Virtual Art Sparks

Recommended for ages 5–12
Free videos posted weekly
on Wednesdays, Jul 8–Aug 26

We are happy to offer some short, fun art tutorials for you to try at home! Bring the creativity and culture of the VMFA into your home as you paint, draw, or sculpt, your own imaginative creations. To find these and lots of other creative content, check VMFA’s Learn resources on our website.



Watercolor Tips for Teens: Wet-on-Dry & Wet-on-Wet Art Activity Video

In this video, you will learn how to use wet-on-dry and wet-on-wet techniques, inspired by the Ernst Wilhelm Nay watercolor painting Composition.

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Watercolor Tips for Teens: Lifting & Using Salt Art Activity Video

In this video, you can explore lifting techniques and using salt to create interesting textures, inspired by the Dugald Stewart Walker painting The Fairy Ring.

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Watercolor Tips for Teens: Glaze & Gradation Art Activity Video

In this video, you can explore grazing and gradation techniques to create value, inspired by the Eugène Delacroix watercolor painting, Narcissus.

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Virtual Art Sparks: Egyptian-Inspired Amulets

Join VMFA Youth Studio Educator, Alex Parrish, for this Virtual Arts Sparks on creating polymer clay amulets (geared toward ages 5-12). In this video, discover basic clay sculpting techniques that will help you create your own Ancient Egyptian-inspired lucky amulet.

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Virtual Art Sparks: Found Object Collage

Join VMFA Youth Studio Educator, Sandi Wiley, for this Virtual Arts Sparks on creating a found object collage (geared toward ages 5-12). In this video, be inspired by artists that include unique items and materials in their art as you create your own collage using objects found in your own home.

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Virtual Art Sparks: Still Life Painting

Join VMFA Youth Studio Educator, Tiffany Glass Ferreira, for this Virtual Arts Sparks on creating a still life painting (geared toward ages 5-12). In this video, learn techniques to help you paint your own colorful still life composition.

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Virtual Art Sparks: Music & Art

Join VMFA Studio Educator, Elizabeth Daly, for this Virtual Arts Sparks on painting (geared toward ages 5-12). In this video, let music and the emotions it invokes direct your brushstrokes and color choices as you make an abstract painting.

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Virtual Art Sparks: Foil Sculptures

Join VMFA Youth Studio Educator, Dan Kaczka, for this Virtual Arts Sparks on sculpture (geared toward ages 5-12). Learn how to create a figural sculpture using aluminum foil.

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Virtual Art Sparks: Science of Light

Join VMFA Studio Educator, Elizabeth Daly, for this Virtual Arts Sparks on creating a Camera Obscura (geared toward ages 5-12). In this video, learn about the history of photography and the Kamoinge Workshop, then build your own early camera-prototype with materials you have on hand.

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Virtual Art Sparks: Expressive Self-Portraits

Join VMFA Youth Studio Educator, Mayzie Zechini, for this Virtual Arts Sparks on creating a self-portrait (geared toward ages 5-12). Using calligraphy techniques and more, create a portrait of yourself that expresses your unique personality.

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Virtual Art Sparks: Nature Journals

Join VMFA Youth Studio Educator, Sandi Wiley, for this Virtual Arts Sparks on creating a nature book (geared toward ages 5-12). In this video, use the natural world as your inspiration to construct and fill a small sketchbook with drawings, prints, or collections of things you find outdoors.

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Virtual Art Sparks: Drawing Cats

Join VMFA Youth Studio Educator, Merenda Cecelia, for this Virtual Arts Sparks on drawing animals (geared toward ages 5-12). Look at how other artists depict animals in their art, and then learn some techniques that will help you draw a furry friend of your own.

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