You can create a lot of really interesting effects in your abstract paintings by employing surprising tools that you’ll find in your kitchen drawers, cupboards and other parts of your house. Just dig into those drawers and use your imagination — thread spools, paper clips, carrot sticks. And don’t stop your experimenting with the items […]

It’s a simple idea, but it really works!  Whether I’m stuck in a painting or just looking for new ideas to inspire me, dipping into my Creativity Jar can kick things loose and give new life to my painting process.  It should work for you, too! The idea is to write down a large number […]

Do you find yourself admiring the art others have created? Perhaps you have a hidden desire to create works of art, but you have no idea where to start. There are so many options that creating art can become overwhelming. You just need to let go of any fears or anxiety to unleash the creative […]

Can you be an artist and not know it? One of the most creative people I know is Isa Austen, a painter, photographer, model and florist in West Seattle who says she only realized in her 70s that she is truly an artist.  In this video interview, I explore with Isa what it means to […]

Have you ever wanted a simple, quick way to come up with abstract painting ideas?  I have just the thing for you. Allowing yourself…or forcing yourself…to paint quickly can get your creative juices flowing and let your painting ideas come without letting your conscious thoughts get in the way.  Sometimes you’ll come out of the […]

Have you ever gotten stuck in a painting and felt like it was failing? And if happens enough times you may start to hesitate to start a new painting. Believe me, I’ve been there. And it’s especially challenging when I’m working on a commission with a deadline. So you’ve hit a wall and you want […]

Have you ever been inspired by a work of art and wanted to create something like it? Noticing what you are drawn to in an another artist’s work and putting your own spin on it is the first step in finding your own style. Copying another artist’s works is a major no-no.  But studying the […]

Not sure what painting supplies and tools to grab from your studio when heading out on a trip?   OK, obviously you can’t take large canvases. But you don’t even need to take all the paint tubes you usually use in the studio.  Even though I primarily paint with acrylics I don’t bring more than a few tubes […]

You can pick up new ideas for your paintings just by watching other artists as they paint. In this first of two videos in which I create a 36×36″ abstract painting from scratch, I explain my process step-by-step, from the background I apply at the beginning to some surprising tools I use to create special […]

I see a lot of people on social media asking others who follow them, “Do you think this is finished?” But that’s not a decision for others to make. Only you can ultimately make that decision. So trust yourself. To make your painting successful it’s important to have enough variety in all the different areas, […]