This week I made a painting with my long-time friend, Artist and Art2Life Coach, Noah Woods!

We had a blast playing and collaborating. We each brought our sensibilities to this painting.

Check it out here.

What’s cool is I can feel what parts are true for him and true for me. When you do this kind of experimentation, new things can appear that just feel right for you. When this happens, go with it! Trust yourself!

When something you love is working, trust yourself and do more of it because if it feels true for you, it will also feel true for others — including art buyers!

How do you trust yourself to get to what’s right for you? Let me know in the comments.

SPARK is back and open for enrollment!! There’s still time to join us in 2024! This adventure is for anyone at any level in their art. SPARK is a fiery, powerful wake-up call to reconnect with what brings you alive and shows you how to use this to make your art and life a work of art. Visit sparkartlife.com to learn more. We close doors tomorrow, Monday, September 16th at 11:59pm PDT so don’t miss out.

Join me live today at 12pm PDT! I’ll be streaming LIVE from Paris and giving you a tour of my private art journals and sketchbooks! I’ll be sharing how I use these to clarify where I am and where I’m going next in my artistic journey. It’s a perfect example of how SPARK can help you find your new direction. Plus, I’ll be answering your questions about SPARK to help you decide if this is the right next step for you. You can join me on YouTube at the time of the call.

On the Art2Life Podcast this week, I discuss self-worth and how it relates to your art-making. We’re diving into why shifting from self-doubt to intrinsic motivation is vital for any artist. Investing in yourself—whether through resources or time—can be the stepping stone to overcoming self-judgment and fostering an abundance mindset. Join me this Wednesday for an all new episode streaming anywhere you find podcasts and our video version will be up on our YouTube Channel.

Have a great Sunday!

Nicholas

PS: Click here to catch my painting session with Noah from earlier this week.

I’m working on a new piece and thought I’d let you listen in on my thinking when I see problem areas.

In parts of this painting, many things are visually tangled. Too many elements colliding are just distracting. It’s like furniture in a room that’s not placed right – it just feels wrong.

Watch here…

I try to feel my way into what needs to be corrected in a painting. It has to do with noticing tightness and tangles and relieving them with more adjustments. This works for me, but of course, problem-solving is different for everyone.

Do you have a tip on what helps you through the early stages of your work? Let me know in the comments.

The idea of decluttering relates to this week’s episode of the Art2Life Podcast. I’m talking to my friend, Andrew Mellen, about decluttering your life for more energy. He comes from a theater background and followed a thread leading to his career as a master organizer. You’ll be inspired and he’ll share some cool downloads too. Join us this Wednesday for an all new episode. Listen in on any podcast streaming service or watch the full episode on our YouTube Channel.

And don’t miss this! –> The 2024 Creative Breadcrumbs Challenge starts tomorrow!

Jump in to energize your art! This Free and Live online event is open for any kind of artist at any level of art-making. The Art2Life Creative Team will be there for these 2 immersive days while we get clarity about our art and life…together! It’s going to be transformative and fun! Sign up to join us here: breadcrumbschallenge.com

Have a great Sunday and I hope to see you tomorrow for the Challenge!

Nicholas

If you’re like me, you’ve probably collected many studio tools and gadgets over the years. Some are useful for only a short time while others have lasting value.

Check it out…

This cart on wheels holds massive paintings! It’s ideal for storing and moving canvases and panels around small studio spaces. I find it so helpful. You may too!

How do you move and store large paintings in your studio? Let me know in the comments.

The 2024 Creative Breadcrumbs Challenge is almost here! It starts September 9th! Join us for this free and live online event that’s open to anyone at any level of art making! It’s going to be 2 immersive days to see who you are and most importantly, who you are becoming. The Art2Life Creative Team will be there with me, and I can’t wait! Head to www.breadcrumbschallenge.com to save your spot!

This week on the Art2Life Podcast, I dive into the business side of art. I will talk about calculating your hourly rate per painting, thinking about what success is for you, finding good galleries, and more. I hope you’ll join me this Wednesday! Catch it wherever you stream podcasts or watch it on our YouTube Channel.

Have the best Sunday,

Nicholas

I’m back from my show opening, and it’s time for a bit of studio housekeeping. I’ve returned to several buckets with dried-up paint.

Take a look…

It makes clean-up easy because I only have to use a screwdriver to scrape the dried paint out.

This is an efficient way to dispose of the paint. It’s easier on the environment than pouring wet paint down a drain and now I have clean buckets ready to go!

Have any efficient studio tips you’d like to share? Let me know in the comments.

This week on the Art2Life Podcast, I reflect on the importance of stepping into something bigger than you. Coming back from my show, I had the chance to think about the process from start to finish. Giving yourself such a challenge is an opportunity for growth and change! It’s really an act of love. Let’s paint together and I’ll share my thoughts this coming Wednesday.

I hope you make some art today!

Nicholas

PS: Did you know that the full video version of the Art2Life Podcast is available on the Art2Life YouTube Channel? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!

In art and life, we all get stuck at times and don’t know how to move forward. Whenever this happens to me, I’m reminded that the answer is always the same—just try something! This just came up for me as I was completing my newest work. I wasn’t sure what the final finish should be on all these large acrylic paintings, so I experimented.

Take a look…

I explored various materials to check their effects on sheen and color. It’s important to experiment to find the right finish. In the end, my preference for this body of work is Varathane’s Spar Urethane water-based satin. I love the look!

What finish do you choose for your acrylic paintings? Let me know in the comments.

In this week’s episode of the Art2Life Podcast, I address common artist challenges, including overcoming stagnation. We can often have energy in the spring but lose focus or momentum come summer, and it’s hard to see our path. I love this subject and have some ideas to share. I hope you’ll join me this Wednesday. Grab a sketchbook or something you are working on and paint with me while you watch on our YouTube Channel or listen on your favorite streaming service.

I hope you get to make some art today!

Nicholas

PS: If you’re looking to take the Color in your art to the next-level, then head over to my Color Tips Mini Course. There are 7 video lessons that detail the five contrasts of color – Value, Complements, Saturation, Temperature, and Harmony. This course will give you a solid understanding of color and how to use it to strengthen your art. Check it out!

My show opens this week and we’re at the final step — getting the work to the gallery! All the canvases are now removed from the support panels they’ve been stapled to and are ready to go.

Here’s the process…

The canvases will be stacked, rolled, and flown to Julie Nester Gallery. Once there, they are given to a framer to be restretched. I love this system because it keeps the final painting lighter than if it were made directly on a panel. Plus, now my support panels at the studio are ready for a fresh blank canvas. My process keeps evolving, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

Do you have a similar process for preparing for a show, or do you have any special tips? Let me know in the comments.

The new show opens at Julie Nester Gallery on Saturday, July 27th with an opening reception at 6pm. If you’re in the area and can stop by, I’d love to see you!

This week on the Art2Life Podcast, we feature artist, designer and educator, Rukmini Podar. Her art journey explores diverse methods to create art and convey emotions effectively. We’re making art together as she shares the powerful project that got her started and continues to enrich her life. I hope you’ll join us this Wednesday.Tune in wherever you stream podcasts or grab a sketchbook and create with us while you watch on our YouTube Channel.

Have a great day in the studio!
Nicholas

PS: If you want a sneak peek at my upcoming show, click here to join my Fine Art Insiders List to be sent all the details in the coming days.

I’m standing in front of the largest painting I’ll be showing at Julie Nester Gallery at the end of July. This has been fun to work on! The painting is much looser and more direct than the other paintings in the show, but it will still fit in with this new body of work.

Check it out…

All my paintings initially have this loose quality, but they become more refined as I add layers. For this one, however, I’ve stayed loose, and some parts are very raw, but it still works because this quality is consistent throughout. The takeaway is that each painting is its own universe, and whether you approach it loosely or more refined, it can hold together as long as that approach is applied throughout. There’s so much freedom in that!

Let me know if the comments if that resonates with you.

This week on the Art2Life Podcast, you’ll get to see my conversation with the amazing artist, Silvia Poloto. We’re making art together and talking about her vibrant art journey and her thirst for the unknown! This exciting episode is available this Wednesday wherever you stream podcasts and you can watch it on our YouTube Channel. Bring along a sketchbook and join us!

Have a happy Sunday!

Nicholas

PS: Do you want to receive a special sneak peek at my show before it opens later this month? Click here to head to my website and sign up for my Fine Art Insiders List. In the coming days, I’ll email you more info on my show.

My July opening is coming soon so I’m stealing time and working away! Whatever I can do to maximize paint time is a priority. Here’s a time-saving tip I came up with that’s helping so much.

Watch here…

My buckets of paint have lids, but they are awkward to open and seal. Now, instead of the lids, I’ve placed 12×12 panels to cover the paint. It works great! The neatly stacked buckets keep the paint and brushes wet so when I come back to the studio I’m ready to roll. It’s the little tips that add up to more ease in your practice.

Do you have a time-saving tip to share? Leave it in the comments and let’s help each other!

My guest on the Art2Life podcast this week is artist and photographer, Kristin Little. We met recently at the Art2Life studio and I found out she’s been doing the Creative Visionary Program while on a sailboat! I have long dreamed of doing workshops on a sailboat so I couldn’t wait to talk to her. Join us as we make art and listen as Kristin shares about her amazing adventures! You can tune in on your favorite podcast streaming service, or grab some supplies and paint along with us while watching on our YouTube Channel.

Have an awesome Sunday and make some art!

Nicholas

PS: We’d love to see you at one of our Art2Life retreats in Morocco or Mexico this October! We only have a few spots left. Click here to learn more.

Today I want to show you my favorite finish for a painting – cold wax.

Watch here…

I use cold wax on both acrylic and oil paintings to create a final beautiful surface. It often takes two coats that I then polish to create a river stone finish — it’s not glossy, and not matte, it’s just right. I love the natural quality of the wax and the yummy luster it leaves after polishing. Cold wax works so well for all my paintings, I even use it in my sketchbook!

Do you use cold wax? Let me know in the comments if you have any tips to share.

After a short break, the Art2Life Podcast is back with all new episodes! Coming this Wednesday, I paint and talk with Bay Area Artist, Raquel Baldocchi. Raquel is a mixed-media artist who has a unique process of working with self-made papers and collage. I’m loving this new format where I make art with friends. Bring your sketchbook or something you are working on and join us wherever you stream podcasts or watch on our YouTube Channel!

Hope you make some art today!

Nicholas

PS: I am so excited to announce two transformational Art2Life Retreats available this year, at two extraordinary locations — Morocco and Mexico! Ready to transform your art and life? Click here to learn more.

I’m in beautiful Mexico and I want to make some big art down here for my upcoming show. A change in environment always gets my creative juices flowing! I paint on canvas but like to mount it to large wood panels for support. Luckily I found a woodshop who can make panels to my specifications. I just tested one and it’s going to work great!

Check it out…

Having this new place to make art is so exciting! A beautiful location that’s so different from your studio can’t help but energize your life and art! This is what I love about the Art2Life Destination Workshops and Retreats, too—artists feel free, and breakthroughs come. Creating here will undoubtedly impact my new work, and I’m super excited to see what comes!

What change do you bring to your practice to shake things up and revitalize your practice? Let me know in the comments.

Nicholas

PS: Being in Mexico is getting me super excited for our upcoming Art2Life Retreats! Announcements are coming soon, so make sure you are on our notifications list to be the first to see where we are going!