Artists Network

Turn Over a New Leaf: Master Form, Color, and Touch

Scott Maier — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 06:15:00 +0000

Sharpen your painting skills this autumn with a simple yellow leaf study. By observing a single fallen leaf, you can move past symbolic shapes to capture complex organic forms, master color and translucency under directional light, and refine your brushwork for delicate surface textures.

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On the Rise: 5th Annual Artists to Watch Art Competition

Beth Williams — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 06:15:00 +0000

We’re pleased to shine a light on the 15 rising artists whose exceptional work earned top honors in the 5th Annual Artists to Watch Art Competition. This inspiring group reminds us that artistic talent transcends age, style, genre, and medium. Congratulations to our 2026 winners!

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Common Misconceptions About the Artist’s Life

Artists Network — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 06:15:00 +0000

Persistent myths surrounding the profession of fine art continue to blur the reality of an artist’s life. These professionals offer fresh perspectives on what life is like as working artists, dispelling common misconceptions—from the "glorified hobby" label and waiting for inspiration to the physical demands of plein air painting.

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Inspiration in the Numbers

Artists Network — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 06:15:00 +0000

Missy Dunaway demonstrates how numeric frameworks can transform open-ended creative interests into ambitious, long-term bodies of work!

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A Feast for the Eyes: Light, Texture, and Form

Scott Maier — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 06:15:00 +0000

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Studio Snapshot: Andrea T. Kemp

Cynthia Close — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 06:15:00 +0000

Step inside the custom Golden, Colorado studio of contemporary naturalist painter Andrea T. Kemp

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Drawing Mastery: Shading

Jennifer-Tavenner — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:20:42 +0000

One of the most important things in making art is learning how to see and then knowing or understanding what it is that we see. We’ll take these things, seeing and knowing, and then learn how to use our materials within this context to take your drawing skills to the next level. Welcome! We’re Excited…

To access this post, you must purchase Drawing Mastery: Shading Course.

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8 Ways Flowers Inspire My Art Practice Year-Round

Artists Network — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 06:15:00 +0000

Enliven your painting practice with Shari Blaukopf’s guide to painting flowers year-round. See how she uses wet-in-wet techniques, direct watercolor without pencil lines, and creative lighting to capture the life of her subject. Use these tips to keep your work fresh all year long.

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A Lesson in Art Mastery: Degas’ Color Alchemy

Jerry N. Weiss — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 06:15:00 +0000

Based on his academic training and bourgeois background, the career arc of Edgar Degas (French, 1834–1917) could hardly have been predicted. A draftsman with a deep understanding of classical precedent, Degas underwent a conventional training, which he adapted to painting scenes of contemporary life. His approach became increasingly experimental, and his late work was famously…

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10 Tips for Plein Air Painting in Winter

Artists Network — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 06:15:00 +0000

Get ready to paint in the snow with these tips from Kathleen Dunphy. The trick to capturing snow’s subtle colors lies in these strategies for managing reflected glare, and executing small, rapid studies on location. Discover her must-have winter toolkit, learn expert snow-painting techniques, and register for her upcoming live online workshop series today!

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Where Dark Meets Light

Artists Network — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:19:30 +0000

The Japanese principle of notan strips composition down to its essential interplay of light and dark, revealing the powerful design that can make or break a work of art. By Antonio Masi The Japanese concept of notan refers to the harmony and balance between light and dark areas within a composition. The word, translated literally,…

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Adventures in Acrylic

Artists Network — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 06:15:00 +0000

Check out these acrylic-painting articles to learn about the strategies and approaches that can make the most of the medium.

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Paint Along 129 (Dec 25):Create Moody Winter Scenes

Jennifer-Tavenner — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 18:32:49 +0000

with Johannes Vloothuis Capture the beauty and serenity of snowy landscapes in this engaging painting course. Learn how to depict the crisp atmosphere of winter using effective color choices, value contrasts, and soft edges to create the illusion of snow. Discover techniques for painting snow-laden trees, frozen waterways, and atmospheric perspective to enhance depth. Master…

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Master Atmospheric Perspective: Beyond “Cooler and Lighter”

Scott Maier — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 06:15:00 +0000

Unlock greater depth in your landscape paintings by looking beyond basic rules of atmospheric perspective. Learn how direct sunlight and cool sky shadows react differently across receding distances.

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A Portrait in Three Stages

Artists Network — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 06:15:00 +0000

In this demo, Oma Moon uses a practical approach to working with pastel and charcoal to create a powerful likeness of the sitter!

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Studio Snapshot: Nicolas Africano

Artists Network — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 06:15:00 +0000

Step inside the studio of master figure sculptor Nicolas Africano, a former Illinois orphanage into a private sanctuary for glass casting.

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