Paint Anywhere with Vibrant Color
I’m so excited to share a cool resource for intense color called, Viviva Colorsheets. The color in these watercolor sheets is amazingly vibrant! They come in two sets, Springtime and Metallic, and are the right size for on-the-go painting. Just tuck into your sketchbook with a small brush and go!
Check it out…
All you need is a little water to bring the color sheets to life! You can find these in the Art2Life store. If you give them a try or have used them before, let me know what you think in the comments.
Coming this week is the Opening Reception for the 2023 Art2Life International Juried Art Exhibition! All selected works will be unveiled live and online on Tuesday, August 29, 12pm PDT! Our juror, Anita Rogers, will join us to share her experience putting this fantastic show together, and we’ll hear from some of the winning artists too. All works will be for sale, so be ready to see the selection. Join us, it’s going to be amazing! Click here to sign up to join us for the Opening Reception.
Also, this Wednesday’s new episode of the Art2Life Podcast features my conversation with an amazing content producer, Adrien Anne. Not only does he make stunning travel reels, he does it all on skates! Hear about his creative partner, their wonderful love story, and the rich lives they lead by doing just what they love. Click here to subscribe to the Art2Life Podcast and catch up on past episodes, too!
Have an awesome Sunday!
Nick
Create Cool Effects with Glazing!
If you’re new to this vlog, welcome! This is a place to learn and share. If you have something you’d like to learn, leave a comment. Let’s crowd-source all we know!
Last week I showed how I glaze my paintings to harmonize all the colors. Today I want to show you the effects of adding new color on top of the glazed painting.
Check this out…
I glaze multiple times on a painting. It’s a great way to get the color looking so rich!
Do you do this with glazes in your work? Let me know in the comments!
This week’s episode of the Art2Life Podcast features questions from you! I’ll answer many of the great questions you’ve recorded on the art2lifepodcast.com page that center around finding your way, authenticity, and more. Be sure to tune in this Wednesday! Click here to listen to and subscribe to the Art2Life Podcast.
And I’m so excited to share that the winners of the Art2Life International Art Exhibition for 2023 have been selected! Be sure to join us Tuesday, August 29th at 12pm PDT for a live online Opening Reception where we will announce this year’s winning artists. This live reception will include some of the artists in the show, and our distinguished juror, Anita Rogers. You’ll see all the work selected and hear Anita’s perspective on the show. Click here to be sent all the info to join us for the live online Opening Reception! We hope to see you there!
Have the best day!
Nick
Watch how I glaze my oil & acrylic paintings!
The colors in this painting are pretty wild, but watch what happens when I start to glaze it. I’ll first demonstrate how I glaze in oil using transparent paint, a product called Liquin, and odorless mineral spirits. Next I’ll show you the same technique using acrylic paint, gloss medium, and water.
Take a look!
Glazing is a great way to bring harmony to a painting, especially with a challenging palette. Whether you’re using oil or acrylic, the technique is simple. I love glazing and I’ll show you why this technique is so effective next week.
What glazes do you use in your work? Let me know in the comments.
In this week’s episode of the Art2Life Podcast, I’m doing a deep dive into the value of mistakes. I make mistakes all the time and have learned so much from them. If you have a fear of making mistakes, be sure to tune in this Wednesday! You’ll learn not only to accept your mistakes, but embrace them as well. Click here to subscribe to the Art2Life Podcast and catch up on past episodes, too!
Have an awesome Sunday!
Nick
PS: Here are links to the products I mentioned today:
Is it time to wreck your painting?
When I’m not sure if a painting is working or not, it’s time to make a big change. Big changes can help reveal what’s working and what’s not. I’ve made big moves on this piece, and it still isn’t working, but that’s okay because now I feel more committed to pushing it further.
Watch how I change it…
Wrecking this painting allowed me to go back into it with more freedom. Using bigger tools really made the difference, and I like it more. If you’re not sure where you’re going in a work, let it fail and search for a new direction. There’s joy and discovery in the search!
Can you relate to this approach? Let me know in the comments.
In this week’s episode of the Art2Life Podcast, I continue a conversation I’ve had for 25 years with my dear friend Steve Lomprey. He’s a multimedia artist whose mediums include painting, videography, and music. Join us on Wednesday for an encouraging discussion about humanity, freedom, and taking a 40,000-foot view of life and art. Click here to subscribe to the Art2Life Podcast and catch up on past episodes, too!
Have an awesome Sunday!
Nick
PS: Have you joined our Art2Life Artists Facebook Group yet? It’s an amazing community of artists from all over the world! I pop in and share what I’m working from time-to-time, and I’d love to see what you are creating too! If you’re on Facebook, click here to join the group.
How to Set Yourself Up for Success
Check out these weird colors! This painting is so garish, but I’m excited about it anyway! Because I’ve started with colors I don’t like, it gives me confidence that I’ll improve this painting easily with colors I do like. I often begin with this strategy. In the first pass, I give myself permission to make something that’s not really working. It’s okay because opportunities emerge and then the real work begins. It’s the most exciting time.
Let me show you what I mean.
Making something you don’t like initially is the best setup for success. It’s much easier than starting with a blank canvas because you already have so much to respond to. Turning your canvas around gives you a fresh perspective too. Give it a try!
How do you set yourself up when starting something new? Tell me in the comments here.
In this week’s episode of the Art2Life Podcast, I’m joined with David DuChemin, an incredible photographer, writer, and daring world traveler. David captures encounters with wildlife and humans across the globe so intimately that you feel you are traveling with him. His work creates connections to feelings the way our art does. He speaks so eloquently about this and the creative process. Join us for this engaging conversation.
Click here to subscribe to the Art2Life Podcast and catch up on past episodes, too!
Have an awesome Sunday!
Nick
PS: Speaking of color, click here to download our Free Color Tips PDF. It’s loaded with useful ideas! https://workshop.art2life.com/ctmc-vlog/
“If it’s not a “YES!!” – then it’s time to change it!
It’s valuable to show your work to others because you gain objectivity. I recently showed this piece to my gallerist. She didn’t like the big brown area, and others reacted similarly. I looked at the painting with fresh eyes, and uncertainty bubbled up. Of course, you don’t want to adjust work based on what others think, but here’s the thing, once that uncertainty comes, it won’t leave until you make a change. You have to do something to regain certainty for yourself.
Let me show you what I mean.
That move was a “YES” for me! If you’re questioning something in your art, change it as soon as possible to find an answer. You may return to where you were, but making a significant change restores conviction. If it’s not a “hell yes,” then change it!
Can you relate to this? How do you go about making changes in your work? I’d love to hear in the comments.
It’s summer, and I’m talking about rest in this Wednesday’s episode of the Art2Life Podcast. I dive into the benefits of taking a break and will share my tips on power-napping! It’s one of my favorite habits. I can fall asleep anywhere! Join me for this relaxing discussion. Click here to listen to and subscribe to the Art2Life Podcast.
And don’t forget about our Call for Entries for the 2023 ONLINE ART2LIFE INTERNATIONAL JURIED ART EXHIBITION!
The last day to enter is this Tuesday, July 25th at 11:59 am PDT.
We can’t wait to see all of your amazing work!!
To see FAQs, the eligibility and guidelines, and to enter the exhibition, please click here: www.a2lcallforentry.com
Have a great week!
Nick
Join me as I start my next painting!
My favorite part of the art-making process is starting a new piece! Applying the first layers of paint in any way, in any color, is so fun! It’s the best time to experiment and play, because anything you do will be more exciting than a blank canvas. So, even if you are creating a figurative piece, start painting anything. There’s so much to learn through play! I like to think that all the initial expressive energy, even if it gets covered, still comes through in the work. Here’s how I start…
Watch me start a painting here.
Getting in motion provides answers for where the work wants to go. Being present without a plan invites you to stay relaxed and open to whatever comes. Give it a try!
How do you start a painting? Let me know in the comments.
In this week’s episode of the Art2Life Podcast, I’ll address some of the great questions I’ve received from listeners. Join me as I dive deep into common motivation and self-doubt challenges from artists committed to improving their work. Sometimes it’s just a matter of reframing the issue! Check it out this Wednesday. Click here to listen to and subscribe to the Art2Life Podcast.
And just a reminder, there is still time to enter our 2023 ONLINE ART2LIFE INTERNATIONAL JURIED ART EXHIBITION!
We have created a new Art2Life online gallery and will be promoting the work of those selected to our large social media following!
To see FAQs, the eligibility and guidelines, and to enter the exhibition, please click here: www.a2lcallforentry.com
Have an awesome Sunday!
Nick
PS: Here are some links to the two materials I mentioned today:
Watch as I finish the last page in my journal…
I’m super excited to be on the last page of my journal! There’s a celebration at the end of one and an anticipation at the beginning of another. Before I switch, I’ve been thinking about the common things I do that show up in all my art. Whether in a journal or on canvas, how I make art and the symbols that reoccur have become so loaded with personal meaning over time. They feel like metaphors for how I experience life. I’ve included my favorite symbol on my final page.
Check it out…
The infinity symbol reminds me that life is a journey of venturing out and returning to yourself. It’s a repetitive process but not a rut; it’s expansive! While venturing out and coming back to you, you’re always learning more about yourself and life. I use such symbols and lines to evoke the freedom I want in my art and life.
What rituals and/or symbols are part of your practice? Let me know in the comments.
In this week’s episode of the Art2Life Podcast as I explore further how art-making and life are related. I’m making a painting while thinking this through. It was super fun! I hope you’ll join me this Wednesday for my next episode. Click here to listen to and subscribe to the Art2Life Podcast.
Have a super Sunday!
Nick
PPS: Don’t forget that Call for Entries for the online 2023 Art2Life International Juried Art Exhibition is open through July 25th! Find more info, answers to all of your questions, and how to enter here
→ www.a2lcallforentry.com
Stepping up to work larger
Due to the large size of my paintings, the stools and ladders in my studio are an integral part of my practice so I’d thought I’d show you what I use and why. Of course safety is a big concern, I have fallen before! Here’s what I recommend if you want to work large.
Take a look…
I love how I’m able to lean into my smaller ladder. I can work at a nice height and still feel secure and comfortable, plus this ladder is so easy to move around the studio.
Do you have a solution to help you reach your painting when working large? I’d love to hear in the comments.
Join me for this Wednesday’s episode of the Art2Life Podcast, as I share art adventure stories! I recount some of the crazier tales that have mostly taken place at Art2Life Destination Workshops. Click here to subscribe to the Art2Life Podcast and catch up on past episodes, too!
Have an awesome Sunday!
Nick
PPS: Don’t forget that Call for Entries for the online 2023 Art2Life International Juried Art Exhibition is now open! We’re so excited to have New York gallerist, Anita Rogers, as our juror this year.Find more info, answers to all of your questions, and how to enter here → www.a2lcallforentry.com
A simple studio set-up tip…
Here’s something I got from a lumber yard a few years ago that I cannot live without!
Check it out…
Using these wooden blocks helps the painting stay off the ground so all the extra paint drips off, keeping the bottom clean. It’s also easier to work on the painting when it’s elevated. The wood is 6 inches square, and I’ve cut them all to be 18” long. It’s a simple tool that makes all the difference, plus it’s cool to see how they get covered with paint and become a work of art too!
What helpful setups do you have in your studio? I’d love to hear in the comments.
In this Wednesday’s episode of the Art2Life Podcast, I’m talking with artist and collaborator, Barbara Groth who has the coolest job in the world! She creates traveling and collaborative adventures through the Nomadic School of Wonder that inspire awe and wonder. Join me as she shares how these experiences engage the community with animals and the natural world. You’ll be amazed!
Click here to listen to and subscribe to the Art2Life Podcast.
Also, coming this Tuesday, June 27th, we are opening our Call for Entries for the 2023 Art2Life International Juried Art Exhibition! We’re so excited to have New York gallerist, Anita Rogers, as our juror this year. Click below to sign up to receive the Call for Entry in your inbox on Tuesday. We can’t wait to see your work!
https://www.art2life.com/upcoming-exhibitions/
Hope you have a great Sunday!
Nick
