Here’s a cool way to add shapes and lines to your work easily. I use thick poster board to cut out templates of various shapes such as circles and teardrops. I can then try these shapes on a painting easily by either drawing around them, or scraping lines along the template into thick paint making a nice deep mark.

Take a look…

If you don’t know what to do next in your work, it’s fun to draw with templates to get going again and add to your visual vocabulary. These templates are sturdy enough to use over and over. I’ve had some of mine for years. In fact, the response to a recently posted old vlog about these templates gave me the idea to share them again with you today. Give them a try!

Do you use any templates in your work? Let me know in the comments.

In this Wednesday’s Art2Life Podcast, I have an interesting conversation with Bay Area painter, Ian Kimmerly. His work is so beautiful and rich but, what really got me inspired was hearing his process. He starts by spreading various materials on tables throughout his studio and looks for striking combinations of things, such as a photo with colored paper, and starts with that. Join me to hear his unique approach.

Have a great Sunday!

Nicholas

PS TOMORROW, Monday, August 29, 2022, at 12 pm PDT is our free online Opening Reception of the 2022 Art2Life International Juried Art Exhibition!

There will be live interviews with some of the artists from the exhibition and our Juror, Jack Fischer of the Jack Fischer Gallery, and we will announce the awards!

Click here to sign up to attend. You will receive reminders and instructions on how to attend live. Hope to see you there!