Inspiration and Creativity

Marvin Mattelson’s Portrait Artist Hall of Fame

Posted on February 2, 2012 by hollyd

Pat and Jennifer (oil, 44x44) by Marvin Mattelson

Luminous skin tones, reach-out-and-touch fabrics, verisimilitude of facial features—these are all characteristics of a portrait by Marvin Mattleson, whose client list includes CEOs from Met Life, NYNEX and ITT, as well as composer Philip Glass and the Archbishop of New York, Edward Cardinal Egan. But whose work does Mattelson admire—and why? Read his answer—and find out why John Singer Sargent isn’t on his list. Full Article

Posted in Art Critiques & Studies, Articles, Artist Interviews & Profiles, Inspiration and Creativity, Medium, Oil, Portrait / Figure, Subject, The Artist’s Magazine | Tagged Oil, Portrait and Figure | Comments Off

The Artist’s Magazine April 2012 Online Table of Contents

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Cherie Haas, Associate Editor

The other side of Tom Root’s imagination; Marvin Mattelson’s commissioned portraits; acrylic artist Patti Brady’s studio; free lesson in intuitive abstraction and more. Full Article

Posted in Abstract, Acrylic, Art Demos & Techniques, Articles, Artist Interviews & Profiles, Drawing, Featured Artist Galleries, Inspiration and Creativity, Medium, Mixed Media Medium, Oil, Other Subject, Pastel, Portrait / Figure, Still Life, Subject, The Artist’s Magazine, Watercolor | Tagged Acrylic, Art Business | Comments Off

Creativity Workshop: Fresh Take Responses

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Sarah A. Strickley, Features Editor

In the December issue of Watercolor Artist, Kris Parins showed readers the key to preserving the luminosity of their subjects: painting from a backlit digital display (click here to read an excerpt). We’re now pleased to announce that the “editors’ … Full Article

Posted in Art Demos & Techniques, Articles, Inspiration and Creativity, Landscapes, Landscapes / Seascapes / Cityscapes, Medium, Subject, Tips and Tools, Watercolor, Watercolor Artist | Tagged Inspiration and Creativity, Watercolor | Comments Off

Pastel Pointers | The Year End Review

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Richard

As we transition into the new year, it is a good idea to take some time to reflect back on our artistic accomplishments. Most painters have high aspirations. These artistic goals may be the thing that pushes us to be more disciplined with time allocation, reach for greater subject matter depth, continue to study with master painters or ultimately receive the approval of peers. Full Article

Posted in Articles, Blogs, Inspiration and Creativity, Medium, Pastel, Richard McKinley's Pastel Pointers Blog, The Pastel Journal | Tagged Pastel | 1 Comment

In Memoriam | Three Recent Losses in the Pastel World

Posted on January 6, 2012 by anneh

I recently got the sad news of the passing of Mary Silverwood (1932-2011), a pastel artist from New Mexico with whom I spoke for a feature story back in June of 2008. Mary was an inspiring artist and fascinating person, and she is the third pastel artist we’ve lost in about as many months. The artist Ann Templeton, of Texas, whose expressive landscapes and creative insights were greatly admired, passed away in October, and Sheila Reinman, of Montana, died in November. Full Article

Posted in Articles, Blogs, Inspiration and Creativity, Landscapes / Seascapes / Cityscapes, Medium, Pastel, Subject, The Pastel Journal Blog | Tagged Pastel | Comments Off

Pastel Pointers | Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Richard

“Ochoco Evening”, pastel, 20x16 by ricahrd mckinley

During this season of the year, many landscape painters find themselves motivationally challenged. The daylight of winter is short, depriving the stimulation of much needed light which is the most frequently mentioned inspiration by painters. The air outside can be freezing, making it difficult if not impossible to paint for any extended period of time. The palette winter presents commonly lacks the luscious colors present in other seasons, providing little visual stimulation. Full Article

Posted in Articles, Blogs, Inspiration and Creativity, Medium, Pastel, Richard McKinley's Pastel Pointers Blog, The Pastel Journal | Tagged landscape, Pastel | 1 Comment

Top 5 Apps for Artists

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Jessica Canterbury, Managing Editor

Get the scoop on fun painting and photo-editing apps that can save you time and money in the studio. Full Article

Posted in Art Materials & Tools, Articles, Holiday Gift Guides, Inspiration and Creativity, Medium, Watercolor, Watercolor Artist | Tagged Inspiration and Creativity, Watercolor | Comments Off

Creativity Workshop: Mix and Match

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Sarah A. Strickley, Features Editor

Some of the textures in Party Papers and Red Circles (watercolor on paper, 22×30) were achieved with white gouache, which Carol Z. Brody sprayed through various screens and doilies to brighten a painting that had become too dark. It was … Full Article

Posted in Abstract, Art Demos & Techniques, Articles, Composition, Inspiration and Creativity, Medium, Subject, Watercolor, Watercolor Artist | Tagged Abstract, Watercolor | Comments Off

Showstoppers | Pastel Society of New Mexico’s 20th Annual Exhibition

Posted on December 12, 2011 by anneh

Peaches and Silver by Sarah Blumenschein

This year’s annual exhibition of the Pastel Society of New Mexico received entries from 121 artists, submitting a record number 355 paintings. The jurors were distinguished artists Kim Casebeer, Liz Haywood-Sullivan and Kim Lordier, who selected 141 paintings by 87 artists to be featured in the show, which was presented at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque from November 4 to 27. Full Article