Technique

Drawing Demonstration: A Bird's Eye

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

See how one wildlife artist makes the animal's eye the focal point in his drawings.

Online Video: Inside Joseph Zbukvic's Sketchbook

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Joseph Zbukvic is a strong believer in the benefits of painting on location. Watercolor Artist offers a peek inside his sketchbook.

Mixing Watercolor Greens

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to mix lively and diverse greens in watercolor with a free downloadable PDF from artist Cathy Johnson.

The Four Elements of a Watercolor Sketch

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Watercolor Artist offers a free download of David R. Becker's article on the importance of sketching.

Candle Wax Cleanup

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:33:00 GMT

How can I remove wax from an acrylic painting without ruining it?

Art Clinic Chickadee

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

How to create a unified design in watercolor.

A New Kind of Varnish

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Could you recommend a varnish for oil paintings that’s neither matte nor glossy?

The Secrets of the Old Masters

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Koo Schadler argues that the old masters' secrets may not lie in their materials or techniques.

A Watercolorist's Use for Gesso

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Can I use gesso to prepare stretched canvas for water media?

Beware Internet Art Scams

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to avoid losing your art, and your money, through Internet sales.

Focal Point Vs. Center of Interest

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Greg Albert, our Art Clinic expert, explains the difference between the concepts of focal point and center of interest in a painting and how they can work together for a stronger work of art.

Atmospheric Perspective: Learn Five Simple Effects

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Give your work the illusion of spatial depth with five simple effects of perspective.

Masking With Gel Medium

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The strong smell of masking fluid bothers me. Is there an alternative?

Studio Tour Extra: Sandra Sallin

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

See a supplement to The Artist's Magazine's Sandra Sallin Studio Tour (from our September 2008 issue here).

Online Pastel Demo: Painting a Sunset

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Deborah Secor, artist and frequent contributor to The Pastel Journal, paints a sky at sunset.

Seeing Major Positive and Negative Shape

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ron Johnson, a Cincinnati oil painter, lends this advice for success at defining the major shapes and colors in your landscape composition in his article "Finding the Right Subject"

Painting Flowers Step by Step: Pansy Power

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:40:58 GMT

Watercolor artist Birgit O'Connor focuses on shape, shadow and color to transform a small pansy into a bold composition.

Brighten Up

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to turn your colors from bland to bold.

How to Paint a Water Drop

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Birgit O’Connor demonstrates how to paint a realistic water drop.

Make Your Own Linen Liner in 10 Steps

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Framing made simple: Peggy Braeutigam shows you how to make a linen liner, as a web-exclusive feature from the December 2008 issue of The Pastel Journal.

Step-by-Step Demo: Details in Graphite and Acrylic

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Render detail in graphite and acrylic..

Painting Landscape Foliage

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to paint landscape foliage in watercolor with a free downloadable PDF from artists David M. Band and Kevin Macpherson.

Pricing paintings

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I’m afraid I might be charging so much that I chase away my clients.

16 Colored Pencil Tips

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Always work across the grain of the paper.

How to Critique Your Painting

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As a workshop teacher, I critique my students' paintings every day. Thanks to this, I've learned how to critique my own. Here's what I look for.

Attaching canvas to board

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I’ve been doing a lot of plein air painting on pieces of canvas stapled to 1/2-inch thick foam board. Now I want to mount them on hardboard panels and then trim the edges.

Discover Drybrush

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Use this simple technique to create texture.

Adhesive Advice

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The right glue for adhering canvas to Masonite.

Drawing with Permanent Markers: Five Tips

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to use permanent markers for sketching.

Setting Off Whites

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

How to properly handle predominantly light subjects against dark backgrounds.

Paint Like the Masters: One-Source Lighting

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Koo Schadler explains how using one-source lighting for taking reference photos introduces a very important element of strong design—one the old masters relied on.

Design That Delivers

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

No matter how representational or realistic, a painting must be based on an underlying composition of interesting shapes, effective use of contrast, and a path for the eye.

Still Life Demonstration: Jeffrey T. Larson

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jeffrey Larson demonstrates how to paint a still life with classical techniques.

Jon Friedman Demo

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jon Friedman presents a step-by-step demonstration of how he created his 48x144 oil painting Marsh and Bower.

Classical Oil Painting Techniques

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn a little about classical oil painting techniques.

Sandrine Pelissier�s Watercolor Portrait Demonstration

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Download a step-by-step watercolor portrait demonstration by Sandrine Pelissier (featured in the August 2009 issue of Watercolor Artist).

Can Acrylic Gesso Support Your Oils?

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I can’t find a definitive answer to the question of whether it’s archivally sound to do an oil painting over acrylic gesso.

Getting Web-ready

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Preparation is half the battle in building a successful artist's website.

Have Stick, Will Travel

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Felicity House, who prefers to work directly from her subject whenever possible, reserves her sketchbooks—at least so far as pastels are concerned—for fast-moving subjects such as busy street scenes.

Getting Motivated

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How one artist keeps on track and jump-starts his painting process.

Varnishing Acrylic Paintings

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many people think of acrylic paint as impervious and indestructible once it's dried. It is not.

Elizabeth Groves Step-by-Step Demonstration

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

See a step-by-step demonstration of Elizabeth Groves' painting, Sad Sarah, as featured in the April 2008 issue of Watercolor Artist.

Colored Pencil Demo: Alyona Nickelson

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Discover the range of artistic options colored pencils can provide with this demo by Alyona Nickelsen.

Creative Spark Challenges

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Get involved in The Pastel Journal's Creative Spark challenges—you could have your work published on our site, and win a prize!

My approach to critiquing

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Learn about an artist/instructor's two basic criteria for analyzing a painting.

Capturing Movement

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How tonal values—like music—create a sense of movement.

Painting Daylight Landscapes: Demo

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Chesley Johnson uses a compressed value scale to depict daylight in his landscapes.

Deliberate Color Choices

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

You can learn a lot about handling color from a paper mosaic.

Demo: Dimensional Substrates and Treated Surfaces

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this demonstration from her book Art Revolution, Lisa L. Cyr use multiple substrates, collage, assemblage, embossing and debossing relief treatments and lushly painted patinas to create her award-winning work The Courageous.

Repairing a Cut in a Painted Canvas

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Some things should be left to the experts.

Watercolor Demonstration: Painting Orchids

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Follow along step by step as Lian Quan Zhen, who was featured in the April 2009 issue of Watercolor Artist, demonstrates how to paint orchids using traditional Chinese brush painting techniques and learn how to incorporate the methods and aesthetics of this age-old process into your watercolor work.

The Right Watercolor Brush for the Job

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In these two articles, Cathy Johnson

Painting reflected light on flower petals

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Light that you see shining on an object is of two types direct and indirect--or reflected. Capturing the reflected light on petals can make all the difference in your flower paintings.

Paint Expressive Skies in Watercolor

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to paint dramatic skies in watercolor with a free downloadable PDF from artist Evelyn Boren.

Creativity Workshop: The Secret to More Creative Portraits

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bring creativity into your portraits by telling a story—and learn how to enhance the tale by using gouache as a tool.

Painting Sunlight in Watercolor

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to paint sunlight in watercolor with a free downloadable PDF from artist Jeanne Dobie.

Step-by-Step Demo: Painting Stargazer Lilies

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:23:34 GMT

Paint stargazer lilies with watercolor artist Birgit O'Connor.

How to Write a Grant Proposal

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Persuasive, cohesive grant proposals are key to winning funding for visual artists from private foundations, the federal government and individuals.

What�s Your Size?

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How can I apply additional sizing to watercolor paper?

Fixative on Claybord

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What fixative should I use for acrylics and watercolors on claybord?

Back to Work

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Two years ago I set aside an unfinished painting of water-soluble oil on canvas that I'd like to start working on again.

Secrets to Painting Water in Watercolor

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to paint reflections in water with a free downloadable PDF from watercolor artist Penny Soto.

Creativity Workshop: Speedy Delivery

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kathy Collins challenges artists to complete a painting in just one sitting.

All in the Details

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Try these tips for handling detail in your art.

Artist of the Month: Colette Odya Smith

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This competition finalist talks about how she scumbles her way to vibrant colors.

Artist of the Month: Deborah Crossman

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how this Competition finalist creates intricate detail in pastel.

Masking mishap

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I got halfway through a painting, only to discover that my masking fluid won’t rub off!

Paint a Classical Portrait: Demo by Robert Armetta

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Subtle color harmonies, spare compositions and masterly handling of light inform the tranquil beauty of Robert Armetta's paintings. See a demonstration.

Getting-started motivation

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Five ways for getting motivated.

Painting Flowers Step by Step: Multiple Stamens

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Birgit O'Connor works with the negative space to paint more lifelike flowers. s.

Jonathan Talbot's Collage Fusing Method

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many collage artists attach paper elements with acrylic matte or gloss medium. Jonathan Talbot discovered another technique—fusing.

The Way to a Great Color Composition

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The most immediately striking feature of On the Way Home on Route 62 by Sheryll Collins is its wonderfully rich color—the bright oranges of the tree are a delight for the eye.

Painting Flowers Step by Step: Radiant Reds

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn to paint vibrant red parrot tulips with Birgit O'Connor.

Figure Drawing Demonstration: Jacob Collins

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jacob Collins shares his classical approach to drawing a figure.

Watercolor Demonstration: Painting a Dramatic Sky

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Beloved workshop instructor and featured artist in the October 2008 issue of Watercolor Artist, Mark Willenbrink demonstrates his process for painting expressive skies.

Painting with Full-Strength Pure Colors

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

David Daniels shows you how to paint with full-strength pure colors as a free, downloadable PDF, mentioned in the February 2009 issue of Watercolor Artist.

Charles Reid on Planning Lost and Found Edges

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the August 2009 issue of Watercolor Artist, Charles Reid shares his secrets for keeping your paintings fresh and loose. Here, he expounds on his process for painting lost and found edges.

Paint Flower Petals: Study the Light and Edges

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Follow basic shapes and forms to paint petal rolls like a pro.

Mouse Potato

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

To artist, writer and instructor Jim Chapman, watercolor sketching is about catching a fleeting sense of time, place or thing. To show how he does so, he offers free lessons online.

The Fibonacci Sequence

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

My painting Maler/Bilder is composed of panels joined to a wood grid on the back. The ratio of the height to the length uses something known as the divine proportion.

Watercolor Demonstration: Painting a Snowy Sky

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Beloved workshop instructor and featured artist in the October 2008 issue of Watercolor Artist, Mark Willenbrink demonstrates his process for painting expressive skies.

Putting Out Mat Burns

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Protect your art with the right mat.

Creativity Workshop: Creative Portrait Reader Responses

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Take a look at what readers just like you painted in response to Melissa Adkison's Creativity Workshop challenge to paint more creative portraits.

Web Exclusive: The Case for Casein

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Butch Krieger discusses casein as an underpainting for oils. s.

An American Painter in London

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An American painter in London shares tips on taking reference photos and keeping a travel journal.

Download: A Lesson from Myrna Wacknov

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Download a PDF document on working with Photoshop Elements to enhance the color in your reference photos.

Take Better Reference Photos

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to take better reference photos with a free downloadable PDF from watercolor artist Henry Dixon.

Discovering Oil Pastels

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How do I use oil pastels

Tips for Rendering Metals in Paint

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn the secrets to depicting low-luster to high-shine metallic surfaces.

10-Minute Pastel Studies

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Deborah Secor shares three quick studies she painted while attending one of Duane Wakeham's legendary workshops. For the entire feature, see the October 2008 issue of The Pastel Journal.

Creative Spark: Get Out of Town

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sometimes all you need to re-awaken your creative juices is a change of scenery.

Capturing the Essence of Summer Flowers

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Splatter masking fluid to preserve flower shapes.

Step-by-Step Charcoal Demo: Clean Gradations

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn to create clean gradations in charcoal.

Use a Viewfinder for Great Compostion

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:33:35 GMT

The easiest way to find a pleasing arrangement of abstract shapes is with a viewfinder.

Interference Info

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn about the proper use of "pearlescent" paints.

Drawing a Colored Pencil Layout

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What's the best technique for creating a preliminary line drawing for a colored pencil work.

Creative Spark: Mix It Up

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Carole Katchen challenges you to put your neglected colors to work—you could win a prize! (From the October 2008 issue of The Pastel Journal.)

Mixed-media Paper

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The dos and don'ts of mixing media and the proper paper to use.

Switching From Glossy to Matte Varnish

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I mistakenly applied glossy damar varnish to an oil painting that had been drying for several months, but I would’ve preferred a matte finish.

Painting Expressive Skies

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Beloved workshop instructor and featured artist in the October 2008 issue of Watercolor Artist, Mark Willenbrink demonstrates his process for painting expressive skies.

A Word about Drawing Tools

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Butch Krieger offers information about drawing tools and supplemental implements.

Claybord

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What is Claybord?

8-Step Portrait Demonstration

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

See all the work that went into this beautiful oil portrait by Alexandra Tyng.

Perseverance is the Ticket

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Cole Carothers shares how perseverance and a little serendipity influenced his art career.

Cleaning an acrylic painting

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Cleaning a painting caught in Hurricane Katrina

Improve Your Drawing With Value Contrasts

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Improve the readability and impact of your drawings by a purposeful alternation of value contrasts.

Commission tips

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I’ve done portraits of a few friends and secured a few commissions from around my neighborhood. Now I want to take on more commissions.

The Lowdown on Gouache

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How does gouache compare to transparent watercolor, and can they be used together?

Placing a focus

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Martha Newfield describes how to bring focus to Anna Wainwright’s Elberon Beach.

Saving a Too-Dark Painting

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Layer acrylics or gouache over watercolors to salvage dark paintings

Step-by-Step Demo: Painting Cast Shadows

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Unlock the mysteries of cast shadows—the keys are modulated edges and value gradations.

Headache-Free Commissions

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

John Michael Carter shares his personal commission secrets and resources.

Speaking of Abstract Art

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sometimes an abstract painting—that is, a non representational painting such as Moon Walk by P.A. Pearson—can seem harder to critique than a painting with identifiable subject matter.

Making a Lively Black

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Forget trying to find the "right" black in a tube. Use these tips to create your own beautiful blacks.

Guided Still Life

Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A well-prepared composition will direct the viewer's eye where you intend.

Glazing Tips

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

You can use glazing as little or as much as you like in a painting. Take time to experiment and explore various combinations of color and how they react upon the paper. Before you begin here are a few tips to assist you.

Copying Artwork

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Is copying pre-existing works legal?

Painting on Leather

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn the nuances of using leather as a painting surface.

Fat vs. Fatter

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Understanding the meaning of fat-over-lean.

Chin-Cheng Hung Pastel Portraiture

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Enjoy a gallery of Chin-Cheng Hung's pastel portraits and drop in on one of his demonstrations.

Step-by-Step Demonstration: Composing With Values

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Determine tonal variations by using cut paper to establish an effective design.

Creativity Workshop: Process Experiment

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Nancy Collins challenges you to discover new territories by experimenting with surfaces and painting processes.

10 Ideas for Overcoming Creative Blocks

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Jump-start your art with these tips for recharging your creativity.

Stay True to Your Values

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how a monochromatic underpainting can keep you from drifting from your values as you paint.

Slides of the Future

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What are the options for making slides from digital images.

Going digital

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How can I prepare a digital submission for a contest, and what are good resources I can refer to while doing this?

Mixing it Big

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to mix large amounts of watercolor paint.

Fight fading

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Keep your colored pencil works from fading with these helpful framing tips.

Choosing a Frame: 7 Basic Rules

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Don't miss these seven basic rules for framing your art.

Fun With Acrylics: Messy Painting Exercise

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Have fun with acrylic: Enjoy Betsy Dillard Stroud's messy painting exercise.

At your disposal: oils and solvents

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our painting studio, where we teach oil painting, needs some sort of system to catch brush-cleaning waste.

Printing with a Hammer

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to create prints from fresh flowers with tools you have around the house.

Painting With the Palette Knife

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

My piece Sunflowers and Blue Vase is a great example of a ‘mood’ painting executed with the palette knife.

Updated Alizarin

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The real scoop on mixing this pigment with others.

Step-by-Step Demo: Painting Peonies with Stacy Barter

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn about the masterly brushwork of Stacey Barter, step by step.

Ora Sorensen Paints White

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

White-on-white paintings are not necessarily without colorful hues.

Another Reason to Quit Smoking

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How can I clean smoke from my acrylic paintings?

Composing a Landscape

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Discover the ways Hudson River painters found to accurately express scope in their landscapes.

A Visit With Albert Handell

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Catch online video highlights of The Pastel Journal's visit with the renowned pastel artist in his Sante Fe studio.

Yellowing Whites

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Keep your whites bright!

Scraping By

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn a quick easy method for creating watercolor texture.

Secrets for Using Black

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When I add black to darken my colors and to make shadows, my painting loses vibrancy and appears dull.

Art in the Kitchen

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tips for painting murals on kitchen walls.

The Group Dynamic

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How do I go about starting an artist's guild?

Creativity Every Day

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:48:48 GMT

Exploit the potential of your creativity, no matter what kind of work you're doing.

Improve Your Art: 20 Years of Tips and Tricks

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Don't miss 20 years' worth of tips and pointers from The Artist's Magazine.

Mixing Greens

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tips for creating 25 luscious shades of green.

Defeating the Dull

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A few ideas to avoid the dreaded "sinking in" with oil paints.

5 Ways to Use White

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to best use white pigment in your paintings.

Printing Without a Press

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Try your hand a printmaking, even if you don't have a press.

Storing Watercolor Paper

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A few tips for keeping this support safe.

Step-by-Step Demo: Drawing Patterned Drapery

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn to draw the folds of a draped patterned cloth.

More on Varnishes

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Advice on removing and painting over varnishes.

Egg Tempera: History and Techniques

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn more about egg tempera from successful artists who work in the medium.

The secret of gum arabic

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Add gum arabic to your watercolors for a vibrant new look.

Artist of the Month: Jack Montmeat

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This competition finalist talks about the process he used to create a comissioned portrait.

Selling your license

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How much to charge for a licensing fee

Mezzotints Explained

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mezzotint was invented in 1642, by Ludwig von Siegen, a German soldier on leave in Amsterdam. The medium’s ability to render subtle tonal effects made it ideally suited for reproducing portraits painted by famous artists.

Best Practices for Galleries

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Some pointers for establishing a successful for-profit or non-profit gallery.

On public display

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When is an artist ready to submit work to a gallery?

Here�s to your health

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tips for making your painting experience a healthy one.

Painting Grass

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Discover the secrets to painting four different types of grass.

Applying Even Washes

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to avoid streaks.

Sprinkling Snow

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to use salt to create snowy effects in your watercolors.

Intaglio Printing with Tanja Softic

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Tanja Softic takes you step-by-step through her intaglio printing process .

Master Copyist

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Grace Kim has copied paintings at the National Gallery of Art since 1998.

Glass in framing

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How close can the framing glass be to the painting?

Focal-Point Power

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How a stronger focal point can improve nature scenes.

Drawing Demo: Edges and Contours

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Give dimension and resonance to your drawings by varying edges and contours.

Stop Multitasking Madness

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It turns out that multitasking isn't as efficient and productive as was once thought. Karen Leland explains how you can use your natural high- and low-energy time blocks to bring your best to the creative and analytical sides of your art career.

Scumbling As It Applies to Glazing

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The effect of scumbling with white is threefold.

Digital Submissions to Art Competitions

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many art competitions now accept digital entries. Follow these tips for preparing and submitting your digital images.

Painting from Photographs 2

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to translate reference photos into lively paintings.

Creativity Workshop: Process Experiment Winners

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The editors of Watercolor Artist Magazine have chosen the winning responses to Nancy Collins' Creativity Workshop Activity: Marilyn Brown will receive a $100 gift certificate.

Fixatives and pastel

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I haven’t used a fixative for my pastel paintings for more than 30 years because of the fixative’s tendency to change the color of the pastel pigment.

Wonder of White Paint-Off Winner

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Find out who won the Wonder of White All-Media Paint-Off challenge.

Buying the Right Paper

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Do rice papers discolor with age?

Capturing Personality

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Reaching beyond photorealism gives portraits more personality.

The Art of Recycling

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What should I do to prepare used stretched canvases and canvas boards for a new painting?

A Recipe for Ink

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

George Thompson and his wife moved from Manhattan to Bucks County, Pennsylvania. One of the odd things they’ve learned there is how to make black walnut ink.

Making Reflections on Glass

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Use masking fluid to save white areas for reflections.

Breathe life into painting

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Being alone in your studio provides an all-too-tempting opportunity to add endless detail.

Signing your work

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As an oil painter, I find it a real challenge to paint a neat-looking signature on canvas.Signing your work

Painting on Metal Leaf

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to paint on metal leaf and create beautiful gilt effects.

Casein Advice

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The ins and outs of using casein varnish.

Copying drawings onto watercolor paper

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Is waterproof ink available for home copiers?

Computers in the Studio

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Using Adobe photoshop, I'm able to experiment with an image by making rapid color and light adjustments to my subject photographs. I use the program to compose my paintings by either cropping a photo or by merging two or more images together. If there's an object that doesn't enhance the image, I can remove it or I can cut and paste objects into a scene.

A Landscape Artist's Primary Palette

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Skalka explains Scott Gellatly's primary palette.

Using a Mahlstick

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how artist Pam Carroll uses a mahlstick.

Basic Texturing Techniques

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Try these techniques to create textures in your paintings.

Torn to Pieces

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to fix ripped watercolor paper.

Build Your Mailing List

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It's not a glamorous subject, but building your mailing list is vital to a successful art career.

Spray it Smooth

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What to do when your oil paintings develop white spots in the varnish?

Painting a Commissioned Work

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A successful urban landscape artist shows you how she painted her most recent commisssion.

Exploring Watercolor

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mother Nature describes herself to us in a plethora of forms, patterns and shapes. By mastering these texturing exercises, you can simulate the surface character that defines these natural shapes as well as the characteristics of human-made objects.

Brush-cleaning Confusion

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many oil painters, choosing to avoid turpentine and related solvents as ways of cleaning paint from brushes, have turned to options that are more healthful and better for the environment.

Moldy Watercolors

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Keep your paintings fungus-free.

Using Colors in Light and Shadow

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An excerpt from A Celebration of Light: Painting the Textures of Light in Watercolor.

Toning Down Too-Bright Colors

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to gray down bright colors.

Photographing Your Paintings

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn the proper technique for taking slides of your artwork.