We all encounter hard patches in life. Recently, I hit one. The silver lining to difficulty is that it usually comes with a learning opportunity. For me, this was the reminder that there are three approaches we can adopt when faced with challenges in our life. I...

Animals dressed like kings, girls with bird heads, cats as large as houses — such paradoxical imagery feels surprisingly and divinely universal. We've all had these powerful dreams. Alexandra Eldridge’s art taps into this inner world and, in doing so, invites us into...

Although my work is more intuitive and personal, I'm always attracted to artists who clearly communicate a strong, meaningful message. Stephen Mangum is one such artist. He grew up in the south in the 50s and 60s and witnessed firsthand disturbing events during the...

Last week I showed you a way to make dark lines by covering up shapes and leaving remnants of color. Today I want to show you how to create light lines in a similar but different way. Check this out… Leaving light hairlines where shapes of similar values meet is a...

I love working with lines in my art. Usually, I use a tool like a pencil to make lines. But today, I thought I would share a different way to create lines and add richness to your work. Have a look here. I have found surprisingly beautiful and different lines by...

I’m often asked how I come up with all the shapes in my art. It turns out, shapes are found everywhere. So, by paying attention as you go through your day, you can discover shapes to bring into your art. Another way I find shapes is by working with ones I already love...

I am super excited that our annual SPARK Program starts this coming week! It is a 21-day program designed to start or re-energize your art-making. In the program, everyone makes their own SparkBook, so today, I thought I would share mine with you, along with a very...

Here is a quick way to get paint down on paper, or even canvas. I love starting this way when I don't have much time and want something to be bold and full of juice. It has everything to do with the way you apply the paint. Let me show you… Starting boldly or using...

I used to worry so much about my art. Will it ever be good enough? Will I ever develop my unique style? Will I ever be able to get it out into the world? It turns out I am not alone. I frequently hear these concerns from other artists, too. What makes things even...

Do you like busy or simple art? There is, of course, beauty in both. I love the complexity of a Persian carpet, but I also am drawn to the sublime, minimal paintings of Mark Rothko. In the end, you want to do the kind of work that brings you alive. There isn't one...