Step-by-step drawing lessons in curriculum order.
Notan is the pattern of light and dark masses in a picture — the “music” underneath color and detail. Japanese ink painters spoke of strong and weak ink; Western teachers borrowed the word to describe how big shapes of light and shadow hold a composition together. If lesson 1.4 taught you to posterize a photo, […]
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A value scale is a row of swatches from dark to light. It trains your eye to separate values before you tackle a full subject — and it becomes a ruler you can hold beside your work. In our Hanoi studio we ask beginners to paint or draw a five-value scale in the first weeks […]
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Seeing a single value is hard. Seeing whether one area is lighter or darker than another is a skill you can train — and it is what painters do constantly, in the studio and outdoors. This lesson covers simple tools and a step-by-step comparison method we use in foundation drawing at Art Tutor Hanoi. Why […]
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March 29, 2026March 28, 2026by Dan Scott51 Comments Here is a recent artwork of mine that showcases an impressive autumn tree from New Zealand. This piece posed a challenge due to its complexity, brimming with overlapping elements and detailed aspects. In total, I dedicated approximately 10 hours across multiple sessions to complete it. In this […]
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Hanoi is not only a place to visit, but also a place to experience. Beyond food and sightseeing, more travelers are looking for something creative and meaningful to do during their stay. That is where an art workshop in Hanoi becomes a great option. Whether you are staying for a few days or a few […]
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Short Art Course in Vietnam: What You Can Learn in 1–2 Weeks Vietnam is becoming one of the most interesting destinations for creative travelers. Beyond food tours and sightseeing, more people are now looking for meaningful experiences they can join for a short time. That is where a short art course in Vietnam becomes a […]
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If you’re visiting Amsterdam, one destination you absolutely shouldn’t overlook is the Rembrandt House Museum (Museum het Rembrandthuis). This former residence of the Rembrandt family, from 1639 to 1658, has been transformed into a museum more than a century ago. To help you decide whether you should dedicate a couple of hours to this remarkable […]
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Hanoi is a city that moves slowly and quickly at the same time. Ancient temples stand beside busy streets. Quiet lakes sit just a few minutes away from loud motorbike traffic. This contrast makes sketching in Hanoi a unique experience for artists of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, the […]
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February 27, 2026by Dan Scott15 Comments During the Sunrise and Sunset Workshop, I offered a constructive critique for each participant’s artwork. A number of them tended to be somewhat overly meticulous in their execution. They concentrated too heavily on precise shapes and intricate details, which detracted from encapsulating the essence of their subjects. I recommended […]
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Often compared to a modern-day Leonardo da Vinci by his Polish contemporaries in the 19th century, Stanisław Wyspiański was an exceptional talent that traversed beyond just fine and decorative arts. Renowned also as a playwright and theater enthusiast, he utilized his keen eye for detail in architecture, restoring monuments and designing furnishings. Let’s delve into […]
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