Going with Graphite

I’m excited by the drawing work I’ve done over the summer. I’ve learned a lot, and most importantly I’m realizing … More

The Light of Day

I love rainy mornings. For me, it’s a perfect time for drawing and painting. I listen to the sound of … More

Where the Art Is

When I first began learning to draw I believed that drawings should be perfect likenesses of the subject. Anything less … More

Line and Form

I love browsing through art books at Amazon. Actually, I love browsing through art books anywhere I happen to find … More

Finding Value in Acrylics

I’m never going to be an acrylic artist, but along with toning canvases, I’m finding another good use for all the acrylic paints I have sitting by my easel.

Under Construction

I have never been good at drawing buildings, and when it comes to painting them, I’m even worse. I struggled … More

Building Blocks

Canvas panels are piling up around my house. I keep a good supply of them — in all sizes — … More

The Call of the Sea

Every summer I re-read Treasure Island, and without fail, I begin to hear the call of the sea. As an artist, … More

The Age of Innocence

When I was growing up, a beautiful framed reproduction of The Age of Innocence hung above my bed. Even as a young … More

Speak Softly

Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy was based upon his thought that good diplomacy came about when one spoke softly…and carried a … More

The Dreaded Ellipse

The basic principle behind the art of drawing is simple and straightforward. We make lines which become shapes which become … More

If It Looks Like a Duck…

I recently joined a Facebook group where members contribute photographs for artists to use as references. If you’re interested, here’s … More

Playing with Paint

Acrylics and I just don’t get along. When I first tried acrylics, I was excited, but that excitement quickly faded. … More

My Fate in a Fortune Cookie

I have always been a believer in fortune cookies. More times than I can count, I’ve opened one, pulled out … More

The Art of Practice – Final Thoughts

Over the last few weeks, I’ve shared ten tips from The Art of Practice — a little flyer I found among my … More

How Art Speaks

“Concept is the reason that you’re painting the painting. It is the idea that you wish to convey to the … More

Painting from the Heart

As I learn more about art and oil painting, I’m learning a lot of other things, too. I’m learning about … More

The Art of Practice – Tip #10

I’m not at all sure I agree with today’s tip — the last in The Art of Practice. For what it’s … More

The Hierarchy of Art

Until recently, I had no idea that an actual hierarchy existed in the world of art. I found it very interesting and … More

A Visit to Murphy’s House

We’ve all heard about Murphy’s Law — the one that says that if anything can go wrong, it will, and that’s about … More