The shed in our backyard was in dire need of a makeover! The paint scheme needed to be more cohesive, and the door was too far right, throwing the whole visual out of balance. As my Italian Grandmother would often … Read More
Have you tried painting in oils on paper? Go for it! Oils are typically painted on wood or canvas surfaces. But they also work well on paper. Here’s why I like them: Pros: The surface is relatively inexpensive. Storage is … Read More
Want to explore a new subject but not sure where to go with it? Try painting several… simultaneously! For this series I explored overhead shots, conversational shots, crowd shots and everything in between! It may seem like I’m painting … Read More
Want to set up a still-life but find that dedicated space is limited? Here’s a great temporary still-life set up solution that you can use when painting from life is not an option: You’ll need: Phone/camera Light source Cardboard box/painting … Read More
I use a lot of red in my work. A lot! “Open Open Open” Oil on Canvas, 16″ x 20″ One of the questions I am frequently asked is, “How do you make a lighter red, without turning the whole … 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
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
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 great for transporting wet paint Mahl Stick-Steadies your hand T-Square-Gives you the … 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
Why on earth would you need to know the anatomy of a paintbrush? Well it comes in handy when you are listening to other artists share their experiences, and it helps to know the body parts when you order brushes … 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
Today we are going to explore sponge brush painting. No not the typical stippling of paint for trees and foliage. I’m talking about using sponge brushes on subjects that would make you twitch a little…say a portrait. Here are things … Read More
Looking for quick painting tips and inspiration? Every Tuesday, I’ll air a segment of 2-Miniute Tips. Here’s the pilot episode on cleaning brushes without using solvents. Enjoy~ For the latest tips and lessons, please be sure to subscribe to my … Read More