Sketchbook blog

I'm cranking out some new Mini Masterpieces for Art-o-mat, and these pieces have a new and improved look. My entire set of 50 delivered yesterday to Worldwide Art-o-mat Headquarters includes 100% Matisse elements.  In the past, I painted subject matter on mini canvases or on wood blocks. But then I decided it would be cool to paint modern art on organic, touchable wood rounds.  All of these above are painted on either oak or cedar wood. The Formula Each of my Art-o-mat pieces has the following: 2 layers of gesso, multiple layers of Liquitex heavy body acrylic paint, Posca acrylic paint markers, 1 coat of spray gloss sealant, 1 coat of glossy liquid sealant, a jute string for hanging, my signature and date on the back, flannel fabric gift-wrapped with embroidery floss tie, an insert regarding the art history behind the painting, and my business card. About Matisse Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954) was a French sculptor, printmaker, and ...

How to grow as an artist Just sharing some ideas that may be helpful for you, too. 1.  Commit to sketching.   2. Get outside and O-B-S-E-R-V-E. 3.  Paint things even if you don't think they will work out.  You will not learn by not trying. 4. You don't have to have a plan for everything. 5.  Learn from your mistakes. 6.  Stay committed to sketching... 7.  ... no matter where you are, even on a plane. 8.  It's important to get the ideas out of your head and on to paper.   These could be the building blocks of future work down the road. 9.  Smile! 10.  Be grateful for the beauty you see every day. 11.  Take time out to be with positive people. 12.  Drink in other art to keep you inspired. Following these steps has kept me focused on improving my art.   Recently, I have had an evolutionary break...