Dear Artist, During the last while I’ve been giving my two bits worth to several would-be painters. These folks are young, well educated and talented. They want to talk about the business of making art, the possibility of going to…
Dear Artist, This letter may sound like an ad. In a way it is, but it’s unsolicited — I’m not on the payroll. Golden Paints has introduced a new line called Open Acrylics. The idea is to offer acrylic painters…
Dear Artist, The first thing you have to do is separate your true muses from your false muses. Your true muses are those that turn you on, interest you, excite you and motivate you to explore further. Both true and…
Dear Artist, “If you think you’re outclassed, you are, You’ve got to think high to rise. You’ve got to be sure of yourself, Before you can win the prize.” (Author unknown — from the Painter’s Keys Art Quotes — Confidence)…
Dear Artist, My dad used to say that I led a charmed life. He’d say, “He’s never had a job, he loves what he does, he’s a happy guy and he always seems to have enough money to do what…
Dear Artist, Artists with integrity and high standards can fall prey to a particularly nasty condition. It’s called “Prior disappointment syndrome.” Failed works of art and even disappointing passages, particularly recent ones, can haunt and disarm your current work. You…
Dear Artist, One thing about bumping over a few time zones, your sleep habits tend to get disrupted. Back in Vancouver I’m generally in the studio at 5 a.m. doing one thing or the other. Here in Italy I’ve transmogrified…
