artist Stephie shows how to start sketching, offering advice on everything from equipment to the actual rendering process, all while whipping up a wolf drawing. Check out this video drawing tutorials and learn how to draw a wolf.
How To: Embellish a plain t-shirt
Melissa Watson from DIY Style shows a way to restructure and re-style something that you already have plenty of, a t-shirt, in this how-to video. Add ruffles and rouching to transform a plain tee into something a little more eye-catching. You will need thread, a ruler, elastic, shears, a marking tool, a tissue-knit fabric, straight pins, and a t-shirt. Watch this video design tutorial and learn how to fashion an old t-shirt into something more stylish.
How To: Make a purse out of a recycled sweater
Allyce King from DIY Style shows a simple way to recycle an old sweater into a cute purse in this how-to video. There's probably a lot of clothing going unworn in your closet, so why not fashion something that will get some mileage. Follow along with the simple steps in this video design tutorial and learn how to sew a purse out of a sweater.
How To: Paint a mountain landscape with Aleven Jones
Starting with a glossy 11" by 14" piece of posterboard, artist Aleven Jones goes through the steps of painting a mountain landscape in this how-to video. This technique involves using spray paints, stencils, and knives as opposed to a traditional paintbrush method. Whether you're looking to learn to paint, or trying to pick up some new skills, this tutorial can broaden your artistic talents. Watch this instructional video and learn ow to paint a realistic mountain landscape. Paint a mountain ...
How To: Make a fiberglass mold
This how-to video series is a step-by-step guide to molding fiberglass. These videos give a simple introduction to fiberglass mold construction, explained using a model aircraft cowling but the same technique applies to any fiberglass sculpture. The entire process is detailed from plug, to mold, to finished fiberglass part. Follow along with the eight steps: develop the plug, construct the parting board, lay up the mold, release the mold from the plug, prepare the mold for fabrication, lay up...
How To: Buff out the clear coat when airbrushing
This is a quick tutorial on how to get that automotive finish for your projects. Learn how to buff out the clear coat with this airbrush technique.
How To: Make a tube top with Threadbanger
Miss Angelina and crew give us a glimpse into the world of the HiLiterz and show us how-to make a simple tube top! You will need a material that's mostly spandex so the tube top will stay up. You'll also need a ruler, scissors, pins, and a sewing machine (with a zig zag seam). Watch this video fashion design tutorial and learn how to sew a tube top.
How To: Mix paint colors using color theory
Color selection is an important part of art. Learn how to plan the colors for your next work of art in this free art lesson series from an art instructor.
How To: Draw a floppy-eared cartoon dog
Dogs are a cartoonist's best friend because it's funny to see them in every day situations. So grab some paper and a pen and get ready to draw your own cartoon dog.You will need a pad of paper, pencil, a marker, colored chalks or colored pencils, and an eraser. Make a shape like a thick boomerang or bent sausage. On the left end, draw a giant oval for a nose, leaving a white space to show shininess. Draw the eyes large and round like 2 ping pong balls, one a little bit behind the other. This ...
How To: Draw a happy clown cartoon
Draw along with Bruce Blitz as he shows you how to create the happiest clown around. All you need is paper, a pencil, a marker, colored chalks or colored pencils, and an eraser. Write the letter “h” – lowercase. Put a circle for his nose inside the curve. Draw in a big smile and make a lighter line for his makeup. Use vertical dashes for his eyes and draw 2 lines going across the center. Use upside down “V’s” for eyebrows. Connect the bottom of the “H” for his chin. Make really big floppy ear...
How To: Make glass buttons using a multi- mandrel
See how to use a Multi-Mandrel and watch demonstrator Scott make a set of buttons in no time flat in this how-to video. The multi-mandrel hold several pieces of glass as they're shaped into buttons, beads, or the desired craft project. Watch this video glass-work tutorial series and learn how to make glass buttons using a multi-mandrel.
How To: Make a bowl out of a record
Trying to find a new use for old, scratched vinyl? This easy do-it-yourself project shows how to turn a record into a decorative bowl; just follow along with the step-by-step instructions in this video. You will need a record, an oven, a pot (unless you want to free-hand mold the record), and some cold water. Check out this simple craft sculpting project and learn how to make a bowl out of a record, but remember not to eat soup out of it.
How To: Draw "Spike" the bulldog and "Mike" the bully
Grab a pen and some paper and get ready to draw a fun animal toon! Join Bruce Blitz as he shows you how people can look like their pets and vice versa. You will need paper, pencil, markers, colored chalks or colored pencils and an eraser. Using your pencil, start by drawing 2 triangular shapes with curved edges, like guitar picks. One should be smaller than the other. The smaller one will be the dog and the larger, its owner. These will be guidelines for their faces. Using your marker, in the...
How To: Draw a blood hound cartoon
Sniff out the trail of this cool cartoon with Bruce Blitz. This cartoon trick is sure to turn heads and noses. All you need is paper, pencil, marker, colored chalks or colored pencils and an eraser. First, draw a long nose, adding a curved line for a nostril. Draw an oval at the end, darkening in almost all of it but leaving a small circle at the end for shine. Add two eyes, one slightly behind the nose. Make them half closed and add pupils looking to the right, towards the viewer. Add two sm...
How To: Draw a cartoon of a laughing person
Join Bruce Blitz as he teaches you one of his favorite sketches. This cartoon expression will make you laugh out loud. All you need to create this cartoon of a laughing person is pad of paper, pencil, marker, colored chalks or colored pencils, and an eraser. Using your pencil, loosely draw an oval for the face. Switch to marker to add features. Draw a big looping line to the top right for this nose. You want to leave a lot of room for his mouth. Draw two pointy half triangles going up for eye...
How To: Make cartoons out of letters
Would you think that you could draw a cartoon duck just by writing the word duck? Or Uncle Sam from the letters US? Well, grab a pen and a piece of paper and get ready to draw. All you need is a pad of paper, pencil, marker, colored chalks or colored pencils, and an eraser. To make a cartoon duck, first, write the word “DUCK” in all capital letters. Draw a face in the “C” by putting in an eye and an eyebrow. Connect it to the “K,” and close up the bottom and top of the “K.” Connect the “C” to...
How To: Make a cartoon out of symbols
Did you ever think a question mark could turn into a cartoon? Well, grab your pen because Bruce Blitz is going to show you how you can create cartoons from symbols. This is an easy way to learn to draw cartoons. All you need is paper, pencil, markers, colored chalks or colored pencils, and an eraser. First, draw a question mark. Next, draw 2 C’s (one backwards) for eyes at the top point. The curve in the question mark will become a nose. Add 2 pupils and eyebrows facing up. Draw hair and an e...
How To: Make encased stringers on glass beads
Here is a quick video on how to make encased stringers for glass beads. This is a great way to add fancy stringer decoration to your glass beads. These lampworking instructions demonstrate how to add thin ropes of color and pattern embedded in the molten glass bead. Use this technique to make finely crafted glass jewelry such as beads for necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
How To: Make glass beads with a lampworking torch
Here is a little video the demonstrates how to make glass beads. These lampworking instructions will teach you how to light a lampworking torch and make bead out of molten glass. You can add detail to your glass jewelry to form finely crafted glass jewelry such as beads, buttons and miniature animals.
How To: Take effective photo portaits
Here are some photography tricks used to create visually effective portraits and techniques used to get more natural looking portraits. Turn off the flash, survey the scene, adjust your camera to pick up the darkest skin tone, and most importantly, be patient with your subject. This instructional photography video demonstrates how to take free spirited and naturalistic children's photo portraits with a point and shoot camera.
How To: Creatively document events with photography
In this video sequence, learn how to choose a context when shooting and editing your photos, allowing themes to emerge in your narrative work. By simply documenting the events around you, you will find ways to creatively show what happens through photography. Documenting events will not only make your photography work more interesting, you will also become a better story teller. Practice grouping photographs to tell a story.
How To: Choose a narrative theme for a photo series
This instructional photography video provides some helpful tips on how to build narrative ideas surrounding body of photography work that you'll want to create. You can use these techniques when building a book, a web site or a series of consistent images for your story. You will not only make your photography work more interesting, but working with narrative will train you to become a better story teller.
How To: Make a wick holder for oil lamps
This instructional lampworking video demonstrates how to make a wick holder for an oil lamp. With a lampwork torch you can melt a small glass tube which you can use to hold a wick upright in a traditional oil lamp. This glass tube keeps the wick from slipping into the treacherous oil and preserves the flame.
How To: Paint with a palette knife
Sometimes painting with a brush can be a pain in the neck. Try painting with your palette knife instead. You will need a palette knife and oil paints. Watch this video art-making tutorial and learn how to paint with a palette knife.
How To: Use a holey marver to lampwork consistent glass beads
Watch this instructional lampworking video to use a holey marver for making strings of glass beads using a lampwork torch and an electric mandel spinner. A marver is a tool used in glassblowing. It generally is made of a polished steel surface and is used to shape molten glass. A warm piece of glass is rolled on the marver, for two reasons: controlling temperature and adjusting shape. Because the glass comes in direct contact with the steel, it must be kept very clean. A holey is usually rubb...
How To: Use a Powder Vibe tool for enamel powder and lampwork
Here are a few handy tips to help you care for your Powder Vibe for Glass Enamel Powders and how to load it safely. The Powder Vibe tool is a motorized device for the dispensing of glass enamel powders. This tool helps with health and safety by reducing dust and the need for enamel powder sifting when lampworking glass jewelry. The powder vibe tool keeps your enamel powders clean and gives you great control. Use the tool to add smooth streams of glass powder and enamel powder onto your lampwo...
How To: Use a Powder Vibe tool for glass enamel powders
The Powder Vibe tool is a motorized device for the dispensing of glass enamel powders. This tool helps with health and safety by reducing dust and the need for enamel powder sifting when lampworking glass jewelry. The powder vibe tool keeps your enamel powders clean and gives you great control. Use the tool to add smooth streams of glass powder and enamel powder onto your lampwork glass beads.
How To: Transfer glass using an electric mandrel spinner
See how fast and precisely you can transfer glass onto the mandrel using our electric mandrel spinner. An electric mandrel spinner is a tool that grips materials to be spun or machined. Watch this instructional lampworking video to see how molten glass may be shaped with a mandrel spinner. Mandrels are commonly used to shape beads of glass into a desired size and shape for jewelry manufacturing. This video shows you how to build transfer glass from the cane using a lampwork torch and an ele...
How To: Remove mandrels from a handmade lampwork button
An electric mandrel spinner is a tool that grips materials to be spun or machined. Watch this instructional lampworking video to see how molten glass may be shaped with a mandrel spinner. Mandrels are commonly used to shape beads of glass into a desired size and shape for jewelry manufacturing. This video shows you how to remove the mandrels from a completed glass button.
How To: Use a deluxe electric mandrel spinner for glass work
This video shows the features of the Deluxe electric mandrel spinner. An electric mandrel spinner is a tool that grips materials to be spun or machined. Watch this instructional lampworking video to see how molten glass may be shaped with a mandrel spinner. Mandrels are commonly used to shape beads of glass into a desired size and shape for jewelry manufacturing. This video shows you how to use all of the features of an electric mandrel spinner.
How To: Make spacer beads with an electric mandrel spinner
See how you can quickly, easily, and consistently you can make uniform lampwork spacers using the Electric Mandrel Spinner. An electric mandrel spinner is a tool that grips materials to be spun or machined. Watch this instructional lampworking video to see how molten glass may be shaped with a mandrel spinner. Mandrels are commonly used to shape beads of glass into a desired size and shape for jewelry manufacturing. This video shows you how to make glass spacer beads using a lampwork torch an...
How To: Maintain an electric mandrel spinner for glass work
An electric mandrel spinner is a tool that grips materials to be spun or machined. Watch this instructional lampworking video to see how molten glass may be shaped with a mandrel spinner. Mandrels are commonly used to shape beads of glass into a desired size and shape for jewelry manufacturing. This video shows you how to maintain an electric mandrel spinner.
How To: Burnish silver leaf using an electric mandrel spinner
An electric mandrel spinner is a tool that grips materials to be spun or machined. Watch this instructional lampworking video to see how molten glass may be shaped with a mandrel spinner. Mandrels are commonly used to shape beads of glass into a desired size and shape for jewelry manufacturing. This video shows you how burnish silver leaf using a lampwork torch and an electric mandrel spinner.
How To: Control a mandrel spinner for lampworking glass beads
An electric mandrel spinner is a tool that grips materials to be spun or machined. Watch this instructional lampworking video to see how molten glass may be shaped with a mandrel spinner. Mandrels are commonly used to shape beads of glass into a desired size and shape for jewelry manufacturing. The rheostat dial on your power box will control your "set" spinning rate.