Black & White Feb 27, 2022

Gosh. I love a good black and white photo.

If you've been a student in one of my classes you know how I use a black and white copy of my color photo reference to see my values before I paint. ...

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a love affair Jan 22, 2022

"Mrs. Moo" & "Mrs. Blue" were painted in 2017. I had the references photos in mind all week but one night I went to sleep and dreamed I was painting them. When I awoke and vividly remembered...

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Critique Your Painting Jan 11, 2022

I have a Facebook group of over 500 artists called CHROMA Community.  Members post their work and we encourage each other and offer suggestions.  I always comment on painting...

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Start the Year with a Cow Jan 02, 2022

Welcome 2022! Here's to a year of creative exploration!  And what better way to start the year than with a little cow painting. 

I just added this demonstration (filmed during COVID...

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Focus Your Energy for 2022 Dec 25, 2021

I hope this note finds you well and full of good food and cheer. I am.  And, as I have been the last couple weeks, I am thinking of where to focus my energy in the new year. 

I am...

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✨The Exact Moment I Felt like an Artist✨ Dec 11, 2021

University of Oslo psychology professor Stine Vogt, PhD studied the reactions of nine psychology students and nine art students. Each viewed a series of 16 pictures while a camera and computer...

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Unpacking Genius Dec 04, 2021

This quote is attributed to Mary Ann Evans, known by her pen name George Eliot. She was an English novelist, poet, journalist, translator and one of the leading writers of the Victorian era.

I...

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How to Become a Better Artist - A Plan Dec 04, 2021

It’s the time of year to plan for 2022.  Many of you may have on your to-do list the goal of becoming a better painter. If so, here’s list a that will help you get on your...

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Put on Your Shape Glasses 🤓 Nov 20, 2021

Here is an exercise that many of my students find helpful. You’ll need your Sunday newspaper and a Sharpie marker (because Sharpies are fun to draw with).

Plan B is any brochure that...

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It's the Little Joys Nov 13, 2021

This morning I got a text from a sweet collector with a photo of her coastal dune lake painting, “Storm”, and a message of “Happy Sunday”.  She has told me that this...

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Brush Strokes & Style Nov 06, 2021

Recently, a couple of my students asked me about the importance of brush strokes. This got me thinking about the importance of brush strokes to style. 

Stylistically, I lean towards more...

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Fear Oct 23, 2021

Sometimes I run across a student who is fearful of painting. Fear is not good for creative types. Fear will tighten you up and lessen your joy.  Your painting will show your temperament. I...

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