{"id":45690,"date":"2026-03-23T17:57:51","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T17:57:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=45690"},"modified":"2026-03-31T01:07:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T01:07:52","slug":"members-minute-3-23-26","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/members-minute-3-23-26","title":{"rendered":"Members Minute 3\/23\/26"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"coursetitlecontainer\">\n<div class=\"coursetitle\">\n<h1><span>The Member's Minute:<\/span> Episode 566<\/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-3-23-26\" \/>\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>Overview of the Critique Session<\/h2>\n<p>\nIn this episode of the Members\u2019 Minute, Matt reviews a watercolor painting of a cow submitted by June. He begins by acknowledging the quality of the work, noting that although June expressed dissatisfaction, the painting demonstrates strong artistic ability\u2014especially in the handling of watercolor. Matt outlines his structured approach to critique, focusing on composition, value, and color, while offering both encouragement and specific suggestions for improvement.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Composition: Static Balance and Opportunities for Movement<\/h2>\n<p>\nMatt explains that the composition is primarily static, meaning the subject is presented in a straightforward, centered manner. The cow faces the viewer directly and sits close to the center of the picture plane, creating a clear focal point. He points out that the composition relies on approximate symmetry, which naturally creates balance. However, because of this symmetry and central placement, the viewer\u2019s eye tends to remain fixed on the cow\u2019s face rather than moving dynamically throughout the piece.\n<\/p>\n<p>\nTo improve visual interest, Matt suggests adding more environmental elements\u2014particularly grass\u2014around the cow. He notes that the upper portion of the painting feels more complete, while the lower portion lacks sufficient detail and clarity. By extending the grass and adding information on either side of the cow, June could better frame the subject, enhance depth, and introduce a subtle sense of movement while still maintaining a largely static composition.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Value and Contrast: Strengthening Form and Depth<\/h2>\n<p>\nA major portion of Matt\u2019s critique focuses on value, which he describes as the lightness or darkness of color. By temporarily removing the color digitally, he demonstrates that some areas of the painting contain similar values, making it difficult to distinguish edges and define forms clearly. For example, parts of the cow\u2019s head and body blend together because the values are too close, even though the colors differ.\n<\/p>\n<p>\nMatt emphasizes that stronger value contrast is essential for creating depth and form. He recommends darkening shadow areas\u2014such as beneath the head, around the horns, and within the foreground grass\u2014and increasing highlights on areas like the snout and upper edges. He also explains that higher contrast should generally appear in the foreground, while background areas should remain softer and lighter. These adjustments would create a more convincing sense of space and make the cow stand out more effectively.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Color: Strong Use of Complementary Relationships<\/h2>\n<p>\nMatt praises June\u2019s use of color as one of the strongest aspects of the painting. He highlights the use of complementary colors\u2014particularly purples and yellows\u2014which create vibrancy and visual interest. These color relationships add life to the painting and elevate it beyond simple representation. He encourages June to continue exploring these combinations and to expand their use throughout the piece.\n<\/p>\n<p>\nHowever, he notes that some of these color effects are less visible in darker areas where values are too compressed. By improving value contrast, the impact of the color choices would be even more pronounced. Matt also points out additional opportunities to incorporate other complementary pairs, such as blue and orange, to further enhance the painting\u2019s visual energy.\n<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion and Encouragement<\/h2>\n<p>\nMatt concludes by encouraging June to continue working with watercolor, noting her effective use of the medium\u2019s natural fluidity and expressive qualities. He stresses the importance of developing a stronger awareness of value relationships while continuing to build on her already strong sense of color. Overall, the critique is both constructive and motivating, offering clear guidance for improvement while recognizing the success of the painting.\n<\/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\/the-watercolor-workshop\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>The Watercolor Workshop<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Watercolor-Workshop-Course.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/horse-race-with-gouache\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Horse Race with Gouache<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Horse-Race-with-Gouache-400.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/old-barn-with-watercolor\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Old Barn with Watercolor<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Watercolor-Barn-sq.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 566 Overview of the Critique Session In this episode of the Members\u2019 Minute, Matt reviews a watercolor painting of a cow submitted by June. He begins by acknowledging the quality of the work, noting that although June expressed dissatisfaction, the painting demonstrates strong artistic ability\u2014especially in the handling of watercolor. Matt [&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-45690","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45690","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=45690"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45690\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45789,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45690\/revisions\/45789"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45690"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45690"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}