Knowledge base

How to use the sketching diagram

How to Sketch Out Your Subject Before Painting 🎨 Before I begin a painting, I always take time to sketch out my subject. My go-to method is the grid technique—a simple but powerful way to make sure...

Creating Stars with the Fan Brush

When I filmed my Starry Night lesson, I was pushed outside my comfort zone. It had been years since I’d used some of the techniques required—taking me right back to childhood experiments with paint...

Painting Detail with the Series 6 Short Flat Brushes

The Series 6 Short Flat Brushes are a staple in my landscape paintings, perfect for adding crisp detail and texture. Available in two sizes, these versatile brushes give you excellent control when ...

How to Paint Realistic Water

Water is one of the most captivating yet challenging elements to paint. Achieving true translucency, mirror-like reflections, and crystalline clarity can feel daunting—but with the right techniques...

How to Use the Blender Fan Brush for Soft, Seamless Effects

  I use Blender Brushes in many of my paintings to smudge and soften paint, creating smooth transitions and an airbrushed effect. They’re especially useful in skies—for example, in my Cumulonimbus ...

Mastering the Dagger Brush

Painting long grasses, distant tree canopies, and ripples in water  becomes much easier with the  Dagger Brush  Named for its sword-like appearance, this brush features a fine tip and a gently curv...

Caring For Your Brushes

Tips for Looking After Your Brushes  Taking care of your brushes is one of the best investments you can make in your painting. With the right routine, they’ll stay in great condition, perform beaut...

Can I sell the paintings I've completed? Shutterstock Licence Codes

Can I sell the paintings I’ve completed? If you’re selling a painting based on one of Michael’s lessons, you’ll need to state that it was created using a reference photo from MJS TV.You can include...

Frequently asked questions | Tutorials

How can I learn to paint like Michael James Smith? Michael shares a wealth of knowledge in step-by-step tutorials, covering many different subjects and demonstrating his technique from start to fin...

How to Achieve a Perfect Smooth Finish with the Series 7 & 10 Brushes

Creating a flawless, smooth finish in your paintings often comes down to using the right tools. Two of my favourites are the Series 7 and Series 10 brushes. These brushes are staples in my collect...