When I realized I’d run out of small canvases, I forced myself to use what I already had in my studio rather than buying something new. This pushed me to paint on the big canvases that had piled up – some white and untouched, others with layer after layer of abstract backgrounds that I never finished. I’d been avoiding these larger paintings because painting small... Continue reading
Do you ever struggle to be loose in your art? I’ve been painting nearly every day for over fourteen years. But I still get stuck and frustrated. What’s helped me the most is taking progress photos of my paintings. This way I can see what I’ve done wrong and what I’ve done right, so I’m not so afraid to cover up my artwork and take... Continue reading
I’ve been taking some time to really slow down and indulge in being creative. But a few days ago I was painting this big painting and she looked way too perfect. There didn’t seem to be any freedom or flow. Everything looked rigid and tight. So I knew it was time to mix up my supplies and add an inky mask. It’s usually the eyes... Continue reading
When I begin a painting, I don’t have a plan. To get started, I create the background with 3-4 colorful layers (sometimes more). Then I sketch a loose face and add more color. From there, the face completely changes as I add more layers. The other day, I was working on this new painting (she’s called ‘Guardian Of Dreams’ 12” x 16” on stretched canvas).... Continue reading
For years I stopped painting. All of my early artwork ended up in the basement or trash, so I thought, “What good is it to paint?” I never thought anyone would want to see my work. I went to college to study biology, but I couldn’t stay away from the art room. I couldn’t help myself from painting on everything and anything. I found a... Continue reading
Do you ever just want to throw your painting away? This happens to me (a lot). Usually it’s the eyes or face I want to completely get rid of and cover up. Oftentimes I’ve overworked them and they look way too perfect and painted on. That’s when I dump water on top of the face and scrub away the layers until just a few lines... Continue reading
Lately I’ve been getting stuck after I paint my face and eyes. I usually paint the eyes first, adding all of their depth and detail until they’re almost complete. But sometimes it helps to keep things simple. The other day when this happened, I was working on this new painting (she’s called ‘Delight In Dreams,’ 11” x 14” on stretched canvas). I’ve found I return... Continue reading
All of my early paintings ended up in the basement or trash. It hurt my heart to not create, yet I buried my desire and, for years, I stopped painting. But I learned I couldn’t not be an artist. The other day I went back to a BIG painting at my easel (which always makes me take myself too seriously). I just couldn’t let go.... Continue reading
Every painting has an ugly stage. It’s that part in the process where I feel like giving up. Sometimes I’ll get to a point in my painting where I just want to paint over the entire thing. This especially happens when I’m pushing myself to try something new. But I try to remember, it’s not about getting that one painting perfect. If I let go,... Continue reading
Mistakes and ugly stages always happen while I’m painting. But whenever I go back to my favorite art supplies and techniques, I feel the freedom to let go, play and make a beautiful mess. Then a whole new world opens up and magic happens. The other day when I got stuck with this new painting, I looked back at my past paintings for inspiration. I’d... Continue reading
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