How to Enhance Your Paintings (FREE Workshop)

[@milanartstudios]

Check out our one year program that will give you the skills you need to turn your passion into a profession! bit.ly/48tdZoe

[@trishdavison1]

I wish you would offer this in acrylic paints. I would love to take your year course, but I don’t do oil paints

[@josebarbapodcast]

This program doesn't give you "skills" they show you what color combinations and textures make the final look of painting look nice. But as far as skills ... all hail the "projector" lol they do not actually make you a skilled artist here. They make you a projector dependent wanna be. If you took away the projector from half their students they would have to learn to actually draw which is the actual "skill" that takes years to cultivate. Milan Art found a way to shortcut the "work" in artwork to make their students get that feeling of being proud of themselves without actually being skilled or having had gone through the challenge of learning to draw which is the true foundation of painting.

[@hollybroxson5635]

After using murpy oil to clean the brushes-you can sometimes reshape synthetic brushes by dipping them into boiling water, then reshaping them with your fingers and a little gum arabic. Doesn't always work, but it will completely restore some brushes.

[@shereeglasson22]

I just found you this week. WOW! You have already changed my world. I got sick lost my job and enrolled in art therapy to try to heal myself. My trouble is I am blind in one eye from my health issue with allergic asthma which means I can only use gouache. I want to paint expressively like I used to when I could use acrylics ! But I will do what I can. But I am grateful for you sharing your wisdom so freely and generously. I want to do this too one day! ❤

[@dinaelmasry5534]

For me Elli is the Mel Robbins of artists she always motivates me and inspires me , thank you Elli for your energy and generosity 🙏💕💕💕

[@melodybrown986]

Love this!! Yes Elli is one of a kind and much needed in the community!

[@Archangel_101]

i found your chanel by chance im a 58yr ols autistic lady who has just recently found out i love to paint i never thought i was any good until a support worker saw a scetch i did and asked me to paint something and she was amazed i still dont think im that good but i love to paint i paint mainly when im stressed bcs it calms me so just wanted to say thank you for your videos because theres no heavy background music and you speak very well

[@Archangel_101]

sorry about spelling mistakes i tend to type to fast ......sketch lol

[@RossEricJamesAustin1001-0110]

"The hieroglyph of our life on the Canvass" I really really like that. I'm an abstractionists, but would love to attend your school to learn Portrait painting. You all rock!

[@salgido]

When you talk about the "energy of the brushstrokes", that really speaks to me. I enjoyed this video very much and I laughed when you said, "blendy blendy, smoothy smoothy". I 've never even considered to try and go to another art school after not completing FIDM in SF back in 2001. I've never seen you before or knew that Milan Institute was started from an individual person. From the very start of this video, it shows the name of the school and then I see your last name is actually Milan!. I've always associated "Milan" with a location. There's something to be said, seeing you, the creator of, Milan Institute, which is a household name as far as art schools go, I think. But seeing you as a real person that I can relate to, as opposed to FIDM, while it was still amazing and truly inspiring to be around other artists, i never got the feeling i did just now, by watching and hearing you explain why you should use 10 -12 brushes, and not because you feel you have to, but because you know the value of each individual brush. and what it does to for your artwork. I have been an artist and drawing since i was about 20 years old. I'm 45 now. Never formally trained. I went to FIDM for fashion and textile design. I lived 45 mins away(in good traffic) worked a full time job and had car troubles. Then 9/11 happened and i used that as an excuse not to go anymore in fear that something else would happen. It's wasn't just 9/11, it was everything that led up to it and then 9/11 happened. I know it's still not a good excuse. I don't even know what's compelling me to write all this, but the other thing that intrigued me about you is your family. That you and your husband are both artists and your children are too?!! Thats pretty incredible. About 4 years ago (Mid-covid epidemic), I started painting abstracts with inks and whatever kinds of paints i could get my hands on. some were for glass, some were for other applications i knew nothing about...and NEVER did i use a brush! I was so fixated on not using brushes and always manipulating the inks and paints with air through straws or gravity or whatever else was around me. Anything but a brush! I would never, lol. I made some pretty cool stuff that im proud of. Fast forward to about 6 months ago, is when i got my first few brushes and now have much more of an appreciation for what they can do. I understand now, that I didnt like brushes , only because I didn't know how to use them! I have a new found appreciation for them and have been using mostly KZbin to learn the techniques and how to use them correctly to get the desired effect you want. I still have much to learn and have just purchased some glazing medium to try and learn how to use it. An artist i follow on here that i can't name because i follow many on here, but his acrylic on canvas art is so smooth and vibrant. He uses glazing medium and a series of layers to get the color saturation that he gets. I thought that the desired effect that myself and everyone else wanted, was blendy blendy, smoothy smoothy, until watching this just now. I immediately understood what it was that you were saying because when you do the blendysmoothy, it kind of takes the character or style out of your art, it in a sense. With a visible brushstroke you not only see the energy of the brushstroke, you see the life that it gives, and makes it your own. A signature if you will. So visible and so pronounced the brushstrokes are , that you dont even have to sign the bottom of the painting anymore. because the moment that anyone sees it, they will know who it was that created it. i went on a tangent there for a second, sorry. Maybe i should go back to school? I wish i could. I dont ever see me being able to afford it now. I need to sell a lot more paintings to do that, lol. I did actually sell my very first painting a couple months ago, so that was exciting. Also, a week ago I received two more commission requests. All from posting a "for sale" ad with photos of my work on nextdoor app! Very cool! Well thank you for giving me something to think about and for the advice. i've been thinking about this, walking away and coming back, and trying to finish my comment,all day now, lol

[@ClamJaneH66]

Thank you Elli for sharing your extensive knowledge with us. It's much appreciated.

[@nicoline-norah]

Hey Elli! Thanks for sharing this video 🙂 I was wondering how you 'make' your source material. Is that a secretive process or is it something you would be willing to share with us? I'm quite curious!

[@stephanienolan9791]

This is probably one of your/the best explanations for painting portraits with expressive strokes (and how to get them using the appropriate brushes) that I have seen in a while. I would love to see more portrait tutorials if you can! Take care.

[@starveartist]

One of my favorite videos you've done. Very hands-on and practical, without any mention of religion or superstitious thinking

[@sharonclarke1876]

I went to a Monet art exhibit. When you stand back from his paintings it's gorgeous, then up close you see all his brush stokes. He is a master painter!

[@crownofsplendor2023]

This really resonates with me in a level I can’t explain when you were speaking of the brushstrokes. I started with blendy blendy smoothie smoothie, but after watching this, I didn’t get to do as you instructed until my life circumstances recently have led me back to my canvas and I can’t tell you that what I painted looks amazing, but what it did for me on the inside to stand with God and let myself go and be free was a feeling only one who has experienced can know. I have been a blendy smoothy person and am becoming the free butterfly I was created to be! 🦋

[@crownofsplendor2023]

Faith vs. fear

[@Brightsupernova]

Fan brush can be used to make grassy areas, whole fields of them

[@KimberlyPiasecki]

You’re such an Inspiration!!! Thank you ❤❤❤

[@dianecharest8365]

Eli, you are Phenominal! Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge.

[@gillianmallory5176]

When I did undergrad at scad my painting professor showed us the trick with the Murphy oil soap. Amazing product.

[@lizrose7195]

Wonderful workshop! So inspiring. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so freely. 🎨🖌💖

[@lucyaliasmillionaire5dolla172]

Thank you, Elli! You always teach in such a way that makes everything easy to understand. I truly appreciate all that you share. I absolutely love my brushes-I got mine from the Milan Art Store, and they’ve become my favorites!"

[@robynburgess3995]

I sure needed this, thank you so much. I'm grateful for the Milan's, all of you.

[@josebarbapodcast]

I am happy for the people that benefit from this but simply get it straight. Milan Art does not produce "skilled artists" they make "competent tracers" if that helps you then Milan Art is for you. But for those that actually want to be skilled artists know the difference.

[@56breaths]

Thank you. You are clear, precise, and generous. I am learning, gratefully.

[@teresacox6107]

This was super, thank you. Also you can reshape a brush with a piece of cardboard cut to size with a clip put on the tip, to hold the cardboard tight and still. Leave on over night. (If that makes any sense… ) and the fan brush is great for clouds 😉

[@marie3934]

Thank you, Elli, I am so thankful for you and all your family. This free workshop is perfect for me at this time. I am watching this video twice, to soak in the knowledge on how to use the proper brushes. You are truly the best person to learn from.

[@gillianmallory5176]

Ur approach is so helpful. It will definitely help me get back on track with my painting. I’m excited to paint again

[@davidmoore7115]

Intensly engaging, wonderful clarity, beautifully articulate about process and reasoning. So interesting, relatable and enlightening - Thank you so much Elli.

[@La.created]

I bought a Meedan Art kit...this is beautiful paint and the kit is amazing quality

[@dakotarocha6735]

I am a recovering stab and dabber lol can’t wait to start the program!

[@dianecharest8365]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You are good.

[@sheilakellerman1961]

I love love the way you Express your style on canvas, and how you teach, makes me laugh when you tell us the no one's, thanks Elli, Blessings

[@aude69290]

Excellent! Merci Elli! So generous! I have just started the Milan art programme and it helps! It gives me direction to finish my first portrait ever! Merci with all my heart from France!

[@colorofgloryart8443]

Thank you Elli my teacher! Loving watching this while working on my first mixed media with collage in the Mastery Program. I enjoy the program and your family and the contest show all so much. Having a wonderful time and learning a tremendous amount. You guys are setting us up for success. Thank you so much!!

[@MyJuliebean]

I'm also in the Mastery Program and just started media with collage! :)

[@colorofgloryart8443]

Awesome! Hope you are loving it too!@@MyJuliebean

[@ilarialapreziosa]

Thank you so much for bringing us these amazing free videos!!! I love watching them and learn from you! Have a nice day ❤

[@cynthiagonzales74]

I love to see the brush strokes !

[@silkesauritz7690]

Thank you Elli, this was a wonderful and in depth explanation of all the beautiful tools 😍✨

[@1disneyana]

I'm so glad I watched this. You've really opened up my mind with this. I will be using way more brushes in my paintings. Thank you❤

[@thebelyahvlog7059]

Thank you, Eli, I can listen to your voice all day long❤😂

[@evrwonderwhy]

Thanks for sharing Jake, you seem like a very genuine person which is the best of all kinds!

[@veronikababonics1839]

You are a good person. Thank YOU!

[@salomeh2215]

Thank you for these powerful words and ideas☀️

[@kaygilbert8773]

Such great training! I had no idea could do so much with different brushes. Thanks

[@208amanda_martinez]

Fan brushes are for “happy trees” lol when you have watched too many Bob Ross videos lol thank you for all your videos! Love your knowledge!

[@SashaFitzgerald]

Thank you for all the fantastic tips Elli!

[@juliehardy2046]

An excellent video. Thankyou, I have learned a lot from this. What a beautiful painting you have created.

[@susijones2875]

I needed that encouragement - thank you!

[@jbvatuone]

This video is everything 🙏

[@soniamurray1185]

Thank you so much for this. It is exactly the info and advice I need right now to step up my skills. I have been mostly a one or two brusher who blends everything……will definitely broaden my brush use to ten or twelve, and stop blending (get out of my comfort zone). Excellent video. Again, thank you. 😊

[@JanineMKartist]

This so so helpful for any type of subject. Can’t wait to get back to oil painting. Question: should one have a separate set of brushes for oils and acrylics ? I’ve started collecting new brushes for the oils. Yes I use Murpheys soap. To great! I also use hot water to get the acrylic off the bristles . I sometimes use an awl to groom out the particles from the bristles after .

[@mel-melschell6562]

That was brilliant and so helpful! Thank you!

[@foxysoundsinmyhead]

the active ingredient in murphys is most likely pinesol, a pine oil. very strong. and i have also heard that to fix mishaped brush bristles, if they are plastic and not real hair, boild water in a pot and actually put the brush in the boiling water and touch the bottom of the pot. dont leave it in but leave it in long enough to get the plastic fibers to be malleable. and then when you take it out, use a form or just your fingers to form the shape of the brush into a pointy tip again

[@rockstarrobinson]

Where do I get those brushes I love those 😊😊❤❤

[@kimberlydianelucas2591]

Amazing tips! So simple and memorable Thank You!

[@777zauberfee]

Elli you painted this man but eyes and lips Look Like you 😊😊 Very interesting Video . One of your best !!

[@aunty_emm]

this is so inspiring, thank you so much ❤

[@simplyme135]

Amazing! Thank you, learned a lot.....I think if I would listened to your instructions 5/6 years ago when I just started painting, I probably would not understand everything, but, now it makes total sense....Would you please tell me which canvas sizes you think the best for portrait painting?

[@christineHoxsey]

You can clean the brushes with acetone and it removes dried paint off your brushes,

[@daniellegibson7299]

Thank you! This was so informative!

[@beckyvanderburg6592]

Awesome cleaner works well too to clean ur brushes. Try it! Dont have to let it set two weeks, more like minutes

[@CMVille]

Brilliant-lov the don’t dos

[@joycelalka1280]

Thank you for all the tips.. luv India

[@tiffanyshiels]

This lesson was excellent.

[@glendapaul8040]

That was very interesting, thanks.

[@staceygrimes4107]

This is so informative! Is the bottom layer acrylic? How do you know how thick/thin to apply? I’ve never used oil, it is so intimidating to me.

[@AngelaJsaca]

Hi miss you all. Love watching you here ❤

[@kozy15x]

I love your work, and Your videos are amazing and I value what I learn from you, but My word that is a lot colors in that pallette

[@janetfowler7977]

Thank u. Learned a lot😊

[@milanartstudios]

So glad it was helpful!!

[@kozy15x]

17:00 For a cheaper method to Bring your brushes back to a soft state, soak them in Vinegar for a couple days.

[@staceygrimes4107]

This is so informative! Is the bottom layer acrylic? How do you know how thick/thin to apply? I’ve never used oil, it is so intimidating to me. Also, what do you call your favorite brush? I know it’s probably a 2 inch?

[@zenab71]

Really really enjoyed this video

[@EVIGart]

Love your videos, and your approach… is there a link where to purchase you brushes ?

[@milanartstudios]

Here is our store! www.milanartstore.com/collections/art-supplies

[@yolandeconradie3590]

I love your work. What is in the cup that looks like milky coffee

[@sharynmellors3624]

Murphy's soap? Is that the same as Murphy's oil soap? The image went too fast for me to catch it. I loved this lesson

[@DonnaFoxy]

yes, it is

[@tiffanyshiels]

Do you have videos on how to make the source?

[@johnhendryx2832]

Where do you get the photos from with flowers in them

[@kathyamortegui1575]

Thank you ❤

[@leahcahoon6987]

He is so handsome. ❤

[@pattiklein7013]

Thank you!

[@jinimurray4090]

My mom painted oil & much more (not acrylic, so I don’t know how to remove acrylic, sorry) But her focus was painting painting painting not cleaning brushes. I inherited all her rock hard brushes And oil/turps pots, l learned since that apple cider vinegar soak for 24 hours works amazingly!!!! Things I thought were doomed for the toss, are alive again. It really works!!!!

[@tabuena.fineart]

thanks for sharing

[@jeanastowell4635]

Question- are you painting in OIL? Or acrylic?

[@be4realz]

I'm totally that blendy blendy person right now. The perfection part of me is the struggle

[@sanetjonker5183]

It will help very much if you can show the reference photo while painting...

[@DonnaFoxy]

Try just two hours for the brush bath instead of two weeks- I don't think they need that long, and it might save the shape of some of them :)

[@quietspacearts]

i love acrylics but am so scared to try oils, im sensitive to smells as have fybromyalgia

[@sandyrohde4176]

How do you get your sorce?

[@jinimurray4090]

Elli it would really help if when showing, say a brush you had a contrasting background so it was easily visable.- also I WOULD prefer to hear you say a 2” brush or a number (? Size), rather than ,”this size” Do you have a PO BOX I could snail mail write you? Thanks

[@marypartridge5154]

How can I join you?

[@carolejameson4238]

Can you show more of your references photos please

[@dorigregg8058]

I love daggers!

[@selfless-esteem]

The problem that I have with it is that I am not good at measurements and symmetry

[@AnthonyOGrady-v6h]

let that dryyyyyy, these are oils though?

[@TriniRoyQuiReyes]

🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@MyHawaiiLife]

Please have your camera on the task while you’re painting. They keep panning out and we miss your examples.

[@Brightsupernova]

YES! We need the camera on the painting, zoomed in

[@allisonmarquette2862]

💛💚💙

[@hannahjones9413]

What if I don’t want my brushstrokes to show if I want to look more realistic??

[@WompWompNootNoot]

Start with large brushes and finish small xx

[@TriniRoyQuiReyes]

Start with large brush and smoothy smoothy, blend , blend and blend towards the shape that you want to plant.

[@lindz916]

Less brushstrokes doesn’t always create more realism. Everything in nature and reality is not blended.

[@CupcakeCottage]

It depends on the style of the artist.

[@radurobert1]

pork hair school brushes are ok ?

[@səblæ]

I'm that kind of blend -er painter 😂 I'm trying to quit that

[@lindz916]

Same!

[@KristopiaArt]

Blendy blendy smoothy smoothy and stab and dab should be song lyrics.

[@SpongeBob_SchwachKopf]

Bob Ross would cry without blendy blendy smoothy smoothy ...

[@drmidnight680-kz2le]

I don't like it

[@brookethechicken]

Oh my goodness 🫣, please, fix the stab and dab marks, I can’t even pretend you did them on purpose Elli, they’re upsetting me like a room full of off-kilter picture frames would upset an ocd person. 🫣🫣🫣