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

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

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

The Art of Practice – Tip #9

Oh, this is a good tip — one I definitely need! Stop Sooner Move on, or set it aside as … More

The Finer Things in Art

In my on-going quest to paint more realistic trees — meaning trees that actually look like trees — one of … More

The Art of Practice – Tip #8

Today’s tip is one of the best, I think. ACCEPT RESISTANCE It is not going away, ever. Don’t fight against … More

The Art of Practice – Tip #7

There’s a bit of a mixed message lurking within today’s tip, and I’d love to know your thoughts. Here’s the … More

The Art of Practice – Tip #6

Here’s today’s helpful (I hope) tip in the art of practice: Learn Ignorance Faith-based painting is very fun. Your insufficiency is … More

The Art of Practice – Tip #5

I like today’s tip from The Art of Practice. It relates to all I’ve been discovering recently about letting go and letting … More

The Art of Practice – Tip #4

Today’s tip is a simple and effective one. Observe Without Judgment Rendering accurately is overrated. Give yourself a chance before … More

Picking My Palette

One of the most valuable practice exercises I’ve done lately had little to do with actual painting, but a lot to … More

The Art of Practice – Tip #2

I can fully understand and appreciate today’s practice tip, although I don’t think we should swallow it whole. First, here’s … More

The Art of Practice – Tip #1

Recently while working on a few graphite drawing exercises, I came across a sheet of practice instructions I’d never seen … More

Sienna Ridge

Practice. Exercises. Studies. These are all words and concepts I’m familiar with as a pianist, and I’ve found they have … More

What? Me Worry?

Anyone who was around in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s is very familiar with Alfred E. Neuman of Mad Magazine … More

Don’t Laugh

We all know the importance of practicing…but, what shall we practice? That’s always a question, and it’s often answered with … More