Blog
Search Blog
Mind over Matter Imagination is at the Heart of it
May 12th, 2012
I’m working on some illustrations. Aside from the story line, I’m creating purely from imagination. The more I create, the better it gets! The secret is to see clearly an image of what you want to paint or draw. In this way, an artist breathes life into a painting by creating real characters that seem almost alive.
There is great freedom in creating this way. Sometimes I need a model or a photo to see how an elbow or a knee looks when it’s bent at a certain angle. Or I may want to...
Dreams Light a Fire Beneath us Reality Grounds us
May 8th, 2012
Exercising imagination is critical to the artist’s life. Whether you write, perform, paint or draw, working from research and knowledge is not enough. An artist must interpret, design, and create. An artist’s work must represent his unique perspective on the world.
Artist’s need buyers, teachers, supporters, lovers, friends, and constant inspiration for their work. Knowing who you are and what you think about things is critical. Having opinions and knowing why you have them brings...
Build a Shine from Within or Slather Gloss on Top...Your Choice
April 30th, 2012
When I first started painting, the glow I wanted to shine from my artwork escaped me. Why didn’t my paintings sparkle? Why didn’t they seem “alive?” I painted a shiny coat of gel or “Liquin” over the top to revive the paint. It still didn’t work.
What I later discovered is that the “glow” comes from within; caused by the differing values and contrasting colors. Coats of sheen on top can never make up for what is missing beneath the surface.
A perfect example of this is my...
Childrens Artwork What can it Teach us
April 25th, 2012
I’ve always enjoyed looking at the artwork of children. It’s raw, emotional, and bold. Children’s thoughts link directly to their hand and arm movements; unfettered, unedited, open and joyous.
Their enthusiasm is unequalled. What they depict often mirrors their emotional health which is why psychologists use art as a tool to measure and investigate what’s going on in a child’s life.
Art can also be good therapy, allowing innocent minds and hearts to depict what the mind and...
Illustrators of Childrens Books the Best of the Best
April 21st, 2012
It has been said that illustrations are literature, even without the words. With or without text, illustrations may sharpen a child’s perception, stimulate imagination, and make them aware of their surroundings. Add humor which increases a child’s enjoyment or attachment to a book, and this connection may last a lifetime.
Some of the finest artists in the world are illustrators of children’s books. Pictures that appeal to children must be colorful, oftentimes humorous, detailed, and...
Find your Inner Voice your Power and Free Fall
April 16th, 2012
I enjoy watching American Idol. It’s fun to witness frightened, insecure wanna-be’s grow and develop before your eyes. It’s miraculous to see what happens when someone with potential is provided with money, opportunity, and support. Their skills increase. Their confidence blossoms. And they prove to themselves and others that they have what it takes to succeed.
In a recent competition, one of the contestants was advised that she “over thinks” her performances. She concentrates so much...
Reality may be Harsh and Ugly at Times
April 11th, 2012
We have a terrible problem with mold and mildew in the Tropics. We go through gallons of bleach in the same way that most people do milk. We scour our sidewalks and driveways with bleach. We use it in our sinks and toilets. We set our air conditioner at a certain level, even when we’re gone, just to keep the mold from taking over our belongings.
I can smell mold and mildew in the air when I step outside on humid days. It stings my nose causing my allergies to flare up. Don’t get me...
What if you could have anything you wanted in the World
April 7th, 2012
If you could choose anything you wanted, what would it be? To the cancer ridden person, it would be health. To someone who recently lost their job, it would be employment. To a widow, it would be comfort and peace of mind.
We all have different wants and needs. What we choose at any given moment has more to do with what’s going on in our life than anything else. Many people long for and wish for money or material wealth; but when obtaining the prize, some become practical, thinking of...
April 3rd, 2012
Do you believe in angels? I do. The Bible mentions angels many times including this favorite passage: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Heb 13:2 KJV)
After taking a long hiatus away from art to work full time and obtain health benefits for my family, I took the plunge. I started painting again and went to my first show in years with some artist friends. I was terrified.
I prayed. I clenched my teeth and the steering...
March 27th, 2012
I admit that I’m “technically challenged.” Unlike my younger sister who can wire and change an outlet switch, fix a toaster, and repair a toilet; I’m a complete idiot when faced with anything that requires a screwdriver, a key, pliers, or a drill.
No wonder I faced with trepidation my first day as a volunteer at the Southwest Florida Artists Co-operative; temporarily located on Fashion Drive at Coconut Point. Of course, I was depending on my co-worker to take care of anything major....