How do we capture the intangible: a fleeting expression, a character that is revealed in the sparkle of an eye or an emotion that can fill a room with atmosphere? These are not things that you can touch so how can an artist paint such things? How can we achieve a richness and depth […]
“We would like to see examples of your color work,” said the hand-written message on the postcard from an art director at a children’s book publishing house. Uh-Oh. She had liked the black and white art samples I’d sent her, but she zeroed in on my weakness: The painting instruction I’d never quite gotten […]
I love to share what I have discovered on my painting journey. My painting style can best be described as naturalistic realism. Many of my paintings include people in a pensive or thought provoking pose. Part of the feeling of reality is due to the way I use my watercolor. I am able to […]
Framing a watercolor painting is quite different from framing an oil or acrylic piece. For watercolors, there is the matting to consider, the type of glass to use, and the actual frame. An important thing to remember is that the matting and backing should be made of acid free materials. A reputable framer will […]
You just finished setting up an interesting still-life. You placed a couple of apples, a vase of flowers, and some grapes on a lovely piece of fabric, carefully making some folds here and there. You’ve arranged your still-life in front of a very dark background. Since you positioned a light source coming in from […]
Modular Constructivism – The Concept Dating back to over 5000 years, the history of Western Art has a colorful background. Right from the Prehistoric Period to the present generation, the Western artists, especially in Europe and Russia, have managed to spread and popularize their much-loved art form. Considered an invention of the 19th century […]
How many times does an artist stare down at that blank piece of paper thinking “What on earth do I paint – Where do I put my first mark?” More often than you would imagine! It happens to all creative people actually, from visual artists, designers, poets, through to musicians and writers. When this […]
Once you are ready to start working again you will know it instinctively. All artists go through periods of ‘creative block’ – it’s normal, but after one such episode there are ways of stimulating ideas and getting the creative juices flowing again. Visit your local library and take out books that cover materials, techniques and […]
Why does an Artist feel compelled to make Art? This is one of the questions that came to me today while I was cleaning my art studio. It caused me to think about what inspires me to make art. Giving me a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the reasons that I have been […]
Even if you have little interest in art, you have probably heard names such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt van Rijn, Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. These were, after all, the greatest painters that ever lived. Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is the most famous of his 30-odd […]
As a fine art buyer, purchasing a piece of oil painting on canvas must be on top of your list. Of course, you are well served by the vast repertoire of such paintings available. Today, the artists use this medium with glee and their appetite towards using oil is seen in the larger number […]
Artistic expression has meant salvation for William Noguera, a San Quentin resident and current California Death Row inmate who creates thought-provoking, critically-acclaimed pen & ink drawings from his 4’x10′ cell. Imprisoned since 1983, William Noguera’s story is that of a man who has found a way to keep hope alive in the face of injustice, […]
