How do you respond to setbacks or frustration with your work? For artists this question is especially important. Most artists work alone and must keep creating new work. This can create pressure especially when this involves personal expectations.

For example, which of these people remind you of someone?

What do you think about art prices? Too high, too low or just right? No this is not a Goldilocks story. It is about the very real issue of living artists, collectors and our world today. I was reading various articles on pricing art and the question that stood out for me was this simple question: Why is art so expensive?

It seems like a strange question to ask because there are so many variables. What is expensive? What is cheap? Who knows? It all depends on the buyer or the collector to decide. Two hundred dollars for one person is a lot for some, but is chicken feed for someone else and so on.

It doesn't really matter does it? Except I think it does. Here's why.

A while ago I posted an article about the benefits of painting in layers. This proved to be popular with many artists. Would it not be nice to see a demonstration of this technique, some asked me? Yes, it would and I did already have a full demo prepared. 

This painting demonstration is the subject of one of my lessons in Loosen Up Your PaintingHow to Loosen Up Your Painting. A painting course dedicated to helping artists shed that tight painting style. Although it is for intermediate painters there is plenty for all levels to enjoy. From basic brushwork to knife painting and many painting demonstrations. Over forty two lessons supported with video throughout.

Did you know that you can enroll now at a very special price? Click the Learn More button below and find out all the details about the course. Then take advantage of the special offer and I will see you in the course. Remember that the this special is locked in for you and includes all updates. I have updated the course regularly over the years and continue to do so.

See you there!

I like my camera very much. It is a nifty gadget capable of video and images. It is very competent too. All that clever processing in milliseconds. It has made my painting lessons more dynamic with video. I also get to show you my paintings with photographs. Sweet.

But my camera is, in the end, a tool. It is also a bit of a fibber. This makes paintings more important. Here is why.

To paint outdoors is an adventure. Even when you paint down the road in familiar territory. This is the moment when you are outside your comfort zone and forced to concentrate on a scene. The experience makes your painting stronger. It also makes you a better painter.
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In this series I am going to explore the outdoor painting experience. In Part 1 we take a look at my basic plein air painting kit. You can watch the video below too and pin the infographic.

​Tell someone that painting is difficult and you will get different reactions. Many artists will nod agreement. Non-artists often react with amusement. The skeptics associate art with fun or even idleness. I can assure the cynics that painting is a tough trade is you want to reach high levels.

In this article I will focus on the most frustrating issues faced by artists. Then explore ways to overcome these issues effectively.

What is mindful painting? Painting has many functions and benefits. An artist could, for example,  paint formal portraits for most of the day. Then in an unguarded moment sketch out an abstract image far removed from her usual work. Have you found yourself doodling without a thought? Has the drawing surprised you? Do you wonder why you drew that image?

Often we need to paint, draw and sketch for reasons not entirely clear. But the activity makes us feel better. In its simplest form this is mindfulness. Creating intuitively.

You may be wondering what is the purpose of mindfulness? In this article I will give you an introduction to this topic. Plus a few videos to demonstrate mindful painting in practice.

The most popular art movement in history? If not it must come close. Impressionism is famous and many will at least associate it with art of some sort. If you are an artist then of course you will know quite a bit about this style of painting. Perhaps you fancy yourself as a bit of an expert? Oh, yes? Care to put that to the test? Then try this little quiz just for fun and bragging rights.

How often do we look for something that has been staring us in the face for ages? Pretty often. This allegedly increases with age, but I have no comment on that .. ahem. Suffice to that when it comes to painting and creative skills this concept is huge. In the video below I talk a little about how I struggled with my painting. True the challenge is always there, but I was stuck at the beginning. My paintings were not working for me. I should have known better since I started as a graphic design artist. 

You may be wondering what I am on about? I'll explain it all, but first watch the video and then I have exciting news.
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