How do you begin an abstract painting, especially a really large one?   First of all, everyone begins in a different way.   Some people start with an idea in mind, while others begin with nothing in mind, and some do a combination of those two.   After many years of painting I have found […]

What do you do when you need some color inspiration for your painting? Do you sit there and think and think…and come up dry? Whether you’re about to begin a painting or you’re in the middle of one and you’re stuck because you don’t know what colors you want use next, I have an idea […]

Once your painting is sold, you’ll likely never see it again. When one of your paintings goes to a collector it is out in the world. There are lots of reasons you might regret it if you don’t keep good records of your works. You may want to show them to someone interested in commissioning […]

Do you struggle at times to come up with compositions of shapes for your paintings?  And do you hesitate to try a shape on the canvas because you don’t want to make a mistake?  Call me guilty on both counts. Or at least I used to be, until I found a couple of ways to […]

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 […]