Fine Art Tips, Techniques and Social Media Advice
At first being asked to paint a commission seems like the ultimate compliment. A prospective collector of your work requests and pays you money to create a personal piece of art. This sounds simple and seems like easy money in the bank. Unfortunately, many artists have had what looks to be a dream job turn into the dreaded commission! Recently, I finished and delivered a $12,000 commissioned painting to its new home. This project was a … [Read more...]
Many artists still negatively associate the ‘still life’ with memories of mundanely drawing and painting Styrofoam cones and balls in art class! At second glance, it may seem as though the still life painting goes in and out of vogue much like a pair of bell bottom jeans. However, the reality is that a still life painting is much more like the timeless cashmere sweater – warm, nostalgic and familiar. The joy of painting a still life is … [Read more...]
We have all been taught that ‘oil and water do not mix’ however, rules are made to be broken in art and water soluble paints are rebels on the scene. But, your intelligent mind is probably still pondering, “How can oil pigments possibly be water soluble?” The answer is this: The oil vehicle has been modified to make it soluble in water, eliminating the necessity for turpentine or other dangerous solvents to thin paint and clean brushes … [Read more...]
One of my most cherished artistic possessions is the little book, Composition of Outdoor Painting by California Impressionist, Edgar Payne . Often referred to as the ‘Bible', it is an indispensable tool that can be found in the studio of most every serious landscape and plein air painter. If you can buy only one art book on composition, this should be it! Multi talented, Edgar Payne was one of the great California Impressionist painters … [Read more...]
The hidden meaning of color can be used as a powerful tool in art. Once the simple principles are understood, the artist can use color to enchant the viewer. In fact, research shows that color can play a major role in our overall state of well-being. The colors we surround ourselves with directly influence the way we feel and relax. In art and design, color allows us to create our own individuality and flare. For years, interior decorators, … [Read more...]
On my personal artistic journey I have found many books that have become some of my greatest teachers. And now, the internet seems to be an infinite resource for artists. But, there is something special about a book that a computer cannot replace. A favorite book becomes my old friend, a friend I refer back to again and again for advice. One of those old friends is the book by John F. Carlson, Carlson’s Guide to Landscape … [Read more...]
It’s a fact of life, first impressions matter. In the art world, galleries only have a few minutes to capture the attention of a prospective client. Most all successful galleries know this fact and use it to their advantage by professionally hanging and lighting their works of art. Don’t forget, a gallery’s job is to display our artwork in a pleasing and approachable manner in order to sell…and that is one of the reasons why they get … [Read more...]
by guest artist/author: David Goatley So you have learned how to paint human proportions from my earlier article, Painting Portraits 101: Part 1 - Painting Proportions. But now, achieving the likeness of a human being with paint is no easy task. A well-executed portrait is expected to show a flattering representation of the sitter and should capture inner essence of the subject, not just a literal likeness. Getting Started: When I … [Read more...]
Claude Monet once said to Paul Durand-Ruel, "I took your advice and managed to make some quite good things out of paintings I considered irredeemable." Do you ever have an older painting that just sits around in a gallery and never sells? The painting might go out 'on approval' or it's been bounced around between your other galleries, but can't seem to find a new home. This scenario happens to me from time to time however, I have learned how to … [Read more...]
POCHADE BOXES are a compact, portable painting studio in a box which work especially well for the landscape artist. I made this one myself and I will show you how. But first a bit of pochade box history… The word, “pochade” is French which means a quick color sketch.Originally, the painters from the 18th and 19th century had to lug big heavy French easels into the field.Pochade boxes have made painting out-of-doors or ‘en plein air’ … [Read more...]
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