While watching a documentary about artist Georgia O’Keeffe, as I  taught an art class today, I was struck by her determination to find her own way.  She mentioned she “took hold of most anything I wanted” and essentially went for it.
I have seen her paintings for years, but never learned much about her life.  So the film was interesting in many ways.  I learned about Ms. O’Keeffe and discovered philosophy I can apply to my life and my art.

She wanted to be an artist from the age of 8.
She tried to follow the art of traditional masters, but was dissatisfied until …read more

Allyson Stanfield, artist-author-speaker, offers many great suggestions on her blog for those involved in art and craft work.  Many artists and artisans don’t immediately think like business people, so have to get into this mode.
One of Allyson’s latest suggestions is found in the blog post, Don’t Leave Your Art Work Without a Piece of Paper.  Make sure when you do leave art work for display or on consignment, that you have a written agreement, signed by both parties.  Allyson has a good list of suggestions.
Do you have any tips to add?

It’s really hard to listen to music, and not wonder what the lyrics mean…did the artist have a particular girl or relationship in mind when he wrote that love song? Or is it like a writer penning a novel..a story being told, and not actually about anything or anyone?
It’s even more so true, though, when you know the artist, and wonder if you can fit yourself into the nooks and crannies…and then wonder, who actually IS there. The songs are surely not about you…or are they? And if they aren’t, why aren’t they?
I live and love in a circle of …read more

Have you visited author Jan Brett’s web site?  Hers is one of the most enjoyable online places for finding projects for youngsters, in addition to information about her books and art.
Jan is a children’s author/illustrator whose art fascinates young and older.  Many of the primary grade teachers, in schools where I substitute teach, print off Jan’s coloring sheets, art hints, games and other activities.  There are even videos with drawing instruction.
Her mascot, Hedgie, the hedgehog, becomes involved in much of this and creates added fascination for the youngsters.
You also can subscribe to Hedgie’s free e-newsletter so that you receive updates and links to Hedgie …read more

I must get out my art materials again and rediscover painting. At one point in my life I did quite a bit of art work.  Even though I’m primarily a writer, I have illustrated three of my books and designed cards and notepaper.
I took several painting courses and explored various medium.  I’m amazed at all the different types available today…those I see my daughter use for her fabric art and even pencils and inks youngsters bring to school where I substitute teach.
Do you have an urge to draw and paint?

Keep a sketchbook with you, even a small one, so you …read more

I was familiar with Olafur Eliasson from his piece, Your House (an awesome house in a book) but that’s as far as I ever looked into Eliasson. I didn’t think he did many structures, and usually, with the exception of Yoshitomo Nara and a few select others, I lean toward architect / artists, not artists only.
Anyhow, long story short, I came across Eliasson’s house book again, and decided to look him up. And guess what; he does do structures. Many. Not exactly livable structures, but structures none the less. I found one that’s smack perfect for this time of year …read more