There’s no denying that inspiration is helpful to artists, and that it does create an environment which makes us eager to get work done. But is being inspired really a requirement in order to make good art?. . . read more
Everyone wants something. And whatever it is, there's a fair chance we're too busy dreaming about to work towards it. I’ll admit I’ve spent my fair share of time dreaming. But if we dream too much, we’ll never do what needs to be done. . . . read more
Although only an occasional artist all my life, when I retired to Costa Rica several years ago I was overwhelmed by the wonders of this country and decided to take up painting wildlife full-time.. . . read more
This summer I took a special painting trip with my friend Kathy to Positano, Italy, a wonderful Italian village perched on a hillside, facing seaward. We arrived during unusually chilly weather, but it didn’t keep me from setting up my easel on hilltops, under balconies and along the . . . read more
Artists are all over the map when it comes to technology. Some are tech-lovers; others want nothing to do with it. Whichever type you are, I want to encourage you to check out these 4 tech tools that I use nearly every day (and couldn't live without).. . . read more
As a professional artist with a 10 year old, I often end up replacing my painting time with more pressing “mom” duties. To make up for it, every year I travel to Bermuda for a four-day painting trip by myself.. . . read more
Do you ever wonder if you’re actually “making progress” in your artistic journey? I frequently feel that I am not moving forward quickly enough, but lately I've beeny working on changing my mindset to see the progress in my life. Here are two methods I use:. . . read more
As I sat down to write this last article in my series on overcoming fear, I had to laugh at myself for putting this one off until the very end. Because this fear - the fear of the unknown - is one of mine.. . . read more
For many artists, the fear of failure is most pronounced when it comes to going "pro" with your art. It's hard to fail if you're just doing art as a hobby, but trying to be a professional artist finally raises the stakes enough so that you CAN fail.. . . read more
Rejection hurts. And it tends to stick with us for a long time - which is why some artists are a little fearful when it comes to showing their art. They’ve been rejected before by being told they weren’t good enough. They’ve been told they’d never make it in the arts.. . . read more
While some folks like confrontation, most do not - and unfortunately for many artists, this fear of confrontation actually becomes a stumbling block in their journey towards becoming professional artists.. . . read more
Everyone faces fear. . . and in the right circumstances, uncomfortable as it may be, our fear exists for a reason. Some fears, however, are unreasonable. We learn these irrational fears subconsciously and slowly cultivate them in our minds until they become barriers to our success.
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What do you dream of? Are you dreaming of a 4 hour chunk in your week where everything quiets so you can sit down and create a masterpiece? Or are you looking for that "aha!" moment when suddenly art knowledge and skill will pour through you onto the canvas?. . . read more
In the following interview with Brian Jones (which took place earlier this week at his gallery in Cleveland, Ohio) Brian was kind enough to speak with me about his art and his career - as well as share some insight into his success so far.. . . read more