DATE: 06/18/2008 22:10:06 / MOOD: full of life

Have you got a favorite brush? I keep picking up the same filbert all the time and have worn through so many of them that I might as well buy them by the dozen at a discount. What's you're favorite brush? type? brand? I'm always looking for a good referral. - Kathy

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DATE: 06/12/2008 09:05:22 / MOOD: full of life

Hi there! I recently changed from MaimiriBlu watercolors to M. Graham and like the difference. The Graham paints are more pigment rich and flow beautifully. Only complaint I have is that they don't dry well when thickly applied and can lift when I glaze over them with subsequent layers. I think this is because Graham uses honey in the paints. Anyone else had this problem? Happy painting! - Kathy

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DATE: 02/14/2008 03:41:51 / MOOD: happy

How many times have you written an "Artist's Statement" ? I've written and read many over the years and also articles or chapters in books that instruct on how to write it. Seems like there's no single way, and perhaps it depends on the venue you're writing for. Anyone want to share their statement or ideas about good construction? - Kathy

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DATE: 02/06/2008 12:00:47 / MOOD: other

When I was a child, my mother bestowed upon me a motto to live by: "Perserverence Generates Success." She embroidered it and  framed it, so it's been hanging in front of me for decades. Here's how it applies to my life as an artist - The great thing about arriving at a successful painting is looking back on the hundreds of failed attempts that precede it. I love looking through my failures and seeing the development of a technique or an idea. It makes me realize that those paintings weren't failures, they were just steps toward the next level in my work. My path is full of ramps leading to platforms. I'll stick with a successful series for a few years and then look for the "Up" ramp again to the next. Takes time, but it's worth the trip. Sometimes there are a few down ramps, and even off ramps, but eventually I find one that ascends. Just gotta' stick with it. Perserverence generates success! Happy painting, everyone! - Kathy

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DATE: 02/02/2008 08:07:04 / MOOD: other

Hi! I'm wondering if the oil painters among us could weigh-in about what type of medium they like to use. Presently, I'm using Williamsburg paints and I've purchased their lead based medium which I'm diluting with turpenoid. However, I don't know if this is a good idea and am wondering what the rest of you use. Your input would be appreciated! Thanks. - Kathy

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DATE: 01/26/2008 17:52:22 / MOOD: other

Hi! I'm looking for someone who's had experiernce painting oils over acrylics. I just completed a grisaille (value underpainting) in acrylics on canvas and am beginning to layer oil washes over top. Someone once told me that this isn't a good idea because the oils may not properly adhere to the acrylic underpainting over the long run. I've never heard of anyone with that problem, but wonder if any of you have specific knowledge. Also, I'm working with Williamsburg oils, which I love, but I'm also using their medium which has a heavy lead base and must be mixed with turpenoid and linseed oil to dilute it. However, the can of medium doesn't give a proportion so I've just made one up. Do any of you have a preferred recipe? Thanks. - Kathy

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DATE: 01/19/2008 10:30:03 / MOOD: other

Hi, fellow artists. A lovely person recently responded to one of my blogs about the value of encouragement from other artists in this lonely and highly competitive business. She commented on my thoughts about how important constructive criticism is in addition to words of encouragement. After all, I can't grow as an artist if I don't learn where my mistakes are and how to correct them! Anyway, this woman's comments suggested that not too many artists like criticism, and I thought - "that's really too bad!" How many of us DON"T want to improve? We can't make strides in a vacuum because we're often too blinded by our prejudicial view of our own work. We treat too many of our paintings as though they were sacred, or masterpieces, and don't deserve criticism. To that I say "hooey!" There's always room for improvement. But, the criticism must be constructive: a real analysis with, hopefully, suggestions for a solution. I'm all for a thickening of the skin, opening of the eyes and ears, and putting the nose to the grindstone :) - Kathy

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DATE: 01/18/2008 08:04:44 / MOOD: other

I'm always interested in what inspires someone to produce a work of art. I can't remember a time in my life when I didn't have the urge, and I'd keep doing it even if I never sold one painting and had canvases stacking up to the ceiling! Where does this urge to satisfy our aesthetic side come from and why do some of us produce art while others just watch? I'm interested to know your opinions.

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DATE: 01/17/2008 14:57:58 / MOOD: other

Most of the people that visit my site are artists who have been at it for a long time. I appreciate the nice comments and encouragement you've all given me. Ever notice how very important it is to recieve encouragement and also to exchange ideas about what we artists do? Because I prefer to paint in a solitary setting (I'm no good in groups), I sometimes get too caught up in feeling "good" or "bad" about my work because I'm in a vacuum. But, when others of you say, "Hey! I like that." or "That's neat!" then I feel like continuing. But, don't think that I just need to hear praise. In fact, I learn so much from people who give constructive criticism. I can't grow without that and I truly appreciate the critical eye that can pick up the flaws in my work and help me develop better work. So, thanks everyone for your comments! - Kathy

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