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Brushwork and the Breath
In this guest blog post, Katie Swatland shares a painting demonstration that illustrates how to use brushwork to capture the energetic signature of your subject, as well as brushwork exercises to unlock more possibilities for your art.
2020 Figurative Art Convention Over 50% Sold Out
Save your spot for four days of hands-on learning with three stages and 20+ instructors. Here’s a sneak peek at the all-star faculty lineup.
Abyss: Colored Pencil Art by Jesse Lane
Jesse Lane broke from his tradition of realist colored pencil portraits to create “Abyss.” Here, he takes us into his drawing process.
Reian Williams: On Art as an Emotion
“Art is an emotion,” says Reian Williams. “Whether it is from the artist or the viewer, it is meant to give a message.”
Drawing the Figure: Heads, Hands, and Feet
Drawing heads, hands, and feet often intimidates new artists. In this excerpt from “Figure Drawing Atelier,” Juliette Aristides shares sketches that will help you both simplify the process and inspire you to practice.
How I Create Narrative Paintings With Athletes and Dancers as Models
From the model’s clothing to the background setting, learn how David Tanner uses various elements to create an engaging narrative painting.
A Short History of the Color Blue
Contemporary artist Jennifer Balkan on the color blue, expressionism, and distorting reality to evoke emotion. She says, "I do not think I could survive without a true blue..."
How I Found My Favorite Painting Varnish
“Varnish is the great barrier,” says Pamela Wilson, “protecting your painting from a lifetime of dust, grime, weather, heat, cold, age, sunlight, ex-boyfriends, and spilled milk. It brings to life every stroke, every glazed layer of subtle color and drama, deep in that shadow that you forgot about. We all bow to varnish.”
Watch: Expert Portrait Drawing Tip
In this four-minute video, artist Joshua LaRock shares some of his advice for drawing portraits with a model.
The Narrative Paintings of Steven Assael
Using pencil, ink, charcoal, or crayon on paper, Assael could easily draw any sitter into classicized perfection, but he has more interesting plans.