Including a gradation in a shape is a great way to attract and hold our viewers attention. Gradations are the gradual change of value from light to dark over a distance. A shape or element of your painting that is
This small piece was an opportunity to loosen up, warm up and play with new ideas. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed painting it. https://youtu.be/udLeMGImPHg With Warmest Regards,Marla
What is worse than doing something badly? How about not doing anything at all? Even the most seasoned artists find resistance to doing the work lest they fall short of the mark. What is that anyway? So if there is
How to Know When You’ve Arrived How do you know when you’re finished? Sometimes it’s very obvious. Sometimes it’s an intuition. Or sometimes you simply don’t know! Here are some guidelines to help answer when you’re stuck. The Big QuestionsWere
I just had the anniversary of moving into my new house and studio. It’s been a crazy year full of lots of life’s ups and downs. I spent the first few months here settling in but also finishing up my
Many students have the idea that you don’t really need to know how to draw in order to paint. I disagree with this. There is nothing quicker to peg a painting as amateurish than a bad ellipse or missed proportion
Most every painting is stronger with an area of interest or focal point. The first thing I think about when I begin a painting, is what do I want to say to my viewer? Usually I’m trying to convey what
Here is another demo to inspire you to pick up those sticks and brushes! I did the same scene, first in pastel, then again in oil. It was fun to see what the oil did differently than the pastel. Both
Since visiting a few years ago I have been captivated by the unique beauty of Taos, New Mexico. I think that there are some of the most beautiful spots in the country there. I’m always excited to paint some of
I was in Sparks Lake with a group of painters on a holiday weekend. You need to come prepared on such a warm day – and so I was. I had an umbrella set up to help me keep cool