Lesson VIII & The Tutor’s Gallery

Posted: July 27th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Lesson VIII | 71 Comments »

The Tutor has noticed that class attendance is waning. This is to be expected. With most courses, once students have settled into a routine, they become lax in their efforts. The Tutor wants you to know that this will not do. Not in this class.

To reward those of you who have been diligent with your attendance and class participation, and to give those of you on the fence an incentive to commit to the program, The Tutor invites you to watch the following PSA:

That’s right, class; The Tutor is going to a host a live event featuring YOUR artwork! The gauntlet has been thrown to all you dabblers, dawdlers and dalliers. Will you accept The Tutor’s challenge? Do you have the courage to create and have your work shared?

Everyone who gets their grind on now and completes all of the homework assignments will have their artwork displayed in The Tutor’s Gallery. Those of you who have fallen dreadfully behind in class should use this opportunity to start creating now. More details on The Tutor’s Gallery will be available shortly… so stay tuned!

In the meantime, let’s get on with this week’s lesson. I give you Lesson VIII: Back to Front:

Commendations, students, you’ve completed another class! This week’s homework assignment is to paint the background of your still life drawn in Lesson VII.

Unless you are using watercolor paints, it is generally a good idea to apply a light wash of color over your entire image surface. This is to replace the stark nature of the naked canvas with atmospheric tone. When doing this, be sure to sufficiently thin your paint so that it is transparent enough to not obscure your drawing. You may wish to test the opacity of your paint on a piece of scrap paper.

If you are worried about messing up your drawing during these painting phases, I recommend you photocopy your drawing before beginning to paint. This photocopy can be used to reapply the drawn image at a later time with the transfer technique we learned in Lesson IV.

Once you have completed the color wash, begin painting the background elements of your still life. Start with the most receded elements, and then work your way forward. For example: if your still life is a bowl of fruit on a table in front of a curtain, begin by painting the curtain, then move your way to the table, and then paint the shadows on the table. Do not paint the actual subject(s) of your still life yet.

Since our still life’s background will serve as a stage for the main subject(s) of our work, it is not appropriate to riddle this backdrop with a lot of detail. Too much detail may distract viewers from the subject(s)… so keep your background loose and expressive. Detailing will come later, so focus more on mood and lighting for now.

I’m excited to see your progress by next week’s class, students. See you then!

71 Comments on “Lesson VIII & The Tutor’s Gallery”

  1. Gravatar 1 Lindsey C. G. "Little Moo" said at 7:13 am on July 27th, 2010:

    A fellow student and I plan to attend the gallery together.

    Homework will be turned in soon.

  2. Gravatar 2 Kirkyott said at 7:25 am on July 27th, 2010:

    There’s nothing I’d love more than to attend the Gallery, and maybe I’ll try really hard. Unfortunately I might still be banished from the fine city of Los Angeles for another year.

    Great work on the PSA, btw. Looks really cool

  3. Gravatar 3 Mandie S said at 7:37 am on July 27th, 2010:

    I can not wait for the gallery!
    I will don my sunday best and be in attendance for sure!
    Cant wait to meet my classmates and see my tutor again! <3

  4. Gravatar 4 Guilty Susie said at 7:51 am on July 27th, 2010:

    Would love to attend, will check on my “mileage points” and see…. also am looking into “couch surfing” prospects to have a place to stay…. not sure yet as I already put in for vacation at work for a couple weeks before….

  5. Gravatar 5 Lauren said at 8:23 am on July 27th, 2010:

    Ohhh the gallery looks so exciting but I’m all the way in Australia!! >:( Curse you hot country landscape!

    How exciting!! Congrats on all those chosen in the video :D

  6. Gravatar 6 Chris said at 8:51 am on July 27th, 2010:

    Tutor you have broken me. I shall not be able to work the rest of today due to the fact you featured me in your video. I am a very happy Christopher at the moment and shall strive to submit more work for your consideration :-) :-)

  7. Gravatar 7 lorderagon said at 8:56 am on July 27th, 2010:

    Oh, this was the special you showed us in San Diego! I can’t wait for the gallery, and I already have plans with several others to come along as well.
    As Mandie said above, I will don my Sunday best.
    As aways, excellent new lesson, The Tutor, cant wait for next weeks.
    Homework will be in soon.

  8. Gravatar 8 Scully said at 1:28 pm on July 27th, 2010:

    October sounds intriguing. Awaiting more details to make travel plans.

  9. Gravatar 9 Cathy (The Australian Exchange Student) said at 1:29 pm on July 27th, 2010:

    G-day Tutor!!
    Sadly I will miss the Gallery evening, however, I hear there will be a virtual tour of it and will be watching with much antici…..pation! :)

  10. Gravatar 10 Jan said at 3:58 pm on July 27th, 2010:

    That Gallery video was great! Consider this my rsvp to attend. Sounds fun.

  11. Gravatar 11 Kirkyott said at 4:21 pm on July 27th, 2010:

    So is there anybody in the LA area willing to spare a couch or a comfortable spot of carpet to cut down on travel costs? I’m looking at airfare and I might be able to do this as long as I’ve got a cheap place to stay.

  12. Gravatar 12 Geo said at 5:03 pm on July 27th, 2010:

    Tutor, would it be possible to submit artwork to your gallery, but not attend?

  13. Gravatar 13 Elizabeth Ann said at 5:15 pm on July 27th, 2010:

    Oooh, I like the sound of this. I really wish I could be there, damn Atlantic. Come to London Tutor, teach us in Whitechapel and we can learn from you and our forebears.

    Also, this might be a ref for the Brits only, but is anyone else picturing a sort of fetish Tony Hart gallery?

  14. Gravatar 14 Alexie Star said at 5:17 pm on July 27th, 2010:

    Ack! I am so far behind! Damn work, always getting in the way! My apologies Tutor, sometimes a 6 day work week can get in the way of my creative time. I will do my very best to catch up!

  15. Gravatar 15 Froggy Jan said at 9:54 pm on July 27th, 2010:

    I know the ‘front screens’ of youtube videos are generated randomly, but even so, I think it’s pretty freaking cool I’m on the front screen. I’ve been immortalized in the Tutor’s Gallery! That makes Froggy happy.

  16. Gravatar 16 Yvette said at 10:13 pm on July 27th, 2010:

    You know…. I have some holidays coming up and I sure could escape in October from the dreadful thing as work to attend…..

    Now….. How much do flights from Sydney to LA cost I wonder…..

    I’m sick of missing out on awesome things.

  17. Gravatar 17 Mandy St.John said at 10:28 pm on July 27th, 2010:

    I wish that I could attend but to far away and no money to make the trip so if you would consider a virtually tour for those of your students that can not make it that would be greatly welcomed by all of your loyal pupils.

  18. Gravatar 18 Cathleen (CaptiveInnocence) said at 12:25 am on July 28th, 2010:

    Traveling is the mostest scariest thing ever! Why do you torture me like this? Sadist!

  19. Gravatar 19 constance said at 2:24 am on July 28th, 2010:

    Short on funds, but strong on will. However the virtual tour is my way to go.
    But I’m a lurker anyway. I like to watch and this Tutor lesson was very interesting as was the Tutors Gallery. Very naughty indeed! Loved it!

  20. Gravatar 20 Mandie S said at 4:22 am on July 28th, 2010:

    I am Guilty Mandie and this is me painting back to front with The Tutor

    http://guiltymandie.deviantart.com/#/d2v0dzx
    Unfortunately not much back to my subject but the wash of atmospheric color you suggested has already made a difference!

    I will eagerly await next weeks lesson-maybe use this time to work on my contest submission <3

  21. Gravatar 21 BG said at 7:24 am on July 28th, 2010:

    well, sadly i had to do this one quickly has my next six days are crazy busy. It was kinda hard trying to figure out what to do with the backround since mine doesnt technically have one. but come up with something i did. i kind of took from Lesson VI and added a bit more of me into it, though this time its not as obvious. But with the colouring to the…erm halved sides and the…dirty look to it, its very much supposed to look that way.

    Sadly i will not be able to make it to the gallery being in canada and not really having the extra funds since i was bad and spent more money on my credit card. But i very much look forward to video/virtual tour.

    My name is BG and this is my homework for lesson 8

    http://babygoth666.deviantart.com/#/d2v0on6
    http://babygoth666.deviantart.com/#/d2v0oo3
    http://babygoth666.deviantart.com/#/d2v0ooo
    http://babygoth666.deviantart.com/#/d2v0op8
    http://babygoth666.deviantart.com/#/d2v0opr

  22. Gravatar 22 BG said at 7:26 am on July 28th, 2010:

    Oh and i forgot, i do want to add mroe to it, but as im using oil based it’ll take forever to dry and im just not sure if i will have the time to completely finish it before nextweeks lesson

  23. Gravatar 23 christina said at 5:09 pm on July 28th, 2010:

    Why must all the cool things you do be on the other side of the freakin country?

    Chances of me finding someone who can randomly take off in the middle of October, and who would want to go with me are slim.

  24. Gravatar 24 Scully said at 6:25 pm on July 28th, 2010:

    Kuddos to you BG for tackling a tricky medium like oils.

    My normal to oil is “NO….you are scary and hard” *runs away crying*

  25. Gravatar 25 Reyana said at 11:35 pm on July 28th, 2010:

    My name is Reyana and I’m painting back to front with The Tutor:
    Lesson 8:
    http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll26/rk_nalani/The%20Tutor/DSC00911.jpg

    I have alot to do this week so I did my homework early…the first for me lol!

  26. Gravatar 26 BG said at 11:58 pm on July 29th, 2010:

    Thank scully, honestly the only reason i used oil based is cause i have zero money to spend on paint and i only have orange and black acrylic besides the oils….

    @reyana im soo jelous of your boarder

    i also finished the second thing i wanted to do but sadly it does not show up on my picture phone or with my camera….:(

  27. Gravatar 27 'Peaches said at 6:00 pm on July 30th, 2010:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4WxMW_qmjA

  28. Gravatar 28 Christine said at 10:03 pm on July 30th, 2010:

    I wish I could go to the gallery, but I’m a college student on the opposite side of the country with no car and not enough money for a plane ticket. :(
    Homework coming soon, I promise!

  29. Gravatar 29 Scully said at 2:57 am on July 31st, 2010:

    My name is Scully and I am painting back to front with The Tutor.

    A basic acrylic color wash for my background. I had to force myself to put the brush down when I was working the areas where pink and purple mix sometimes you have to just let it dry and wait to see how things turn out.

    So far I am please with how everything turned out even thought the camera does eat some of the subtler colors.

    I am tempted to keep working other areas but I think I should wait for the next lesson.

    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=54141399&l=f37f25f94b&id=10019024

    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=54141400&l=9077e39da4&id=10019024

  30. Gravatar 30 Ms.Mantis said at 2:59 am on July 31st, 2010:

    This is for your gallery…if you want it.
    http://midnightangel42.deviantart.com/art/Guilty-Susie-is-trapped-173401013

  31. Gravatar 31 Elquinjena said at 7:02 am on July 31st, 2010:

    Greetings fellow Students and Tutor,
    Here is my homework for this weeks lesson.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mWBjg8CKhM

    I hope you enjoy it

  32. Gravatar 32 Katwood92 said at 4:23 am on August 1st, 2010:

    Here’s my homework:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbINOtzjrCw

    And, once again, I will be unable to attend. Too far to drive in a few hours-fundage to travel=:(

  33. Gravatar 33 Jan said at 5:51 am on August 1st, 2010:

    Oh my god, I actually touched paint to canvas. Me! I don’t recognize myself lately. Trying new things. Fun!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN90zJ8x96g

  34. Gravatar 34 Cathleen (AKA CaptiveInnocence) said at 7:32 am on August 1st, 2010:

    Homeworrrrrrk. So Shem won’t put me in deteeeention.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZfQe8p25KE

  35. Gravatar 35 Ophelia said at 7:34 am on August 1st, 2010:

    My name is Ophelia and I am visualizing back to front with The Tutor. And i finally got caught up on my homework!

    http://jackiephoto.deviantart.com/art/The-Tutor-VIII-Back-Front-173543045

  36. Gravatar 36 Donovan said at 10:20 pm on August 1st, 2010:

    Lesson VIII. (“Insert cuss word here”)…I think I might try and find ‘VanDyke Brown’ when I need my brown paint. Going to try and channel Bob Ross…if I get a hold of him, would that be considered cheating..?

  37. Gravatar 37 Anaesthesia said at 10:23 pm on August 1st, 2010:

    My subject was just tickled by the fact that a clip of her as a corpse got shown at Comic-Con. XD She is awesome.

    My homework is on time this week!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqdT7ipa_Hc

  38. Gravatar 38 Elizabeth Ann said at 11:41 pm on August 1st, 2010:

    It’s shocking how exhilarating opening new paints can be. Not unpleasant though. I should get a medal for self-restraint, a really shiny one. Usually I can’t stop once I’ve started with the paints.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEvBMTUenO0

  39. Gravatar 39 Johnna said at 3:01 am on August 2nd, 2010:

    Another lesson complete… indeed

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlbrF4l8JYI

  40. Gravatar 40 Chris said at 8:33 am on August 2nd, 2010:

    Homework shall be a taddish late this week tutor. Please be gentle

  41. Gravatar 41 Scully said at 2:57 pm on August 2nd, 2010:

    Monsieur Johnna I love your mustache! It add a certain je ne sais quoi to your homework :-)

  42. Gravatar 42 Kirkyott said at 8:34 pm on August 2nd, 2010:

    Woo hoo, another one done!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvBTlM90ToU

    So does anybody in the LA area have a nice couch to sleep on in October? I’m really trying to get to The Gallery, and it’s kind of hard to find a hotel that’ll be cheap enough to suit my needs.

  43. Gravatar 43 Elquinjena said at 9:48 pm on August 2nd, 2010:

    *slips into classroom, looks around, and rubs hands. Smirks then slips in an unmarked bit of homework”

    http://tinyurl.com/y8ufsnp

  44. Gravatar 44 Rider Of Karma said at 10:32 pm on August 2nd, 2010:

    Hi Everybody!

    Here’s my photo of my still life set-up. I shot my GF (who was very sweet to pose for me on her Birthday!) in front of a greenscreen. Then I popped in a BG from Afghanistan. Her parents work over there and we think about it a lot. The Knife, and fork and spoon are presents her parents gave me the past two xmases and made for great props.

    Photo Reference:
    http://riderofkarma.deviantart.com/art/Ref-Photo-4-Zoe-Portrait-173757606?q=&qo=

    Rough Sketch:
    http://riderofkarma.deviantart.com/art/Zoe-s-Rough-Sketch-4-Potrait-173757193?q=&qo=

    I’m gonna get that BG painted in tonight or early tomorrow morning. Thanks!

  45. Gravatar 45 Krystal W. said at 11:44 pm on August 2nd, 2010:

    Back wash only-
    http://xxmazoxx.deviantart.com/art/The-Tutor-VIII-part-one-173767250

    Now painting the background-
    http://xxmazoxx.deviantart.com/art/The-tutor-VIII-part-two-173767358

  46. Gravatar 46 Cassie said at 1:06 am on August 3rd, 2010:

    I hate to say it but I probably won’t get my homework in until tomorrow possibly Wednesday. Things have been really busy here lately what with getting ready to head back to school in a few weeks. But I just figured I would let you know.

  47. Gravatar 47 Red Queen said at 1:33 am on August 3rd, 2010:

    @Elquinjena….I am laughing my ass off!!!!

    Stopped by to tell fellow students that V and I will be back soon…we miss doing our homework and have kept up with all your lovely responses to occupy us in our absence.

  48. Gravatar 48 Miranda Angelic said at 2:07 am on August 3rd, 2010:

    On time! Just barely…

    I apologize for the audio. Unfortunately I realized too late that the acoustics in my new space are not as good as my old basement. But, the most important thing is that I’m painting (in watercolors), seen here–

    http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo95/AngelicSweet5/tutorback.jpg

    But for extra homework viewing pleasure–

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAgURf5Bxr4

  49. Gravatar 49 Elquinjena said at 2:56 am on August 3rd, 2010:

    @Red Queen * grins at the Red Queen*

  50. Gravatar 50 Christine said at 3:56 am on August 3rd, 2010:

    Here is my homework, Tutor. It’s later than I planned to hand it in, but I like the way it’s turning out. :)
    http://mystpixi.deviantart.com/art/Painting-with-the-Tutor-8-173795120

  51. Gravatar 51 Susie said at 5:05 am on August 3rd, 2010:

    Hey y’all… I know..hanging by my teeth here….I have no time till mondays it seems…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1GCqiGm6EI

  52. Gravatar 52 The Little One AKA Kyah said at 5:08 am on August 3rd, 2010:

    I know late again. Another ten lashings.
    I was trying to get it in before 12, but time related expectations usually fail with me…Especially with kitchen remodeling and with relatives coming… *shiver*
    Anyways, enough with my silly excuses! Here’s my homework:
    http://sqwarrior-empress.deviantart.com/art/Lesson-VIII-TZ-s-Art-Class-173801098
    And yes I forgot to take a separate picture of the wash…

  53. Gravatar 53 Susie said at 5:15 am on August 3rd, 2010:

    Or rather… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YbaYvLcGMI

  54. Gravatar 54 The Masked Artist Jennifer said at 6:21 am on August 3rd, 2010:

    SORRY ITS ALMOST LATE TUTOR but with all the technical problems i had i needed to catch up

    your loyal student
    The Masked Artist Jennifer

    Link to Homework –> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOi02ogcvDM

  55. Gravatar 55 Nicole said at 6:24 am on August 3rd, 2010:

    I agree with Elizabeth Ann you should come to London…you boys could all come around Darren Smith’s birthday. It would be before the holidays but far enough from the first Tutor gallery for a proper cooling off period.
    Anyways here is my lesson 8…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAmgO9018I4

  56. Gravatar 56 Lorrie said at 3:42 pm on August 3rd, 2010:

    I’m so sorry, Tutor for being a little late turning in my homework. Things are crazy at lorrielaboratory’s house right now. Will try to do better next week.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSbdf6KLWg0

  57. Gravatar 57 Rider Of Karma said at 12:52 am on August 5th, 2010:

    Sorry this is late. I had a little heart attack when my external hard drive died. Obviously dark forces are gathering to stop me from learning the Tutor’s Secrets! Ridiculous and sudden obstacles are always a sure sign to me that I’m doing something good. ^_~

    http://riderofkarma.deviantart.com/#/d2vm0h6

    And here’s a little timelapse vid of my progress on this assignment:

    http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=422712844659&saved#!/video/video.php?v=422712844659&ref=notif&notif_t=video_processed

  58. Gravatar 58 Lauren Jay said at 6:52 am on August 5th, 2010:

    SORRY!!

    I know it’s late, but i’ll be giving you a double whamming cos my homework for next week will be IN within the hour. So, even though i am late, i’m also early, which in my mind cancels it all out :) right??

    My names Lauren and i’m painting Back to Front with The Tutor!

    Link: http://perfectcolourchaos.deviantart.com/art/Lesson-VIII-174064874

    :)

  59. Gravatar 59 Spenser said at 7:16 pm on August 5th, 2010:

    My homework is that I’ve finished the background of my subject, which consists of walls,bookcases, and posters. More to follow.

  60. Gravatar 60 Marissa M. said at 1:33 am on August 6th, 2010:

    About to get started on the next lesson, forgot to turn in my homework for this lesson.

    http://girllunar.deviantart.com/art/The-Tutor-Lesson-VIII-173910500

  61. Gravatar 61 Amanda M. said at 3:21 am on August 6th, 2010:

    My name is Amanda, and I am painting Back to Front with The Tutor :)

    http://invertedgirl.deviantart.com/#/d2vp7rv

    http://invertedgirl.deviantart.com/#/d2vp8e3

  62. Gravatar 62 Chris said at 8:28 am on August 9th, 2010:

    Apologies for my late submission Tutor *extends arms in anticipation of a wrist spanking*

    http://ithinkimchris.deviantart.com/#/d2vy8if

  63. Gravatar 63 Cassie said at 2:59 am on August 10th, 2010:

    I’m so very sorry that this assignment is late. I’m willing to accept whatever grade the Tutor sees fit to grade.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4XfJeydp30

  64. Gravatar 64 Cathy (The Aussie) said at 9:44 am on August 10th, 2010:

    G-day Tutor!!
    Here is this weeks homework…sorry it’s late, but a Drop Bear ate my homework! :p
    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4939727&l=a1669105fc&id=577562016
    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4939725&l=07f0af4b1f&id=577562016

    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4939728&l=f3335733d2&id=577562016
    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4939730&l=a6c8855a64&id=577562016
    http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4939734&l=51aa46a372&id=577562016
    Um, this shows the proccess of my background wash, the background added, being the flowers and leaves and vase, leaving my subject untouched.
    See you next week!
    Regards, Cathy :)

  65. Gravatar 65 Desiré said at 1:25 am on August 20th, 2010:

    Here is lesson VIII.

    I’m going to try and get in lesson IX soon, but I’m not making any promises since I have surgery (surgery, surgery) on Tuesday. Time to get those molars ripped out.

    I’ll take the Repo! sound track with me so I’m not scared when they come in to do the IV. Why can’t Graverobber be the nurse!!! :(

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnmv1J0MAq4

  66. Gravatar 66 Test_subj said at 7:14 am on September 4th, 2010:

    My lesson 8 is complete. I apologize for the delay.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cVYTnWAHoI

  67. Gravatar 67 redhead312 said at 11:01 pm on September 5th, 2010:

    My name is Megan and im going back to front with the tudor.

    http://redhead312.deviantart.com/art/back-to-front-178203717

  68. Gravatar 68 Jesse said at 12:26 am on September 7th, 2010:

    The other side of the country again? Really??
    Anyway, I painted the background…
    http://theif-of-zydrate.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d2y6hsv

  69. Gravatar 69 christina said at 12:22 am on September 8th, 2010:

    Lesson 8 is done.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQb0ONDWKXQ

  70. Gravatar 70 Jessica Wilkinson said at 9:01 pm on September 11th, 2010:

    California’s only two states away but still with school and all I doubt i will be able to attend. I really wish I could thooooo :)

    In any case I will continue my painting. -goes to grab paints-

  71. Gravatar 71 Jessica Wilkinson said at 12:12 am on September 12th, 2010:

    http://talashowl.deviantart.com/art/Background-Painted-178925735#/d2yizzb

    man i wish i could enhance the detail lol it looks really cool ;)

Leave a Reply

    • *
    To prove you're a person (not a spam script), type the security word shown in the picture. Click on the picture to hear an audio file of the word.
    Click to hear an audio file of the anti-spam word