Observers of the World
I find that once I paint a subject, I never look at it quite the same way. Painting has skewed my sight -- in a good way. The world is chock full of visual drama, and how I see my surroundings grows and changes every time I go to the easel.
What's inspiring me lately?
What's inspiring me lately?
MY PASTELS
There's a running joke among pastelists that amassing a collection of pastel sticks is something of addiction. Well, if buying more pastels is wrong then I don't want to be right! In all honesty, as an artist's skill expands, so does their toolkit. Each brand of soft pastels offers something different, and having that range of tools at my fingertips helps me develop and refine my work. |
COLOR COLOR EVERYWHERE
Just look at all that color! Years after buying my first artist-grade pastel set, I am still in awe of how the crystalline properties of soft pastel make color so visually appealing. Frankly, I hope the feeling never goes away. I am paying close attention to how colors interact to create depth and energy. Training my eye to find those distinctions has blown open my learning. |
FELLOW ARTISTS
Creating art is not a solitary pursuit. Ideally, there's a community where creative energy and inspiration are exchanged freely and mutually. We have so much to learn from each other. The Internet and social media make it easier than ever to share, as well as to follow and study artists from far-flung corners. These are some of the artists who have guided me, influence my work and/or inspire my continued learning:
Creating art is not a solitary pursuit. Ideally, there's a community where creative energy and inspiration are exchanged freely and mutually. We have so much to learn from each other. The Internet and social media make it easier than ever to share, as well as to follow and study artists from far-flung corners. These are some of the artists who have guided me, influence my work and/or inspire my continued learning:
MY SKETCHBOOK
For me, drawing is the foundation of painting. Whether it's a quick thumbnail or value study, these drawings help me figure out what matters in an image. Where the darks and lights are. How the shapes relate. Which parts of the composition need editing.
Most drawings never become paintings, but are still important because they keep me going between sessions at the easel. If I can't get to my studio, I can always find something to sketch out at home.
Most drawings never become paintings, but are still important because they keep me going between sessions at the easel. If I can't get to my studio, I can always find something to sketch out at home.