"Because of the Rains" by Martha Cowan Shouldn't it be the goal of painters to reveal themselves in their work? To be known because of their work? And by that I don't mean to be famous, (like "Look at me! I'm so great and everyone knows ... Read More...

"Grain Fields and Poppies" by Edwin KaytonPhotograph of the Val d’Orcia in Tuscany On a clear day we may be able to “see forever,” but as we see in this summer photo of the Val d’Orcia in Tuscany, the haze of earth’s atmosphere has a ... Read More...

Overcoming Plein Air Obstacles I love plein air painting. Painting outdoors is such a special experience because of our unique engagement with the environment. Here we are with our panel, some colors, and our brushes, trying to convey ... Read More...

In the art world, one should paint what you are connected to. I live in California outside of Oakland but I have my family roots in Vermont. The light in California, especially where I live is sunny just outside the fog belt. Sunny days in ... Read More...

How would you rate your listening skills?  Do you struggle with communicating with art buyers or gallery directors? Are you involved in leadership in an art-related organization? When asked to speak to a group about your art, how ... Read More...

"Just Wetting A Line" by Robert J. Simone16" x 16" - Oil on linen Design, noun, 2) the purpose, planning or intention that exists or is thought to exist behind an action, fact or material object.  In this post, I want to say a ... Read More...

I painted my first tree at age 12 and continued to paint landscapes for the next few decades.  But I have never liked my trees.  Eventually, I switched to figurative work although I love plein air painting.  I still do not like my trees.  I ... Read More...

Reading many blogs, posts, and comments from developing artists, a common theme I have found is a desire to be more “painterly”; to be looser, more natural, etc.  The general advice given is to become confident in the required ... Read More...

Picasso... Caravaggio.. Henri Fantin-Latour, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Francisco de Zurbarán, Braque, Mary Cassatt, Miró...Gauguin. Monet, Manet, Renoir, Adelheid Dietrich. Brueghel, Rembrandt, Dürer, Rubens, Velázquez. "Brazilian Tree ... Read More...

Chewing gum, a soda bottle, and a paper clip and supposedly we can MacGyver our way out of anything!  I want to share one way you truly CAN MacGyver your way out of those times you feel like no matter which way you turn you are ... Read More...