Key Techniques for Your Most Creative PagesAs a mixed-media artist and surface designer, whenever I am at the beginning of a new project or trying to work through a creative block, I turn to art journaling. But most importantly you can let your creativity wander without pressure and loosen up.Creating backgrounds is my favorite part.

Sadie Valeri’s Virtuosic Detailed PaintingsNot too many years ago, San Francisco based artist Sadie Valeri was an aspiring figure painter stuck in a still life studio. She had a good deal of time on her hands to hone her painting and drawing skills, but her workspace was less than 100 square feet.

It’s another beautiful day in Florida, and this is the first leisurely morning I’ve had in over a week. Being here isn’t synonymous with being on vacation. I work harder here than I do in Kansas! While I dearly love my work, it’s time for me to relax and once again, connect with my thoughts in writing.

Ask any pastelist whether or not they use fixative, and you will undoubtedly get a most fervent opinion. Some see it as an essential part of their pastel layering technique; others utilize it only at the end to add stability to a finished pastel painting; and many avoid its use altogether due to the potential for altering the appearance of pastel.

Yes, many great artists urge their peers to break the rules. And, yes, letting loose and being in the moment set a solid foundation for a successful painting session.However, as one of the arguably greatest artists of all time, Pablo Picasso, used to say:So before you start breaking any rules, we are here to break down 10 key painting principles.

Watercolor can be a fun medium. Because of its transparent nature, it’s easy for an artist to lost control of it. Overworking can be a real problem. When watercolor dries, it lightens up and appears pale and faded. Often, I will LOVE the way my painting looks when it’s wet. But, then I break for lunch, and the painting dries while I’m gone.