{"id":46987,"date":"2026-05-05T15:57:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T15:57:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/?page_id=46987"},"modified":"2026-05-05T16:03:58","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T16:03:58","slug":"members-minute-5-4-26","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/members-minute-5-4-26","title":{"rendered":"Members Minute 5\/4\/26"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"coursetitlecontainer\">\n<div class=\"coursetitle\">\n<h1><span>The Member's Minute:<\/span> Episode 572<\/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-5-4-26\" \/>\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>Exploring Technique, Composition, and Creative Growth<\/h2>\n<p>In this week\u2019s edition of the Members Minute, instructor Matt takes a close look at two compelling artworks submitted by members of the community. The session begins with a revisit to a previously critiqued watercolor painting by June, followed by an in-depth critique of an innovative oil pastel drawing by Terri. Together, these examples highlight the power of revision, thoughtful composition, and creative experimentation.<\/p>\n<h3>Revisiting Growth Through Revision<\/h3>\n<p>The lesson opens with a comparison between June\u2019s original watercolor painting and her revised version. After applying feedback from a prior critique, June chose to recreate the piece from start to finish. The improvements are immediately noticeable. The updated composition features stronger contrast in value, more believable proportions, and improved framing of the subject within its environment.<\/p>\n<p>Matt notes that the added contextual details\u2014particularly in the surrounding grassy areas\u2014enhance the composition and provide better visual balance. While he suggests that some lighter values could be pushed further for even greater contrast, the revised piece clearly demonstrates how constructive critique and persistence can lead to meaningful artistic growth.<\/p>\n<h3>An Unexpected Medium with Impressive Results<\/h3>\n<p>The focus then shifts to Terri\u2019s artwork, an oil pastel drawing that remarkably resembles a watercolor painting. At first glance, the delicate application and transparency of color suggest a traditional watercolor approach. However, the piece is created using oil pastels\u2014an unconventional choice for achieving such softness and subtlety.<\/p>\n<p>Terri\u2019s process involved using a digitally altered reference image, transformed to resemble a watercolor painting. She then applied water-soluble oil pastels for the underpainting and layered traditional oil pastels on top. This thoughtful combination of materials and techniques allowed her to achieve a unique visual effect that challenges expectations of the medium.<\/p>\n<h3>Strong Composition and Visual Flow<\/h3>\n<p>Matt highlights the strength of the composition, noting the presence of both primary and secondary focal points. The viewer\u2019s eye is first drawn to the figure\u2019s head due to strong contrast and the natural tendency to focus on facial features. A secondary focal point is created by the hand and hose, emphasized through color contrast and directional lines.<\/p>\n<p>The composition is further enhanced by an S-curve that guides the viewer\u2019s eye through the image, creating movement and cohesion. The placement of key elements aligns closely with the rule of thirds, contributing to a balanced yet dynamic layout.<\/p>\n<h3>Value and Color Working in Harmony<\/h3>\n<p>Although the artwork is dominated by lighter values, it maintains a full range of contrast. Strategic placement of darker values ensures balance and prevents the composition from feeling washed out. Matt suggests that slightly darkening areas in the background could further enhance depth and contrast, though the piece is already effective as it stands.<\/p>\n<p>Color plays a crucial role in the success of the image. Terri employs a complementary color scheme, primarily using reds and greens, to create visual interest and harmony. These contrasting hues draw attention to key areas while maintaining unity throughout the composition.<\/p>\n<h3>A Masterful and Thoughtful Execution<\/h3>\n<p>This lesson showcases not only technical skill but also creative problem-solving and a deep understanding of artistic principles. Terri\u2019s ability to manipulate oil pastels to mimic watercolor demonstrates a high level of control and experimentation. Combined with strong compositional choices and effective use of color and value, the result is a compelling and visually engaging piece.<\/p>\n<p>As always, Matt concludes by encouraging artists to continue submitting their work for critique and to embrace the learning process. Through revision, exploration, and thoughtful application of fundamentals, meaningful artistic progress is always within reach.<\/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-oil-pastel-course\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>The Oil Pastel Course<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Oil-Pastel-course.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/fall-landscape-with-oil-pastels\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Fall Landscape with Oil Pastels<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Oil-Pastel-Fall-Landscape-series.jpg');\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/oil-pastel-landscape-woodland\" class=\"sidebarbottom-curriculum\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"leftlean\"><i class=\"far fa-play-circle\" style=\"margin-right:5px;\"><\/i>Oil Pastel Landscape<\/div>\n<div class=\"rightlean\" style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/oil-pastel-woodland-landscape-mem.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 572 Exploring Technique, Composition, and Creative Growth In this week\u2019s edition of the Members Minute, instructor Matt takes a close look at two compelling artworks submitted by members of the community. The session begins with a revisit to a previously critiqued watercolor painting by June, followed by an in-depth critique of [&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-46987","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/46987","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=46987"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/46987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46992,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/46987\/revisions\/46992"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/members\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}