The one thing that draws me to realism is texture. With a few well-placed brush strokes, a painting comes alive. It becomes the object you are painting. It’s almost a magical process. The point where I go from laying base color to creating texture is my favorite part of painting.

In my painting, “These Are the Good Times,” texture played an important role all through the work. There was the weathering on the wood of the cabin, the trees in the background and of course, the chairs.

One of my favorite techniques for this type of work is to use old brushes. I never throw away an old paintbrush. I simply re-purpose it. Some of my really old ones only have a few bristles, but they produce some of the best texture.

The bristle brushes are great for splattering. My old fan brushes add grain to wood. The fact that they are frayed brings a bit more realism into what they bring to a painting. Besides, brushes are so expensive, especially the really good ones. Why not get the most out of them?

It was a lot of fun creating this painting. I suppose it helps living in a cabin on a lake to have experience and objects to draw from. It’s a theme I enjoy. The message is really good too. Relax. Sit down for awhile, and enjoy the scenery. It doesn’t get better than this.

There seems to be a school of thought in the art community that using premixed colors is a bad thing. Purists stress the need for beginners to learn how to mix colors rather than relying on premixed colors that many manufacturers such as Daniel Smith market. While I see the point they are trying to make, I still say it’s bunk.

It is no sin to buy premixed watercolors or any paints. On the down side, it can cost you extra money. Some colors don’t come cheap. However, you can achieve some incredible effects with watercolors with additions like luminescence. There are other reasons to consider them.

You won’t have to deal with the prospect of muddy colors. You will also have consistency, which is a huge thing for a watercolor artist. You can skip the fuss of mixing on your own and get down to what is really important–painting and creating. Premixed colors save you time and energy that should be focused on your work.

What concerns me is the concept of making rules for other artists. Art is freedom. If you choose to buy six different shades of green because you like the predictability and effects, go for it! Paint until your heart is content. Art means finding your own muse and if she prefers premixed colors, by all means make her happy.

For me, painting is not just a hobby. It is therapy. When summer is overwhelmingly hot, I paint blizzard paintings. Likewise, when winter chills me to the bones, I paint summer paintings to recapture the warmth.

This painting represents the joy of living on the lake, of experiencing the presence of wildlife and waterfowl. Wetlands teem with all kinds of life, even when they appear mysterious as the fog rises. I take pictures with my watercolors. This scene is one of those places I truly adore.

It also represents a small break from my usual style. I still love realism and will always embrace it. I added a dreamy quality to this work to give it a different feel, one that may draw you in. It also incorporates a new palette of colors for me that strive to capture realism better.

This is the height of creativity for me–when you can create your own worlds and enjoy what enfolds. I hope you like this one. Buy at eBay

As an artist, you’ll probably relate. There are a few paintings that you feel you can never replicate. You put your heart and soul into a work. Perhaps you tried a new technique or color mixture, without noting it somehow. That’s how I felt about this painting that I titled, “Deep Thoughts.”

My cat, Sophie, is very intelligent. She has unique vocalizations to communicate different things. Every now and then, she might stare off in the distance. My husband and I wonder what it going on in her little pea-brain. Somehow though, I think there’s more going on, hence, the name, “deep thoughts.”

For artists, selling other forms of your work through venues like Zazzle is a great way to keep enjoying your works. I have to admit buying several items from my own store for those few paintings that I almost wish I didn’t sell. That is one lesson an artist must learn–do not sell all of your favorites. Keep one or two to cherish and remind you of your talent as an artist.

“Deep Thoughts” is one of those paintings that I wish I kept. I’m glad to know that it is making someone happy. As I enjoy my coffee with my cat mug, I’ll remember how good it feels to immerse myself in a painting.

AT & T is not known for their marketing. Witness the latest WTF moment.

For some unknown reason, they continue to push a stupid ad about flash mobs. Flash mobs! Are they advocating robbing convenience stores? That is the current contation, if they have noticed.

A basic marketing rule this company desperately needs to adopt is to stay current. They should have dropped this inane campaign weeks ago given the news. Their disregard for the current situation shows that they are not a player. Grow up, boys.

If you are a woman, today is a good reason to celebrate. As a self-representing artist, you have achieved what many only dream of. Welcome to National Business Women’s Day!

Being self-employed, running your own business is tough work. I don’t have to tell you that. As a woman and an artist, you have a bigger task ahead of you. Your dedication to your work shows your business aptitude. It demonstrates your will power and determination. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. You are an American success story.

Not everyone can make the same claim to fame. You beat the odds. You found a niche for yourself. It is a testimony to your hard work and dedication. Congratulations on your success! You are proof of the American dream.

Today’s marketing meeting is about embracing the feelings of the market. Perhaps no other opportunity gives artists a better in than fall colors.

Fall never fails to surprise us. The timing and intensity of colors are variable, which adds a bit of a surprise. When they do come, you can’t help but be awestruck by Nature’s incredible palette. As an artist, this is the time to pause and take in the lesson being played out before you. No artist does it better.

Fall colors give you as the artist a chance to exercise your palette. Fall paintings carry a certain forgiveness about them. Fall colors can push the extremes, so your work can build on that fact.

I don’t have stats to support me, but I’d wager that fall paintings are some of the most popular landscape paintings ever created. How can you not help but notice the beautiful variations in reds, yellow, browns, and oranges?

If you find yourself short on ideas, take up your fall palette and create some magic.

Photo by chappy14