So, do artists speak in concepts hard to grasp because it makes them seem cool, or is it that what artists are trying to state is just hard to put into words? [...]

Words are like paint colors, my friends -- they are chosen and blended and applied with an eye for detail, symmetry, emotion, and sensuality. As you write about your work, play with different, more specific words, seeing if you can find one that will capture the meaning of five, and say them aloud to see if you like the sound. [...]

'Tuareg' by Paola Bassoli was selected as Finalist - Outstanding Pastel in the March 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

This is the way I see it-- there is little you or I can do to change the direction an art collector has chosen for his or her collection. Why should we even try if the collection brings the art buyer joy in the first place? Does it make one want to pull his or her hair out at times? Certainly. That said, at the end of the day people are going to do what they want to do-- buy what they want to buy - enjoy what they want to enjoy. [...]

There is a constant discourse on what art is and what art should be exhibited and what art is good what art is bad. I don't believe we will ever come to a unanimous agreement on this issue but it makes for interesting, if futile, dialogue. [...]

This is a follow-up to last week's article about Liquin. I will offer a few suggestions for maintaining fresh color after the painting has dried but before you varnish. [...]

Each Impressionistic painting by Michele Usibelli is an enticing slice of life. [...]

After searching around in various places, I discovered that blogging was like anything else, it needed attention. [...]

Selected Upcoming Exhibits by Informed Collector Artists [...]

In recent years there has been an ongoing debate about whether or not art museums-- and museums in general-- in the United States should work alongside art museums located in countries that are known for human rights violations. Events surrounding the arrest of artist Ai Weiwei in China have spurred the debate further-- in fact, one could suggest that the topic has reached a boiling point. [...]

Website visitors-- especially potential buyers-- don't want to have to solve a puzzle just to view your artwork. They don't want to waste minutes of their time trying to figure out your website design. In other words, they don't want to explore the design of the artist website at length-- they simply want to view images of the artwork, contact the artist with ease if needed, and have an easy transaction if a purchase is made-- all while eating their lunch. [...]

Remember, we all have a story to tell. Telling that story is the most humanly powerful ways to connect to your audience. [...]

'Preston Point Tomales Bay' by Bobbie Belvel was selected as Finalist - Outstanding Pastel in the March 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Our esteemed judge, Robert Lemler, has completed the judging of the April 2011 BoldBrush painting competition. [...]

There's nothing wrong with painting when the sunlight is directly overhead, but noontime light presents a number of difficulties for artists... especially if the sunlight is bright. [...]

'Emanation' by Mark Yearwood was selected as a Finalist - Outstanding Abstract in the March 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Frequently our household loved ones are our best supporters, our cheering section, our sounding boards, our confidantes, and our sturdy shoulders against to lean, but at the same time, simply by virtue of their breathing the same air with us, they can also be . . . Bothersome. [...]

2 Award Winners for Rick Delanty in BoldBrush painting competitions! 'Light Riffles' selected as Outstanding Acrylic in March 2011 and 'Blufftop Trail' selected as Outstanding Acrylic in April 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

A post on the hazards of using Liquin as a final layer to your art. [...]

'Double Duty' by Charity Dakin was selected as Finalist - Outstanding Acrylic in the March 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Forming an alliance based on mutual exposure with like-minded artists can benefit you greatly for selling fine art online. [...]

As I have long said-- want to see hypocrisy at work? Open up any art history book OR look at major museum acquisitions that have taken place in the last decade alone. Bias is clear-- hypocrisy is clear. The mainstream art world is not as open-minded as many assume. You will find that specific hard-line viewpoints are often the status quo of the mainstream contemporary art world. [...]

Being an artist has nothing to do with how much you earn or what level of skill you express. Being an artist is a mindset. It's time you stopped letting the so-called experts put you down. Refuse to be placed in a slot by people who don't know you or the passion in your heart. From now on shout to all you see, "I'm an artist." [...]

Selected Upcoming Exhibits by Informed Collector Artists [...]

Does your art make a statement, revealing your passions, interests, view of the world? [...]

'Prawdziwa Matka (Natural Mother)' by Andrew Kish III was selected as Finalist - Outstanding Watercolor in the March 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

When times get tough, creative folks come up with new ideas. Innovative ideas seem to spontaneously generate out of bad times. Change can be good, but let's face it - as long as the status quo is working, hardly anyone seeks change. [...]

Untitled by Bryan Mark Taylor was awarded 3rd Place in the March 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Within your unique individuality is the map you need to travel the road you're on, and as long as you're flexible about your destination, you will eventually get somewhere. [...]

'Blue' by Olga Krimon was awarded 2nd Place in the March 2011 BoldBrush Painting Competition. [...]

Don't confuse an artist's statement with a biography. Many artists often combine the two into one document that lacks the intended focus. They should be two separate documents with different purposes. [...]

A recent debate inspired me to tackle the tug-of-war concerning the value of technical skill in painting compared to raw skill, if you will. Involve yourself in debates about the process of painting and it will not take long for you to realize that some view mastery of technical skills-- specifically from an academic standpoint-- as the end-all-be-all of what makes a 'good' painting. I for one have a different opinion. A painting can be solid, if you will, without strict adherence to mastery of skills. In my opinion, technical skill as a painter is not everything. [...]

Art writers who utilize a blog format are often actively seeking artists to write about-- especially if the artist has an interesting story or opinion to share. I imagine that the majority of artists desire to be covered by a major art magazine, but until that day comes-- if it comes --the art blogosphere, art newsletters, and art ezines are the next best thing. One could argue that they are the best choice for artists who focus on marketing and selling art online. [...]

It is a difficult world to enter. I think we see our own paintings, especially our early ones, through rose colored glasses. We think we have created a great piece that should be accepted into any juried exhibit, when, in fact, maybe it just wasn't that good. [...]

We, as artists do have to risk all the rejections so that we can move ahead. To pay the dues. Having felt the "Agony of Defeat" makes the achievement and success even more desirable and special and we need the rejection to appreciate that when it happens, no matter how painful the sound of the word is. [...]

Selected Upcoming Exhibits by Informed Collector Artists [...]

How do you feel about art fairs? Have you had success? Is it worth the effort, time and money? [...]

Your true audience doesn't really want to know HOW you do it. They'll SAY they do. In fact, the first question a potential customer asks is often about your techniques. But people ask this question simply because they want to talk with you. And this is the easiest way to get started. If you take this question at face value, you are a like a magician who gives away his tricks. [...]

'The Beauty of Pacific Grove' by Kevin Courter was selected as a Finalist in the February 2011 RayMar Art's Fine Art Competition. [...]

You're probably wondering why in the world I'm making such a simple concept sound so complex... because the color of light is complex. I'll explain why... When light is warm, the shadows are cooler in color - slightly bluer and often grayer. BUT! You can't just paint all the light areas orange and the shadows blue. We still have to take into account the local color of the object [...]