As artists, we have a superpower in desiring to look at the world in new ways. We don’t like limitations, and when someone tells us there’s one “right way” to do things, often our response is instinctively to rebel and try to find another way. So there’s a side of me that really challenges the notion that entering juried shows and seeking to earn memberships in prestigious art societies is the way to success as an artist.
Read MoreMy studio is a very special place; one I don't take for granted…Every time I enter the space I feel the love and intention that went into each strike of the hammer and I have to believe that it infuses my art; a circle of love that feels like a living thing as I pour my own love and intention into my watercolor paintings and seek to live fully present in each facet of my life as an artist, a mom, a wife, daughter and friend.
Read More…painting with the distraction of TV, cramped in my seat with a board on my lap wasn’t really the best way to create a quality painting process and be mindful of the creativity that would enrich my paintings. It’s little wonder that my paintings from that era were stiff and controlled. There was a lot of tension between the paint and the artist, and it shows in my work from those days.
Read MoreI spent some time today putting together a video look back at the year's paintings. This is really just a sampler because I really failed this year to do a good job of documenting works created in my studio or in classes, so it took a little struggle to track down a good sampling of the paintings I've worked on this year. Some you may recognize from lessons, demonstrations and past posts:
Read MoreWhen I was first starting to make my name as an artist in my community, it was interesting how frequently I had to turn down possible art jobs. I was painting landscapes and florals in watercolor, but I received requests for mural paintings, portraits, graphic design, children’s book illustration…a smorgasbord of variety! And I hated turning down work! But I knew my limitations and no matter how creatively I looked at it, there was just NO WAY my watercolor would translate well to mural painting. I knew my limitations.
Read MoreYellow can be a favorite hue for creating sun-drenched beauty in watercolor, or a muddy disaster! If you’ve been struggling to mix and use this beautiful primary color, I have some tips to share that can help you choose the right yellows for your watercolor palette and mix and use them more confidently, with better results. Let’s explore!
Read More“Well, I guess I’m just not a loose painter.”
You’ve tried. You love the loose, intuitive style of watercolor artists like Jean Haines. You’ve followed tutorials and watched videos, but when you try to paint your own loose painting, you quickly fall into your usual habits. Detailed copywork of your reference photo, tight pencil sketches and muddy overworking seem to be an intrinsic part of your personal style, and you feel like it might just be the way it’s meant to be for you.
What style is for you? Can you choose your style, and when should you give up on pursuing the style you yearn to make your own?
Read MoreI think a good road trip is a lot like a good painting session. As we planned our Arizona vacation, many of our friends who had wintered in Arizona had advice on where to go and what to do. We did research, and made some plans, but once we set out, flexibility became essential from the moment we left home, as we started our trip with a canceled flight that tripled our travel time. Once we finally touched down, picked up our rental car and hit the road, we were not solely bound by the map and our game plan.
Read MoreI’ve been thinking a lot about one of the scariest words in life; transition. Transitions aren’t just about change; they are the process of bridging the gap between where you are and where you are going.
Read MoreI found my high school art portfolio, and it includes the very first watercolor paintings I ever did, and they are terrible; truly a testament to the power of practice. It's not magic that got me to this place where I love what I create, but many years of building skill in technique and experimenting to get closer to my heart.
Read MoreWe hope for a long time that "artist" is who we can be, but it's not until we see potential in our art that we feel we can own the title of artist. Somewhere along the way we create a painting and think, "Yes! This is art. I am an artist."
Read MoreWhen I stopped thinking, “I can’t paint that way because no one will understand it,” and just painted what made my heart happy, I found a freedom and joy that I’ve never wanted to lose.
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