Fine Art Tips and Techniques
Once I took a workshop by Michigan artist Donna Zagotta who claimed, “All life's problems can be solved by more paint or painting more.” I think she was on to something! This world can be a scary place. There are plenty of people making very good money stirring up fear and hatred and calling it entertainment. Or even news. But there’s at least one way out of fear. Be brave, make art! Why? Because art teaches us not to be afraid. Because … [Read more...]
Guest author/artist advisor: Aletta de Wal Anyone can consider himself or herself a professional artist, but that doesn’t make it so. I ran a juried contest in which I asked artists to define, "When are you ready to call yourself a professional artist?" Here are the definitions offered by the winners: “Anybody can order business cards, obtain a business license and call themselves a professional. To be a true professional requires a … [Read more...]
During my recent painting trip to France, I was surprised to see so much urban graffiti throughout Paris and the countryside of Provence. At first I was upset by this, then strangely enough I began to enjoy looking at it. I noticed that many of the graffiti 'artists' were quite talented had sense of respect for where they painted. That might sound like an oxymoron, but most of the 'art' was relegated to abandoned buildings or alongside … [Read more...]
"Create meaning in your work." That phrase may seem daunting to some, but below are a few tips that might help. (Thomas Moran, painted glorified important Luminist landscapes never had not been seen by most Americans) But first, what is MEANING? Meaning is the responsive chord that is struck in the sensibilities of the viewer. Okay…but how do we do that? I have listed a few thought-provoking and useful ways to help bring more meaning … [Read more...]
Life is full of choices. I ponder that sometimes while I am sitting at a red-light in town getting ready to turn left for home – but, what would my life be like if I turned right? That is a seemingly small choice to make, but it would affect my life. If I turned right, maybe I would get a flat tire, pick up a hitch-hiker, or decide to go to Starbucks on the next corner and meet Mr. Right…well, you get the idea. As artists … [Read more...]
A few summers ago my life was full of changes and challenges. I was newly separated from my husband of 23 years and then my oldest son was graduating from college. So, in early June, my two younger kids and I loaded up the truck and drove from Idaho to St. Louis, Missouri to watch their big brother graduate from college. It was the first time I had ever driven that far without another adult driver in the car with me. At first I was a bit … [Read more...]
I believe art IS inspiration. So anytime I read inspiring words of wisdom from successful people who I admire, I take heed. The truth is, as we all work to better ourselves as human beings on this beautiful planet, we can’t help but to better the quality of art we produce. Art begins with the head not the hand! Recently, I really enjoyed reading Oprah’s November column so I clipped it out of the magazine and taped it to my Subzero … [Read more...]
The following inspiring thoughts were written by Andy Rooney, a popular radio host and television writer. Andy Rooney is a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words. I thought you might enjoy this little list of Andy's 'enlightened perspective' and the positive way in which he looks at life! Enjoy... I've learned...That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person. I've learned...That when … [Read more...]
Yin and Yang may sound esoteric or kinda-out-there to many of you traditional artists. But, like I stated in my first post, I love to learn about art and art history and I have found this to be very useful and interesting. Hey, many people feng shui their homes and studios (I did), so why not their paintings? So my research is not only limited to the European and American master painters, but also includes the ancient Chinese and … [Read more...]
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