Hi all, over the weekend I had the opportunity to visit the National Gallery in London. I was very impressed. If you ever have the chance to go, the collection really is a must for realists. It was structured by centuries, and each room took you to a new century of painting. They displayed only the very greatest masters (Michelangelo, Leonardo, Vermeer, Rubens, Titian, etc). It was like travelling through time and seeing the evolution of painting. I learned the following lessons: - By seeing the master painting up close it was incredible how much rendering detail I could observe and learn from that I would have completely missed on a photograph. It's one of the biggest takeaways of why I'll try to go to the museum more often. - Rythm: The rythms where just so much more apparent in real life than on photos. - Design decisons: By seeing the different painters one after the other, it really became clear how each one had their own particularity or strength. Vermeer is super subtle and sensitive with values. Some used very strong "egg effects" and chiaroscuro. Seeing them in comparison made that so much clearer. Cool fact: The National Gallery puts their works in the public domain with HD quality pictures on their website. Great for master studies! https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/must-sees I attached some photos I took of my favorites.

Hi all, I'm curious what your favorite wacom is, or digital tool stack in general. I'm considering buying a small basic Wacom (not the pro). I want to use it while travelling for some easy master studies/trace overs at the screen on my laptop. I'm not that interested in digital as a medium, but want to use it as a practice tool. Curious what you use and recommend :)

I have always hoped something like this was out there. I study mostly on my own at home online. I have attended Watts Atelier in person a few times since I live relatively close, but due to a demanding non-art career, that can be very difficult. Studying online is a godsend (Watts Atelier and New Masters Academy, and Chris' YouTube channel!). I will share where I am in my art journey, which I started in 2020 (I talked about this in my comment to Chris' "welcome" post.) I look forward to interacting with other artists here very much! I have mostly been focusing on charcoal, ink, and watercolor, but I hope to start learning oil painting next year. I consider myself a "hardcore hobbyist". I don't really aspire to be a professional, but I want to study and train to get to that level. Maybe when I am older and retired, I can open up my humble little art gallery and sell something every now and then but mostly look forward to having more free time to focus on art. :D

Yes. Not clickbait. It's official. The great Nathan Fowkes, a living master of color and light, is coming to Thailand, November 21, 2025 for a special 4 day workshop. His first ever workshop in Asia. Official announcement will come next week.🔥🎨🖌️ Comment below if you have any questions or comments. This is a dream come true for me and only the beginning what's to come in Thailand.

Hi all, I realize more and more that photography, as well as working with models, is a key part of creating realistic art. At least if you want to be in control of the image-making process from start to finish. I was wondering if those experienced with photography and working with models (@Bryce Liston @Chris Legaspi and others) can share how they got started. How do you find models? How do you set up the studio, structure the shoot? How do you create a comfortable, professional setting? How do you get inspiration for poses, lighting, props? Do you have any resource recommendations for learning for photography? Any advice on taking that step would be much appreciated!