Fine Art Tips, Techniques and Social Media Advice
by guest artist/author: D.E. West On this Fine Art Tips blog, I'm going to show you a few simple steps to achieve a realistic still life graphite drawing. Caravaggio is one of my favorite classic painters, he's famous for his use of dramatic lighting in his paintings during the Baroque era. You don't have to be tied down to this particular technique, but I plan to use a similar effect in demonstating this drawing. Subject Matter & … [Read more...]
by guest artist/author: Joanne Giesbrecht Have you ever thought about trying your hand at painting, or wondered if acrylics might be the right medium for you? Well, let me encourage you to pick up a paint brush and give them a try! Here are a few reasons why: Acrylics are probably THE most versatile of paints. If you add water to them, you can achieve watercolor effects on paper, but with the permanence of acrylics or oils. (They do not … [Read more...]
For centuries, artists have understood the benefits of painting with north light which has helped produce some of the greatest paintings in history. We have all heard that north facing windows are optimum for an artist’s studio, but why? North Light: North light, commonly known as reflected light or indirect light, produces cool and controlled value shifts. With a north light window the artist does not have to dread the effects of sun … [Read more...]
Many of us grow up attempting to be people pleasers. As artists we know that is necessary, however, how far does one take that? Seth Godin says that it is more important that you are the best in your category and that the category should be specific. People that share your vision will be gravitate to it. The artist's job is to lead it. Pleasing everyone is impossible, if not undesirable. As an artist, the questions you ask yourself … [Read more...]
Alla prima, literally means ‘at first’. This term describes the ‘wet on wet’ painting technique, otherwise known as ‘direct painting’, where the artist completes a painting in one sitting much like plein air painting. Below is my process for alla prima painting. Follow these simple and important tips for a successful painting: First lay in the darks Keep the darks thin and transparent Paint dark to light Dark = … [Read more...]
Egg tempera painting is traditionally seen as a difficult medium due to it's fast drying time. However once you get over the initial learning curve of how the paint handles it can be a very versatile medium for creating luminous works of art. Below are a few guidelines for anyone starting out. 1. Paint Thin and Dry Egg tempera painting is best applied thinly and a in a dry brush manner. Impasto techniques are not well … [Read more...]
A sketchbook is an artist's best friend! Okay...well, sometimes. Other times, it is a pain in the neck, another one of those things you feel you should be doing but do not have the time for. You may be wondering why you should care. A sketchbook is a visual record of your ideas, your thoughts, your inspirations and your creative process. It is a collection of your creative endeavours, however formal or casual they might be. A sketchbook is … [Read more...]
Raised on a horse farm with artists prevalent in my family, I was destined to paint horses. Throughout my thirty years of painting, I have used many mediums to convey my feelings about the things around me, including the horse, but my specialty is watercolor. In the past I have worked in other mediums including oils on canvas, which I still use from time to time. I have worked with pastels and I love them and their brilliant colors, they … [Read more...]
by guest artist/author: Cindy Haase "Why would one do a study?" you might ask. I believe it is for the same reason a pianist practices their scales, or a figure skater practices their figure eights and jumps. Only until those small components of your art become second nature and you have solved the small problems, are you able to put the pieces together into a "long" program where your emotion and passion creates something complete and … [Read more...]
by guest artist/author: Gary Holland Don't we all wish we'd had good art instruction when learning to paint! I did not have that luxury 30 years ago, not having a lot of money to attend a good school, if one existed. Indeed, so few strong art schools existed in the world ruled by abstract expressionism where your art had to be "new under the sun" or it was not valid. Discouraged and then disgusted, I quit trying. Instead I studied music and … [Read more...]
 |
| 2012 Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market |
| $22.99 |
| NEW LOOK, NEW FEATURES, UPDATED RESOURCES: ALL THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL ART CAREER! 2012 Artist's &...[Read More] |
 |
advertisement |
I would like to invite you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and subscribe to my RSS feed or eNewsletter.
follow: RSS
Recent Comments