Hot Fine Art How-Tos

How To: Use a wide or telephoto lens for portrait photography

Mark Wallace shows us how to use a wide lens for portrait photography. A longer lens minimizes distortion in your picture and it maximizes what type of view you can see, so you can see more of the thing you are taking a picture of and less of the background. These lenses help keep the picture clean and uncluttered. You can see the difference between a wide and short angle lens by taking pictures with them and looking at the differences between them. There is also a zoom available, which makes...

How To: Create a tessellation

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to create a tessellation. The materials required for this project are: index cards, scissors, pencil, large paper and coloring utensils. Begin by preparing a shape. Cut the index paper to a desired shape. Then place it on the right side of the large paper and tape it. Now trace the shape onto the large paper and continue transferring the shape until the page is filled. The shapes should fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. This video will benefit those ...

How To: Make a graffiti mop from a repurposed cleaner bottle

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a graffiti mop from a repurposed cleaner bottle. First, you will take stamp cleaner in a small bottle that you can pick up from any craft store and a bottle of Pilot ink (1 oz). Next, empty the stamp cleaner from the bottle and then pour the ink into that bottle using a dropper. After this, place the top back onto the bottle and shake it for several seconds. When done, take the cap off and you will be able to write on a wall now using this bottle's soft ...

How To: Sketch a human skull

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to draw a human skull. Begin by drawing a circle shape and draw a center line to mark the symmetry. About half way through the circle, create an indent for the temple and arch out for the cheekbones. Now connect the bottom of the cheekbones to form the front teeth. Then draw a spear head shape at about 1/3 of the head for the nostrils. Now draw the eye cavities from the center mark of the circle. This video will benefit those viewers who are intereste...

How To: Shoot an engagement photo

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to shoot an engagement photo. An engagement shoot should be a lot more special and personal. To do that, you need to find meaning to the photo. Finding a scene with a deep meaning will help make the photo much more special. A challenge when shooting an engagement photo is to get the couple to be comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. Try to get the couple to interact with one another to make the photo look honest and real. This video will ben...

How To: Make a DIY long vest out of a scarf

This video shows us how to make a DIY long vest out of a scarf in no time! You will need: a wide scarf, matching thread, other colored thread, safety pins, needles, and scissors. First, measure yourself shoulder to shoulder and add 15cm to that number. Next, measure 30cm on each side from the very middle of the scarf. Now, mark that spot with a safety pin and measure out another 30 cm on both sides, marking those spots as well. Now, bind the last two safety pins and sew from the bottom up to ...

How To: Draw Bart Simpson

Chance Raspberry shows us how to draw Bart Simpson in this video. First, start by drawing his head, which is in the shape of a soda can. Next, draw his neck which is the shape of a can of tuna. After this, draw a center line on his head, then another line on the side of the head where his eyes will go. Then, cut the head in half so you know where the top and bottom of the eyes go. Draw his eyes in, then draw on his nose and ears. To draw the hair, draw nine spikes on the top of his head drawi...

How To: Safely pack your photo equipment for travel

Yanik Chauvin teaches us how to safely pack photo equipment for travel in this tutorial. First, remember to have good insurance on all your equipment, just in case something does break. To pack your things, use a backpack that is specifically made for cameras. Also, arrange for the lens not to be attached to the body of the camera while traveling. If you have to have it attached, make sure there is something under your lens to protect it from any additional shock. If you don't have a backpack...

How To: Draw ocean waves

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to draw ocean waves. The image drawn in this video has water waves clashing into some rocks on shore. Begin by drawing the outline of the rocks on the right side. The horizon line of the image is about 3/4 above the rocks. Then draw a large wave that passes the horizon line. Now paint the sky in gray and paint the rock in shades of black and gray. Paint the waves and slowly build the colors. Use the pencil tool with transparent color to fill in the wa...

How To: Etch glass in 5 minutes

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to etch glass in 5 minutes. The materials needed for his procedure are: contact paper, Armour Etch and a paintbrush, glass and a sink. Begin by cutting the contact paper face up on a circuit mat. Cut it on medium speed and pressure. Then put the contact paper on glass. Work carefully to prevent any wrinkles and bubbles in the design. Now put the etching cream on in a dabbing motion. The etching cream will not run into areas that are not stuck down. Fi...

How To: Write the letter Q in calligraphy copperplate

In this Fine Art video tutorial you will learn how to write the letter Q in calligraphy copperplate. Hamid Reza Ebrahimi shows you how to this using a Brause & Co No 86 nib, Persian traditional black calligraphy ink, Brause marbled penholder and Persian leather pasteboard and Steinbach pasteboard. To write the capital "Q", dip the nib in to the ink, then starting at the 2nd horizontal line, write upwards touching the top line. Then continue writing downwards till you touch the 4th line and no...

How To: Take professional-quality photos using natural light

Interested in taking professional-caliber portraits but haven't time (or money) for a bulky light rig? Great results can be had by taking advantage of the available light from windows. This photographer's guide offers a number of pointers for you shooters out there. For more information, and to get started taking your own beautifully lit photos, take a look.

How To: Use & understand studio flash

This video tutorial is in the Fine Art category which will show you how to use & understand studio flash. Right in front is the flash ring. It controls the direction of the flash. The most important buttons are the up and down button that controls the power of the flash. Five is the lowest power and it goes up to ten. Starting with five it goes up by one stop increment. You don't need to use any of the other buttons. All you need to do is to turn on the flash with the ON / OFF button, point i...

How To: Photograph with infrared

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to photograph with infrared. Infrared photography is photography the infrared spectrum of light, rather the visible spectrum of light. The main effect are to turn the sky darker, smooth out skin and turn foliage white. Users will need a camera that is converted into infrared. Then simply take a picture with the infrared camera and all the photos that are created by the camera will be in infrared. This video will benefit those viewers who are intereste...

How To: Make a cool lampshade using a panorama photo

If you've taken some great looking panorama shots, but have no idea what to do with them, this tutorial may have something in mind. In this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to take a cool looking panorama and trasnfer it onto a lamp shade. It will not only give use to your photo, but add an interesting piece of furniture to your home as well.

How To: Draw a spiral staircase with complex levels

Are you a fantastically talented artist who's tired of scribbling the same circles and squares over and over again? Sprinkle some hot sauce into your drawing affairs by combining the two. Watch this tutorial to learn how to draw spiral staircases, which are much harder than normal linear staircases to complete but also much more fascinating aesthetically.

How To: Draw letters

Drawing is easy for some, harder for others, but drawing letters is pretty simple for both the pro and novice artist. There's all kind of text styles you could conjure up, and they don't have to be boring fonts. Fire up your imagination to create different styles for drawing numbers and letters of the alphabet, adding individuality and pizzazz to names, messages, greeting cards and decorated items.

How To: Photograph with a tilt shift lens

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to photograph with a tilt shift lens. Shooting in a position of height will exaggerate the field, Make sure to lock down the exposure of the camera before tilting. A tilt shift lens allows users to choose where the focal point lies and are able to blur out the image. To maximize the depth of a field, users need to simply turn the lens to change the focal point. This video will benefit those viewers who are interested in photography and have a tilt shi...

How To: Draw curves like an architect

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to draw curves like an architect. The first way is to use circle and oval shaped templates. When using the template, push down on it firmly and carefully picking the template back up to not smear the pencil marks. If the template does not come with a raised backing, use some built-up tape for leverage. Never use permanent markers with the template, work with dirty hands or cut with the template. Users can also use French curve templates and compasses....

How To: Draw Aladdin and Jasmine from the movie Aladdin

In this tutorial, we learn how to draw Aladdin and Jasmine. Start by drawing Jasmine, draw her hair on first, then start working on her face and head. Add on her earrings, eyebrows, and mouth. Make sure to pay attention to details and use a picture as a reference to what they should look like. Fill in Jasmine with the colors she wears in the movie, and then start to work on Aladdin. Draw in his hair to start, then make sure to draw on his hat on the very top of his head. Draw his face, giving...

How To: Draw Chinese dragon tattoos

Drawing a Chinese dragon tattoo should include a lot of wavy movements and fluid action to the character. Use an "s" or a "c" shape as the basis of drawing a Chinese dragon tattoo with tips from a professional illustrator and graphic designer in this free video on drawing.

How To: Draw a Japanese dragon

To draw a Japanese dragon, first render a fierce eye, flesh out the head in a stylized way, extend the long body across the page, and add feet with talons. Sketch a few scales on the body of the dragon with art instructions from a professional artist in this free video on drawing.

How To: Draw fancy letters

To draw fancy letters, block out the basic outline, begin adding ornate details inside them and even add vines and filigree around the outside of the letters. Draw fancy letters to start off a new chapter in a book with creative tips from a professional illustrator in this free video on drawing.