{"id":45618,"date":"2026-03-16T21:57:05","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T21:57:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=45618"},"modified":"2026-03-31T02:02:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T02:02:40","slug":"members-minute-3-16-26","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/members-minute-3-16-26","title":{"rendered":"Members Minute 3\/16\/26"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"coursetitlecontainer\">\n<div class=\"coursetitle\">\n<h1><span>The Member's Minute:<\/span> Episode 565<\/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-3-16-26\" \/>\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>Scratchboard Critique: Composition, Value, and Texture<\/h2>\n<p>In this week\u2019s Members Minute, Matt presents a thoughtful critique of a scratchboard etching submitted by Terri. The artwork, an 8x8 inch composition featuring a raccoon perched on a branch, demonstrates both technical skill and creative problem-solving. Terri explains that the original reference photo was modified with the help of AI to reposition the raccoon onto a branch instead of a deck railing, resulting in a convincing and naturalistic scene.<\/p>\n<p>Matt begins by explaining the scratchboard process, which involves removing a layer of black ink to reveal a lighter surface beneath. This reversal of traditional drawing\u2014where artists typically add dark values\u2014requires a shift in thinking, as the artist must instead \u201cdraw with light.\u201d He compares the technique to both pen and ink drawing and crayon etching, emphasizing its linear quality and the importance of controlling mark-making to achieve a range of values.<\/p>\n<h3>Composition and Focal Point<\/h3>\n<p>The critique first addresses composition. Matt notes that the raccoon\u2019s face serves as a strong focal point due to its central placement and the high contrast between light and dark values. This contrast naturally draws the viewer\u2019s eye. While the focal point is effective, Matt observes that the viewer\u2019s gaze tends to remain fixed on this area, rather than moving fluidly throughout the composition. He suggests incorporating additional elements\u2014such as background branches or subtle details\u2014to create a more dynamic visual flow.<\/p>\n<p>Matt also discusses the balance between positive and negative space. The composition is dominated by positive space, with limited negative space acting as a visual resting area. However, the lower portion of the image feels slightly heavier due to the concentration of elements. To improve balance, he recommends either increasing negative space in the upper left or adding visual elements in that area to counteract the weight below.<\/p>\n<h3>Use of Value and Form<\/h3>\n<p>Value plays a critical role in this piece, and Matt commends Terri for achieving a strong range of light, midtone, and dark values\u2014particularly on the tree branch. These variations help create the illusion of light, shadow, and three-dimensional form. On the raccoon, however, some areas lack sufficient gradation, especially on the arm and parts of the face. Matt suggests deepening certain shadows and enhancing transitions between values to improve the sense of volume and realism.<\/p>\n<p>He demonstrates how subtle adjustments in value can significantly enhance the illusion of depth and form, making the subject appear more three-dimensional. This is especially important in a medium like scratchboard, where changes are difficult to reverse.<\/p>\n<h3>Texture and Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n<p>Matt praises the texture throughout the piece, noting that the raccoon\u2019s fur, the bark of the branch, and even the small details like whiskers are rendered with precision and care. The directional strokes effectively mimic natural textures, adding to the realism of the artwork.<\/p>\n<p>In conclusion, Matt highlights Terri\u2019s strong technical abilities and encourages minor adjustments to composition and value to elevate the piece further. He closes by thanking Terri for sharing her work and reminds viewers to submit their own artwork for critique, ending with an inspirational quote about perseverance and growth.<\/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\/scratchboard-bee\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Bee with Scratchboard<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Scratchboard-series-Bee-400.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/pen-and-ink-architecture\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Architecture with Pen and Ink<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Architecture-with-Pen-Ink-400.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/ballpoint-pen-cat-drawing-pen-and-ink\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Cat with Ballpoint Pen<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ball-Point-Pen-Cat-Drawing-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 565 Scratchboard Critique: Composition, Value, and Texture In this week\u2019s Members Minute, Matt presents a thoughtful critique of a scratchboard etching submitted by Terri. The artwork, an 8&#215;8 inch composition featuring a raccoon perched on a branch, demonstrates both technical skill and creative problem-solving. Terri explains that the original reference photo [&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-45618","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45618","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=45618"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45618\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45795,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45618\/revisions\/45795"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45618"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45618"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}