Hello, my fellow color enthusiasts and curious souls! As we find ourselves surrounded by the beauty of the world, it's hard not to be inspired by the sheer variety of colors that nature, our cities, and cultures present to us. As an artist and a lover of all things color, I've found that the most thrilling adventures happen not when we're simply observers of this beauty but when we become active participants in its creation and integration into our lives. For the Artists: Experimentation Is Key To my artist friends, remember, the canvas is your playground, and the colors are your best friend ..read more

Decorating our homes and workplaces with art is about so much more than spiffing up the place and adding a finishing touch. Art is more than simply “window dressing”—in fact, it can have a powerful effect on our lives. Read on to learn about three ways that the artwork that you surround yourself with can uplevel your life. 1. Living and Working Around Art Enhances Your Well-Being Art has a positive impact on our mental health. It can comfort us as we grieve, lift our spirits, and calm us down. We can create an environment that fosters a specific mood by surrounding ourselves with art that eng ..read more

When you’re putting your art into the world by entering exhibitions, seeking gallery representation, or applying to publishing opportunities, you need to have a polished artist “presentation.” A big part of this presentation is a well-written and effective artist statement and artist bio. Your artist statement (which should be written in the first person, using “I”) helps introduce your art, giving the reader an understanding that will help them better appreciate your art when they look at it. Your artist bio (which should be written in third person, referring to you by your name and then eith ..read more

When it comes to setting the mood of a space—bright, fun, edgy, sophisticated, beachy, feminine, peaceful, energetic, or any mood you like—there’s no faster way to accomplish this than with art. So if you’re looking to change your home’s feel (and perhaps shift your own frame of mind in the process), take time to select the perfect art that elicits that mood in you. But where can you find this art—and actually buy it for your space? After all, there are a lot of factors that you’ll need to take into account, such as the size of art you’re looking for and your budget. Here are some good places ..read more

Artists, have you ever submitted your art into a public exhibit? If you have, do you make applying to exhibition opportunities part of your regular art goals? I firmly believe that exhibiting your artwork leads to powerful results, both for your professionalism and for your “reach.” Where do you find out about exhibitions?  Start with local art organizations near you. You can also take a look at lists of open calls such as https://artcall.org/calls, https://www.callforentry.org/, and others. If you apply to juried shows, don’t be discouraged by rejection. Nobody gets accepted into every e ..read more

As artists, we have a very natural tendency to emulate our teachers and our artistic heroes. In fact, this type of imitation is part of our artistic development as we gain new skills and try lots of different styles. But in order to create a lasting career, we each need to forge our own path, developing a unique style that is deeply meaningful to us. That doesn’t mean that all of our paintings will look the same, but it means that we will have tapped into our unique “why” behind what art means to us and what that authenticity shines forth in our work, marking it as uniquely ours. Focus Inward ..read more

As an artist and business owner, balancing your passion for art with the pragmatics of entrepreneurship can be a thrilling challenge. In today's digital era, engagement with your audience is not just beneficial; it's essential. Here are three powerful strategies to enhance your connection with followers and boost your art sales. 1. Embrace the Power of Storytelling: Art is not just about the visuals; it's the story behind each piece that captivates your audience. Share the inspiration behind your paintings, the stories that led to their creation, or how your life experiences, like communicatin ..read more

During the holiday season, we often hear, “jJoy to the world.” I think that we artists are driven by a desire to bring joy to the world with our art. Ask a few artist friends—and ask yourself—what your highest aims for your art are, and I’m willing to bet that each artist mentions adding joy and positivity to the world. It’s a noble and worthy goal! What might be surprising to you is that you can more effectively achieve this goal by doing something that may seem unrelated: bonding with your fellow artists. Let me explain. Ways to Bond with Other Artists Rather than visit galleries or museum ..read more

Most of the artists I know have big dreams for their art. Are you one of the many whose New Year's Resolution every year has something to do with transforming your art, or your art business? If so, make 2024 the year you make it happen by sitting down now for some quiet introspection, reflection, and conceptualization. You may be thinking, I don’t have time to sit down quietly and simply think—I’m on an end-of-year, holiday-infused treadmill and I can’t stop moving until early January. I hear you, but trust me when I tell you that your dreams of transformation in the new year won’t happen unle ..read more

In a world brimming with creativity, there’s something special about the artistry that thrives in our own backyard. Local artists are the heartbeat of our own community, weaving their talents into the fabric of our neighborhoods. In this blog, we’ll explore the profound impact of supporting a local community of artists and the enriching experiences it brings. Consider This: When you are making a purchase of artwork for yourself or for someone else, understand that most local artisans are often deeply connected to their stories of their local surroundings. Their art becomes a canvas through whi ..read more