In this chapter, we delve into the most transformative way to elevate your painting skills: personalized critiques. Over the past two decades, I've had the privilege of critiquing thousands of student paintings, both online and in workshops around the world. This experience has shown me that there's no more powerful method for learning than receiving direct, tailored feedback on your work. In this lesson, you'll discover how to prepare your painting for critique by ensuring it's well-photographed and accompanied by a thoughtful description of your creative process. By sharing your goals, successes, and challenges, you'll set the stage for a comprehensive critique that not only highlights what you've done well but also pinpoints areas for improvement. This process is designed to boost your confidence and understanding, providing you with the insights needed to approach your next painting with renewed clarity and purpose. Through this chapter, you'll learn how to see your work through the eyes of a professional artist, gaining the skills to enhance all your future creations. Let's embark on this journey together and unlock the potential within your art.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Ensure your painting is ready for submission. Take a clear, well-lit photo of your painting to capture its details accurately.
Upload Your Painting
Follow the instructions provided to upload your painting. If you have a resource photo that inspired your work, upload it as well to provide context.
Provide Painting Details
Type a brief description of your painting. Include your goals, what you felt was successful, any challenges you faced, and areas where you seek advice.
Pro tipInclude a resource photo if available to give context to your painting.
Embark on your artistic journey by preparing your painting for critique. Capture a clear and well-lit photo to ensure every detail is visible and upload it along with any resource photos that inspired your work. Provide a thoughtful description of your piece, sharing your goals, successes, challenges, and areas where you seek guidance.
Once submitted, anticipate receiving personalized video feedback within one to two weeks. This feedback is a valuable tool for growth, offering insights that can transform your approach. Consider repainting the same piece with these new insights or apply them to future works to deepen your understanding and refine your skills.
Points to remember
Take a clear, well-lit photo of your painting for submission.
Upload a resource photo to provide context if available.
Describe your goals, successes, and challenges in your painting description.
Expect feedback within one to two weeks.
Use feedback to repaint the same piece or apply insights to new work.
