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
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
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
Sometimes my inner critic tries to hang out in the studio. Over the years, I’ve found ways to ditch him or her and I thought I’d share them with you. While I was taping this segment, I got a little … Read More
Today we are going to talk about getting wild with color! Come on, we all have friends that take us places we might not go. How about doing the same with your paint pigments? Recently I chose some … Read More
Today our topic is Virtual Mentors. Who do you hear in your minds ear when you are creating? I hear lots of people. From former teachers to artist friends, I get guidance from them all. I also get guidance from … Read More