Looking for a fresh perspective in your work? Want some input on your work but it’s 3 am and you can’t exactly FaceTime your artist buddies? Try uploading your reference photo into an app. There are several good ones out … Read More
So many times I hear folks list the reasons they are not creating. They don’t have the perfect studio, or the perfect subject. The feel they need different paint brushes or maybe another kind of paint. If they only … Read More
Today we are going to talk about values and how they relate to your painting. Yeah I know we could go a lot of places with that statement, but what I really want to know is, What are your intentions? … Read More
My recent work is kinda wild and I’m not trying to contain it. At first I thought that the exceptionally painterly work was due to the fact that I was tired of being cooped-up. But I also have some very … Read More
I don’t know about you but I get side-tracked. Distracted by the shiny. Taken on a journey by a color passage, or a song on my head. Or the buzz of my phone, or whatever… That’s why it … Read More
Composition No No’s Part 1 (I’m thinking there will be many parts to this topic!) Sometimes there’s a great divide between what I know and what I do. And I don’t see my mistakes until later. In this series of … Read More
Every once in awhile I like to switch things up a bit paint with oils on paper. The paper absorbs the oil, and dries to the touch much more quickly than it does on canvas or primed wood. Consequently, you … Read More
It’s easy to paint when you are inspired. OK, it may not be easy to paint but it’s easy to approach the easel. But what about when you are sad, angry, frustrated, grieving, or whatever… That’s when I do a … Read More
On today’s 2-Minute Tip Session, we are going to talk about five Italian art terms you’ll encounter on your painting journey. Oh there are more but they wouldn’t all fit in a two minute segment. Every time I hear these … Read More
Overwhelmed by color? Not sure how to mix what you see? Using an isolator is great way to discover and isolate color. You can buy a fancy isolator at the art supply store, but I like to make my own. … Read More
When I lived up in Yosemite Lakes Park in the Sierra Foothills, I’d gather with friends monthly for a Spa Day at the home of my artist friend Darlene Jaeger. We’d spend time chatting in the swim spa, followed by … Read More
Painting has many challenges. This Painterly Two-Minute tip session explores ancillary tools that make your painting life a little easier! Palette Keeper–Keeps paint fresh and is great for transporting wet paint Mahl Stick–Steadies your hand T-Square–Gives you the ability to … Read More
Here’s this week’s Painterly 2-Minute Tip Session: The Importance of Value Studies Video Transcript: One of my most influential instructors, Michael Linstrom, had us create 50 value studies. Yep, 50! Even though he was a colorist through and through, he … Read More
Today’s 2-Minute Tip Session is on Basic Brush Shapes What brush you use is truly a personal preference. Here are 6 basic brush shapes and suggested uses for each shape: Flat: Great for spreading paint and cutting … Read More
Check out the latest 2-Minute Tip Video: Creating small works with big brushes and even bigger personality! Transcript From Video: For this series of studies, I selected six, 2” x 4” linen panels. Sometimes I use oils but this time … Read More
There’s a time to paint and there’s a time to think about what’s next. These are ways I evaluate my work in progress: For the latest tips and lessons, please be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel. And don’t … Read More
Sometimes, things just don’t work out as planned. The composition might be bad, or mercury is in retrograde and just won’t move, or you just fall out of love with the painting. Whatever the reason, it’s time to move on. … Read More