Clarice Beckett: Melbourne’s Quiet Observer

“To give a sincere and truthful representation of a portion of the beauty of Nature, and to show the charm of light and shade, which I try to give forth in correct tones so as to give as nearly as possible an exact illusion of reality.” Clarice Beckett Today’s featured artist is Clarice Beckett. One … Read more

Wayne Malkin: Seascape Painter and Gallery Owner

This is an interview with Wayne Malkin. He’s not only a renowned seascape painter but also a co-owner of the Montville Art Gallery in Queensland, Australia. I’ve been visiting this gallery since I was a child alongside my parents and now as a parent myself with Elora. With each visit, I’m reminded of how many … Read more

Interview with Master Landscape Painter Dan Schultz

This is an interview with professional artist and master landscape painter Dan Schultz. One of his high-key landscapes caught my eye a few years ago on Instagram and I have been following his work on and off ever since. He has taken the time to answer a few questions about his life as an artist, … Read more

Susan Goddard: Advice on Watercolors and the Art Life

This is an interview with Susan Goddard, a dynamic artist and master watercolorist. She’s also the mother of my closest friend, Ted. I’m grateful to have her answer a few questions about her work, watercolors, and the art life. Q: When did you start painting? Since I was knee-high to a grasshopper! I was interested … Read more

How to Paint Like Pierre-Auguste Renoir

“For me … a painting should be something to cherish, joyous and pretty, yes pretty!” Pierre-Auguste Renoir Let’s take a look at how to paint like Pierre-Auguste Renoir. I’ve never been much a fan of Renoir’s work. That was until I saw one of his paintings at the European Masters exhibition. A Young Girl With … Read more

Ivan Aivazovsky – “King of the Sea”

When I think of seascape painters, Ivan Aivazovsky is one of the first to come to mind. He was a prolific Russian artist who created thousands of paintings depicting the sea in various forms. Let’s take a closer look at his life and work. I’ll cover: “Aivazovsky himself is a hale and hearty old man … Read more

Claude Monet – Master of Color and Light

“Monet is just an eye, but God, what an eye.” Paul Cézzane on Claude Monet If you forced me to choose an all-time favorite artist, I would have to go with Claude Monet. Discovering his work led me down an endless rabbit hole of color, light, and the challenge of capturing life’s fleeting effects on … Read more

Interview With Award-Winning Australian Artist Leon Holmes

Today we have Australian artist Leon Holmes answering a few questions about his work and life. Holmes does a fantastic job capturing the dynamic Australian landscape. It reminds me of Ken Knight and Sir Arthur Streeton. I particularly like his depictions of cattle and turquoise seas. Q: When Did You Start Painting? Drawing and creating … Read more

Interview With “Open Impressionism” Artist Erin Hanson

I wrote about Erin Hanson’s work in a recent email. It was a popular one. She’s a remarkable landscape artist based in California. Her work has a distinct style she calls “Open Impressionism”. I’m pleased to have her answer a few questions about her life, philosophy, and work. Q: I Understand You Are Deeply Inspired … Read more

Frans Hals: Golden Age Master Painter

One of the great painters of the Golden Age of Dutch painting, Frans Hals was known for his group and individual portraits, but more particularly, for a uniquely individual style that incorporated obvious brushstrokes, and realistic facial expressions to bring life and character to his subjects. I’ll cover: Key Details Birth: Variously reported as 1580, … Read more