Is your Art true for you?
When looking back at old work, I'm always surprised at how I can remember what I was thinking about when making the art. My thoughts ranged from the gallery I wanted at the time, to the artists I compared myself to and the collectors I hoped to attract. So it's no...
The Secret to Authenticity
I teach principles of art-making, and there's one overarching idea that connects them all — the idea of differences. Big shapes, small marks, bright color, value contrast—all these exciting differences bring life to your art. However, something less obvious is the...
Tune Out & Drop In
I injured my hand recently, and it’s been harder to paint. Holding my tools is awkward, and I can’t lift the larger paintings onto the wall. I was trying to work anyway but reacting to my limitations completely blocked me from that flow state. Everything I was making...
This one question can change everything
I’m never sure where I am going when making my art. It’s sometimes hard to know what to do next. But there is one thing I do that helps me every time: I ask a question. However, it has to be a potent one. So here is the one question that helps me find my way every...
The Thread in Your Work
Posting our art on social media, seeking gallery representation, pricing, and even our own limiting beliefs, can all clutter our art lives. Yet, given all of this complicated stuff, we can often overlook the one cool thing about art-making. Here’s what I mean. There...
Letting Go to Find Your Way
Do you ever give up trying to resolve a painting? First, it can seem like nothing will work. Then, finally, you get to the point that you want to give up. I experience this all the time. What’s surprising is what can happen next. At the point of giving up and letting...
Being Our Best Selves
Recently I planned a getaway to a beautiful retreat spot. It’s always great to do but I was surprised to find that after a day of downtime, I just wanted to paint and so I left. Getting back to the studio felt so good. It quenched something in me and it got me...
Maintaining Connection in Difficult Times
The news can feel heartbreaking. I try to live and teach that to keep making our best art, we need to keep our focus on the internal instead of the external news. Paying attention to how we are feeling, what inspires, and what brings us alive is truly helpful....
Staying at the Helm in Your Practice
There’s a commercial aspect to art-making that can be a challenge. Once as an illustrator, I worked on a project that was so lucrative I couldn’t turn it down. However, the art direction was so specific and outside my taste that I ended up making something awful....
Connecting your Art to your Life
There’s an old shipyard near my studio. It's a place where I find beautiful patinaed colors and shapes amongst all the worn and broken pieces of boats. What’s so cool is that these things relate to my art. Going here strengthens this connection and gives me...
