{"id":45598,"date":"2026-03-09T17:21:23","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T17:21:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=45598"},"modified":"2026-03-31T12:20:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T12:20:23","slug":"members-minute-3-9-26","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/members-minute-3-9-26","title":{"rendered":"Members Minute 3\/9\/26"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"coursetitlecontainer\">\n<div class=\"coursetitle\">\n<h1><span>The Member's Minute:<\/span> Episode 564<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"favorites\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"insertbackground\">\n<div class=\"removep\">\n<div class=\"videoflexwrapper\">\n<div class=\"videotop\">\n<div class=\"hero\">\n<div class=\"overlay\">\n<div class=\"logincenter\"><div class=\"ws-plugin--s2member-sc-login\"><div class=\"ws-plugin--s2member-pro-login-widget\">\n<form method=\"post\" action=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-login.php\" class=\"ws-plugin--s2member-pro-login-widget-form\">\n<div class=\"ws-plugin--s2member-pro-login-widget-username\">\n<label for=\"ws-plugin--s2member-pro-login-widget-username\">Username or Email:<\/label><br \/>\n<input type=\"text\" name=\"log\" id=\"ws-plugin--s2member-pro-login-widget-username\" class=\"form-control\" title=\"Username\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ws-plugin--s2member-pro-login-widget-password\">\n<label for=\"ws-plugin--s2member-pro-login-widget-password\">Password:<\/label><br \/>\n<input type=\"password\" name=\"pwd\" id=\"ws-plugin--s2member-pro-login-widget-password\" class=\"form-control\" title=\"Password\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ws-plugin--s2member-pro-login-widget-lost-password\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-login.php?action=lostpassword\" tabindex=\"-1\">forgot password?<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ws-plugin--s2member-pro-login-widget-remember-me\">\n<label><input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"rememberme\" value=\"forever\" \/>Remember Me<\/label>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ws-plugin--s2member-pro-login-widget-submit\">\n<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"redirect_to\" value=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/members-minute-3-9-26\" \/>\n<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"redirect_to_automatic\" value=\"1\" \/>\n<input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn btn-primary\" value=\"Log Me In\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/form>\n<div class=\"ws-plugin--s2member-pro-login-widget-code\">\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"loginlogout\">You must be logged in to access this lesson.<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebartop\">\n<div class=\"vertalign\">\n<div class=\"logoimage\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logosmall75.png\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebarcarddescriptiondark\"><span>JOIN THE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR<\/span><br \/>\n    Get ALL of our courses, ebooks, live lessons, critiques, lesson plans and more today.<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebarbuttonholder\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sidebuttonsmem\">START FREE TRIAL<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-bottom:10px;\"><\/div>\n<p>\n\n<div class=\"contentfix\" style=\"padding-top:20px;\">\n<div class=\"tabs\">\n<div class=\"panel\">\n<h2>Members Minute: Watercolor Critique by Matt<\/h2>\n<p>In this episode of the Members Minute, instructor Matt reviews a watercolor landscape painting created by Teri, offering a thoughtful and structured critique designed to help both the artist and viewers improve their artistic skills. Matt begins by expressing appreciation for Teri\u2019s submission and explains that he will follow a consistent critique process, starting with composition before moving into value, color, and technique.<\/p>\n<h3>Composition and Focal Point<\/h3>\n<p>Matt first evaluates the composition by identifying the focal point\u2014an essential element in any successful artwork. He explains that a viewer\u2019s eye should naturally be drawn to a specific area. In Teri\u2019s painting, however, the focal point is somewhat unclear. While the viewer\u2019s eye travels effectively through the composition\u2014moving from the rocks to the trees and toward the horizon\u2014it lacks a strong destination. Matt suggests adding a more defined focal point, such as an object or area of increased detail, particularly near one of the rule-of-thirds intersections, to strengthen the overall composition.<\/p>\n<p>He also praises the natural eye movement within the piece, noting that the flow is dynamic and engaging. The placement of the horizon line near the upper third of the composition is effective, as it emphasizes the foreground. Matt connects this to the rule of thirds, explaining how dividing the picture plane into thirds can help artists create more balanced and visually appealing compositions.<\/p>\n<h3>Balance and Visual Weight<\/h3>\n<p>Matt then discusses balance, pointing out that the painting feels visually heavier on the left side. This is due to multiple elements\u2014such as trees and rocks\u2014being positioned close to the left edge of the picture plane, creating stronger visual weight in that area. In contrast, the right side lacks elements that provide balance. He suggests adding features, contrast, or value changes on the right side to even out the composition and prevent it from feeling lopsided.<\/p>\n<h3>Value and Light<\/h3>\n<p>Moving into value, Matt emphasizes its importance in defining light, form, and depth. By mentally removing the color from the painting, he analyzes the light source and observes some inconsistencies. While the light appears to originate from the upper right, certain areas contradict this direction. He recommends improving consistency in light and shadow to enhance realism.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, Matt suggests increasing the value range, particularly by darkening the foreground rocks and water. This would create a stronger sense of depth and space, making closer objects feel more prominent while pushing distant elements further back.<\/p>\n<h3>Color and Harmony<\/h3>\n<p>Color is identified as one of the strongest aspects of Teri\u2019s painting. Matt notes the effective use of a limited color palette, primarily based on complementary colors\u2014especially blues and oranges. These opposing colors create vibrant contrast while maintaining harmony. Subtle additions of greens and purples further enrich the composition without overwhelming it.<\/p>\n<p>He praises the natural blending and layering of watercolor, particularly in the rocks and sky, which adds texture and visual interest. The color relationships contribute significantly to the painting\u2019s overall impact.<\/p>\n<h3>Final Thoughts and Suggestions<\/h3>\n<p>In closing, Matt offers a few technical suggestions, including maintaining more horizontal brushstrokes in distant water areas to preserve the illusion of depth and realism. He encourages Teri to refine the focal point, improve balance, and adjust values for greater consistency.<\/p>\n<p>Matt concludes by inviting viewers to participate in the critique process and share their perspectives, reinforcing the importance of community learning. He ends the episode with an inspirational quote, reminding artists to make the best of what they have, and encourages continued growth and creativity.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sidebarbottom\">\n<div class=\"relatedcourse\">Your Instructor<\/div>\n<div class=\"instructor\">\n<div class=\"instructorimage\">\n<div class=\"instructorpic\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/images\/mattauthor.jpg\" alt=\"Matt Fussell - Instructor\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"instructorname\">Matt Fussell<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"instructordes\">\n<p>Founder of The Virtual Instructor, artist and teacher. Matt makes learning art easy to understand and enjoyable.<\/p>\n<p><div style=\"padding-top:10px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/author\/admin\">Learn more about Matt<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relatedcoursescontainer\">\n<div class=\"relatedcourse\">Related Courses and Classes<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/orangutan-with-watercolor-pencils\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Orangutan with Watercolor Pencils<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Orangutan-Watercolor-Pencils-SQ.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/still-life-with-gouache\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Still Life with Gouache<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Gouache-Still-Life-Painting-Lesson-Series.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/green-bird-with-watercolor-pencils\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Bird with Watercolor Pencils<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/watercolor-pencils-bird-400.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Member&#8217;s Minute: Episode 564 Members Minute: Watercolor Critique by Matt In this episode of the Members Minute, instructor Matt reviews a watercolor landscape painting created by Teri, offering a thoughtful and structured critique designed to help both the artist and viewers improve their artistic skills. Matt begins by expressing appreciation for Teri\u2019s submission and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"paget-iframe.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-45598","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45598","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45598"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45598\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45798,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45598\/revisions\/45798"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45598"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45598"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}