If you want to learn and master painting you are not exactly spoiled for choice in terms of the various options available. Private art tuition is the obvious method that springs to mind if you are serious about learning to paint, however private painting lessons can be expensive and you will have to make a firm commitment to attend lesson’s each week.
Art text books and written instruction are another option, although many forms of purely written study can be very boring and uninspiring to use.
Online media training has exploded in recent years as it is so versatile and allows tuition to be delivered to the masses directly over the Internet; this is especially true for art and music tuition, such as guitar tuition or painting lessons.
With the introduction of DVD technology it is now possible to produce extremely high quality training material that is even better than the online learning courses available. You can easily view DVD’s on either a pc or your TV, allowing for a far higher viewing quality and learning experience and you are not reliant on your internet connection!
The very best instructors now embrace DVD technology in order to deliver their training courses. Previously this would not have been possible due to location, busy schedules, and the cost associated with tuition from some of the top instructors in their field. Whether it’s piano lessons, guitar lessons, painting lessons or yoga, you can now find a DVD that is equally as good as the real thing!
Like most things in life there are good ones and bad ones, so I thought I’d share my thoughts on what you need to look for when choosing a painting lessons DVD course!
#1. The Instructor
Perhaps the single most important factor in choosing any DVD course! Naturally, they need to have expert knowledge and be able to relay their thoughts in a clear and concise manner. How the course is delivered is very important; you don’t want someone that makes you switch off every time you hear their voice!
#2. Step-by-Step Instruction
The structure of the course must be set out in logical, step-by-step sections that are easy to follow. This is important given the fact that you are not able to ask the course tutor where to go next!
#3. Video Format
My personal opinion is that you should always choose DVD painting course over online tuition. Apart from the better quality, you can play them on your TV or pc and go back to any part of the course at any time, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
#4. Course Content
Any painting course DVD worth buying should include detailed close-up shots, high quality sound and clear presentation of the course content. As a minimum, course contents should include oil painting techniques, different painting styles, perspective, brush work techniques, colour theory, composition, and the tools and materials to get started.
#5. Beginner to Advanced Level!
You don’t want to be investing in a DVD painting course that only caters for beginners or advanced levels only! What you need is a painting course that covers both beginner and advanced painting techniques. That way you can make progress in your own time and ultimately end up with advanced skills without having to purchase additional courses. The end result should be a course that doesn’t skip the basics whilst allowing advanced pupils to skip to relevant sections, avoiding the basics.
#6. Detailed Easy-to-Follow Practice Sessions
Practice makes perfect! Finding a course that breaks down each section/technique whilst providing a structured practice routine is important if you are going to develop your skills quickly. The course should allow you to work alongside the instructor as you progress forward.
#7. Value for Money
Price is usually the first thing we think about when buying something over the internet. You should also consider value for money as well. In general, the cost of a good DVD painting course will cost around $150 to $200. Bear in mind that this is a one-off payment as opposed to private tuition that could cost several times that amount over the course of a year or so! You can also find some lower priced painting courses that cost around $30 however, you can expect a more limited range of tuition.
#8. And Finally…Enjoyment and Fun!
Choosing a painting course that is fun to do is a must. The instructor must provide an educational, informative teaching style that will engage you every time you turn on the DVD. You will learn much quicker and have a lot more fun in the process!
I’ll come straight to the point here! There’s not much point telling you about a whole bunch of online painting courses, because frankly there is only one course that warrants serious consideration…
The world of art and painting has been a little slow to react to the advent of DVD tuition until recently, although that’s about to change with the release of the highly acclaimed Learn and Master Painting course by Legacy Learning Systems!
To get more information and read my detailed review of Learn and Master Painting for beginners and advanced pupils, please check out my review.
