When I started Draw Paint Academy over ten years ago, the idea was to document my own journey and progression as a self-taught artist. As part of this, I have sent out hundreds of newsletters to my subscribers with exclusive, bite-sized tips to inspire, motivate, and educate.
Unfortunately, new subscribers have no way of getting any of my earlier newsletters. They are a one-and-done kind of thing.
So I decided to compile my best newsletters into Lessons From a Self-Taught Artist: Volume 1 and 2. This way, new subscribers have a chance to get immediate access to some of my best newsletters in convenient PDF ebooks. For subscribers who have been with me for a while, this can serve as a great refresher.
Hi, I'm Dan Scott
Like many of you, I have had a passion for art for as long as I remember. There is nothing quite like the feel of paint hitting a new canvas.
I am completely self-taught, but it has not been an easy journey. Along the way, I have been frustrated by the lack of guidance and clear information. My goal is to make the learning process a bit smoother for you.
Back in my early days, I learned mainly by trial and error. But I don't recommend you do the same. Take advantage of the information and people available to you.
My goal with this ebook is to share some of my passion and knowledge with you. I hope it will urge you to start a new painting, try a new technique, or to think about a problem in a different way.
What's Inside
Both volumes are included with your purchase. Here's the full table of contents:
Volume 1 — 45 Lessons
- Five Golden Principles for Painting (My Mini Manifesto)
- Harmony through Nature
- Composition Is What Matters
- Tips to Inspire, Motivate, or Get You to Take Action
- Start Fast, Finish Slow
- Brighter, Not Lighter
- The Best Materials Won't Make You a Better Painter
- How to Mix Green (or Any Other Color)
- Using Photography to Improve Your Painting
- The Problem with Color Recipes
- The Three Myths of Color
- Theory vs. Result
- Should You Be Charting Your Colors?
- The "Rules" of Composition
- Stop Using So Much Detail
- What You Can Learn from This Painting Critique
- Why You Shouldn't Always Try to Be Perfect
- Tips for Learning about Composition
- The Power of a Single Stroke
- Don't Fall in Love with Your Painting Too Early
- What Kind of Master Painter Will You Be?
- Small vs. Large Paintings
- Guidelines for Watching Other Artists
- Why the Obvious Solution Is Not Always the Right Solution
- Short-Term vs. Long-Term Painting Wins
- Simple Techniques for Better Landscape Paintings
- Checklist for Deciding What to Paint
- Unlocking Your "Flow State"
- Common Things Shared by Master Landscape Painters
- Don't Forget Why You Started Painting
- Good Habits and Bad Habits in Art
- What Kind of Artist Do You Want to Be?
- The Only Two Questions You Need to Know for Great Compositions
- Sometimes It Gets Worse before It Gets Better
- Creating Interest without Color
- Make Mistakes Work for You (Rather than against You)
- The Hardest Thing about Painting
- Ten Landscape-Painting Quick Tips
- Three Most Common Landscape-Painting Mistakes
- Art "Rules" You Need to Be Careful With
- Perspective Tips for Landscape Painting
- The Number-One Thing Holding Artists Back
- Play to Your Strengths
- Questions about Art
- Trust Yourself
Volume 2 — 41 Lessons
- High Key Painting Tips
- Don't Let Theory Get in the Way of a Good Gut Feeling
- Afraid to Make Those Finishing Touches?
- Progress Is a Double-Edged Sword
- What's the Best Way to Learn Composition?
- The Simple Gift of Encouragement
- On Painting Complex Scenes
- A Note on Studies
- Every Day Is a Win If You Create Something
- Bob Kuhn 1997 Interview
- Celebrate Small Painting Wins
- Wise Words From Stephen King
- Dealing With Overwhelm
- What's the Best Order to Paint the Subject?
- Fechin on Technique
- Right Color, Right Spot
- Mr. Turner: Thoughts and Takeaways
- On Appearing Inactive
- Garden Painting Tips
- On Painting Sentimental Subjects
- On Finishing a Painting
- On Hating Renoir
- Great Artists See Less, Not More
- What to Do When You Run Into a Problem in Your Painting
- On Forcing Yourself to Paint
- On Salvaging a Painting
- Why Theory Is So Important
- Who Determines What Is Great Art?
- On Changing Style
- On Selling Your Work
- Tips for Clearly Observing the Subject
- The Power of Going Deep
- Be Careful About Zooming in on the Subject
- For My Eyes Only
- What Artists Can Learn From Classical Music
- Lost Confidence
- The Dilemma of Trying Too Hard
- Intuition, Emotion, Logic, and Reason
- Getting Lost in It
- Staying Uncomfortable
- On Pushing Your Ideas
What Others Have Been Saying About My Training
"Thanks for being so generous with your knowledge. Btw I recently responded on Facebook to a question..
"If you could have any artist come to your home for a day and teach you who would it be?"
I posted
"Dan Scott, the best teacher I've sat under in decades." True words." Annette Emens
"I will enjoy taking in the tips and practicing all that you teach. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and at such a reasonable cost. That is really appreciated." Francetta Bridle
"I learned something new to me in every course you sent out. Very clear instructions." Donna Hardstaff
Frequently Asked Questions
What format do the ebooks come in?
PDF format. These are not physical books.
What can I read the ebooks on?
You can read the ebooks on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can also print the ebooks out for a physical copy.
Does this target any specific skill level, medium, or subject?
No, the ebooks cover mostly broad, high-level topics and concepts designed to make you a better artist.
My 100% Guarantee
Your satisfaction is my number one priority. If for any reason you do not enjoy the course, just send me an email within 60 days of purchase and I will refund you in full.
Buy Now for $27 USD
If you have any questions or you are not sure how to purchase, you can email me at admin@drawpaintacademy.com.