Oil paint is one of the most versatile and adaptable painting mediums in existence today. There are many techniques and effects possible with oil paint. Oil paint can be applied in thin transparent glazes or washes, or the paint can be mixed to a thick buttery consistency and applied using a painting knife.
There [...]

Experience has taught us that certain combinations of colors, whether in nature or art, affect the eye and mind agreeably, while others give offense. We call the former “harmonies,” the latter “discords.”
Just as numerous attempts have been made to discover the laws of light and of color vision, and to invent practical systems of [...]

The acrylic painting medium is a fairly new addition to the various painting mediums available to todays artists. It has been around since the 1950’s and has been continually under development and refinement ever since.
Acrylic paint is highly favored amongst artists because of its wonderful versatility. It can be applied thickly as an [...]

When I first began painting some 10 years ago, I remember my first trip to my local art supply store. I recall my feeling of utter confusion as I perused the aisles. This particular art store had every tube of paint, brush, medium and canvas known to man, far too many choices for a confused [...]

Brushes are the most important painter’s tools. Buying brushes is not just a random decision, but one that should be made carefully. Selection of brushes is personal and is based upon needs and level of investment desired. Because a brush will only last as well as it is cared for, proper cleaning and storage of [...]

A well executed portrait is expected to show the inner essence of the subject (from the artist’s point of view, of course) not just a physical likeness.
The term ‘portrait painting’ can also describe a painted portrait. Portraitists create their portraits by commission or are inspired by admiration or affection for the subject. If an [...]

In portrait painting there is the matter of representing the human features: notably the eye, ear, nose and mouth. Of these, the easiest to do are usually the ear and the nose. The ear is a complicated thing in appearance to be sure, but excepting for its size and general set and shape there is [...]

Nature has a way of soothing people and making them connect with their inner selves. Perhaps that is why landscape paintings are so popular. Beautiful flowers, trees, mountains, rivers, deserts and greenery all over nature֒s wonders are the best muse an artist can get to be inspired.
However capturing the beauty of an [...]

The materials needed by the beginner for portrait painting are but few, but these should be of excellent quality and carefully selected. The materials required are: a canvas, a selection of brushes, linseed oil and of course a wide selection of paints. Once you have these materials you are ready to go.
Canvas
I prefer [...]

Someone has to show you where to begin.
Putting paint to canvas is a desire many of us have. It seems like a calming way to spend a few hours. Imagine standing at an easel with a brush in your hand, creating a picture of a striking red flower you saw on a walk, not [...]