
Chris Brandley Fine Art Blog
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Chris Brandley Art includes everything from painting commercial and residential murals and faux finishes, to painting oil on canvas. Ms. Brandley's paintings embrace a range of subjects, with her focus being on her expression of how a moment in time makes her feel, using light and vivid color.
Chris Brandley Fine Art Blog
2M ago
For those who have followed my art, it's no secret that I have a deep love for color. Many people often ask me if I actually see that much color in my subjects. The answer is that I can perceive colors leaning in that direction and then enhance them. It takes practice to train your eye to do this. By paying close attention and looking for reflective color in shadows and other elements when you're out and about, you'll gradually start to notice them. If you're looking for a quicker way to see these colors, here's a helpful hint: TIP: Completely saturate your photo ..read more
Chris Brandley Fine Art Blog
1y ago
Since my first online course launched, I’ve been taking input from students and have made improvements. I’m always striving to make the online experience the best it can be!
You’ll see constant closeups of the painting process so that you don’t miss a brush stroke, as well as closeups of every color mixed on the palette.
My demos are in oils, but the substitute colors for acrylics will be announced and/or displayed on the screen.
I’ve added a growing library of content with downloadable PDF’s and 50 + bonus videos on subjects from studio organization to artist co ..read more
Chris Brandley Fine Art Blog
1y ago
My Top 10 Favorite Gift Ideas for Artists
If you're like me, you love giving gifts, but sometimes find yourself stumped on what to give! I decided to make a list of my top 10 favorites for that artist in your life. Trust me, they'll thank you!
*You can find the first 8 items at Dick Blick, and I've already organized them into one group so they are easy to find. If you use this link, I do get a small commission, but it doesn't cost you any extra. Thanks!
Chris's Gift List For Artists at Dick Blick
1. Paint Brushes!
My favorite brand is Royal SableTek by Langn ..read more
Chris Brandley Fine Art Blog
1y ago
This is part 4 of the adventures on my recent retreats in Italy and France...be sure to check out part 1 , part 2, and part 3!
Day 8
The villa we stay in for my retreats in Tuscany, is only about 20 minutes from the Renaissance walled in city of Lucca. It's on the Serchio River near the Ligurian Sea. You can actually walk or ride your bike on top of the walls, and look down at the city.
We spent the morning shopping, taking photos for future paintings, and then having lunch at a Michelin Restaurant inside the wall. As always, the food was top notch!
  ..read more
Chris Brandley Fine Art Blog
1y ago
This is part 3 of the adventures on my recent retreats in Italy and France...be sure to check out part 1 and part 2!
A Day in Tellaro
Day 6:
If you have ever been to Cinque Terre ("5 Lands" ), you probably know they are 5 beautiful villages on the Ligurian sea...the only problem is, they can be VERY crowded with tourists.
Let me tell you about a little village around the bend, also on the Ligurian sea that is very reminiscent of the Cinque Terre towns, but much less touristy!
It's called "Tellaro", and there is a legend about this little villag ..read more
Chris Brandley Fine Art Blog
1y ago
If you missed part 1 about my journey retreats 2023, you can read about it here.
The Beautiful Village of Barga
Day 4:
On my retreats, some days are for painting, some are for excursions to gather more inspiration, and on some days we paint and tour!
Barga is known for being one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It's a very small village with not a lot of tourists. There are opportunities for paintings around every corner. It's also one of the most "Scottish" towns in Italy. There are many Scottish settlers there.
After walking ..read more
Chris Brandley Fine Art Blog
2y ago
I think one of the hardest parts about painting is just getting started. How many times have you sat down to paint, staring at a blank canvas with a little fear and trepidation, only to walk away and put it off until "later" because you don't know how to begin?
I've been there! All you need is a little guidance and some practical tips to help you jump right into your painting. If you have a consistent process and routine, it makes it so much easier to dive in and paint. In this video, I will show you 3 steps that I use every time I start a painting. I believe if you implement these ste ..read more
Chris Brandley Fine Art Blog
3y ago
Is there a certain song, scent, or taste that immediately triggers a fond memory for you?
Tangerines do that for me. “Santa” used to leave them in our stockings every Christmas when we were kids. Sure, we got chocolate Santa Clauses and peppermint candy canes as well, but that immediate aroma that escapes the tangerine as soon as it is peeled immediately triggers memories of Christmas’s past.
“Tangerine Tango” was one of the lessons I taught in my monthly online course (Unlocking Color Secrets), and as I painted it, I thought about those childhood Christmas’s with my family. I love how ..read more
Chris Brandley Fine Art Blog
3y ago
Buon giorno!
I just returned from Italy 2 days ago after having to cancel retreats several times over the last 2 years due to the pandemic. One of my favorite aspects of my job is getting to travel and teach painting classes around the world. Of course, that was halted when the pandemic hit.
I feel incredibly blessed to have finally been able to travel internationally again after everything we have been through!
I thought I would share my experience with you in case you are having reservations about traveling again. (Note: I am writing this on October 20th, 2021 so information will probably c ..read more
Chris Brandley Fine Art Blog
3y ago
Have you ever felt un-motivated, uninspired, and just not in the mood to create? As artists, I think we’ve all been there! Here are some ideas that might help you overcome that Artistic Block.
If you’re in the middle of a painting and you begin to feel blocked, just remember, your art is not finished! Many times for me, a painting doesn’t come together until the very end once the highlights and fun pops of color go in! Just keep pushing forward. If you have been focused on your painting for a long time, you need to take short breaks to get a fresh perspective. This would be a great time to ..read more