Let’s take a look at how to paint overlapping objects. As you might already know, I’ve been working on a tree series lately. The main challenge with this series has been dealing with the complex arrangement of overlapping objects. All the leaves, branches, sky, grass, dappled light, and shadows are so tightly woven together it … Read more
In my last post, I took you on a virtual journey of the European Masterpieces exhibition that took place here in Brisbane, Australia. Someone commented that each painting is so beautiful it warrants individual study. I agree. So over the next few weeks, I’m going to be taking a closer look at a handful of … Read more
I attended the European Masterpieces exhibition the other day with Chontele, Elora, and my parents. On arrival, we were met with a line that spanned from the entrance, all the way across the front of the building, and around the corner. Not what you want to see when you are with a nearly 4-month-old baby. … Read more
I found some of my childhood paintings the other day. They were stored away in a dusty corner of my parents’ garage. I figured you might like to see them. They aren’t masterpieces, but they are invaluable to me as they represent the start of my lifelong journey at the easel. I always find it interesting … Read more
“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
Let’s take a closer look at Vincent van Gogh’s Grass and Butterflies. I’m always impressed at how well van Gogh was able to inject life into even the most simple subjects. There’s a sense of movement and activity about it. I’ll cover: Vibrating Colors The painting features a vibration of broken color. Van Gogh wove … Read more
“Good composition is like a suspension bridge – each line adds strength and takes none away. No one is an artist unless he carries his picture in his head before painting it, and is sure of his method and composition.” Robert Henri This is a detailed guide on composition. I’ll cover: (If you don’t have time … Read more
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
Let’s take a look at a stunning portrait by Gordon Coutts, Waiting. I first saw this painting at the New South Wales Art Gallery. It stopped me in my tracks, despite it being a subtle painting in a dramatic room. Until that point, I had no idea who Coutts was. But it prompted me to learn … Read more
I recently had prints created for a handful of my paintings. It was a tricky process, but I’m pleased with the outcome. The prints are near-perfect representations of the originals. I’m sharing my experience in case you are interested in having prints created for your own artworks. I’ll cover: Why Prints? Prints are not a … Read more