Blog — art education

Southpaw Artists are a Rare, but Superior Breed (yes, I'm biased)

February 17, 2018 • art education • inspiration

If you are a left-handed artist you might be more unique than you think! Sure, lefties make up about 12 percent of Americans, however a French study reported in Revue Neurologique in 1995 studied 500 artists and determined only 2.8 – 4.7% were left-handed, an even lower percentage than the general population.

Good Things Come in Thirds (Art Rules to Live By)

January 30, 2018 • art education

For the pastel painting “Mockingbird and Cypress Myrtle” I was fortunate enough to find the perfect reference photo in my friend Gary Soodak's personal collection of photography. I was able to create an endearing portrait of a mockingbird by using the Rule of Thirds and the Rule of Space to add depth, control eye flow, and impart a sense of wonder.

The Art of Resolutions

January 03, 2018 • art education • holidays • inspiration

New Year's Resolutions only last the first week of January for most artists. In fact, only 8% of resolutions are actually kept. Psychologist Paul Marciano says the key to keeping your resolutions involves creating an attainable goal, executing a thought-out strategy, and measuring progress along the way. I've compiled a list of realistic art resolutions they will help you paint your mark in 2018.

Paint the Town Black... On Friday.

November 17, 2017 • art education • holidays • marketing

When companies lose money, accountants use the term “in the red” to describe the negative sums. “In the red” comes from the color of ink that they use in their ledgers. Black Friday is thus named because it is when the ink turns from red to black. In honor of Black Friday, here's a look at how designers use black in marketing, fashion and fine art.

COLOR HAPPENS: Art-icle for Leaf Peepers

October 26, 2017 • art education • inspiration

Fall brings leaf peepers out in droves to see the changing of the seasons. With a dramatic show of color the verdant leaves of summer die and a carpet of white rolls out across the nation. Artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe have depicted this subject matter, her 1924 painting of “Autumn Leaves” was completed at Lake George where she liked to gather leaves for their striking diversity, shape and color. Much like O'Keeffe, I find foliage a muse I feel compelled to capture. Every fall Chris and I travel to North Carolina for a vacation exploring the flora and fauna...