Blog

OILS vs ACRYLICS

OILS vs ACRYLICS

  I am often asked about the differences between oils and acrylics and much of my instruction on painting materials and techniques is focused on this fundamental topic.  Once you...
Read more
the Mona Lisa Lesson

the Mona Lisa Lesson

Most people know that the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is probably the most famous painting in the world.  But how many people understand why?  Do they think it is a...
Read more
'Fat Over Lean' - What Does it Mean?

'Fat Over Lean' - What Does it Mean?

In my discussions with artists over the years I have noticed there is a lot of confusion over what "fat over lean" means and how this rule applies in oil...
Read more
Painting Over Old Paintings?

Painting Over Old Paintings?

This is a question that has come up countless times over the years in my workshops and presentations.  Let me start by saying, if you are concerned about permanence, esp...
Read more
The Best Painting Support, Ever!

The Best Painting Support, Ever!

Untempered Hardboard  I often talk about painting supports and how important they are for the stability and permanence of the painting, sort of like the foundation of a house. A...
Read more
Toxic Tips

Toxic Tips

TOXIC TIPS I use my hands a lot when I am painting, esp with acrylics, and more so when there is a lot of texture in the piece. It is...
Read more
Courage and Conviction,...

Courage and Conviction,...

My mother passed away recently, after a long and fulfilling life.  She always lived her life with courage and conviction. This has been a great gift for me. She supported...
Read more
GUIDELINES FOR PERMANENT PAINTING IN OILS

GUIDELINES FOR PERMANENT PAINTING IN OILS

Oil paints, a combination of a drying oil like linseed or walnut oil and a dry powdered pigment, have been use by artists for thousands of years.  But it is...
Read more