Printing Your Art

Creative Art

2026-04-27T22:41:36.146-07:00

I recently went to an Art Show and met a lady there who teaches Art. She said the misconception in learning Art at any age is that the lines or details have to be perfect instead of how the Artist sees the image in their mind or in person. Forget perfectionism and just flow with the creativity that you the Artist conjure up! She told me not to worry about perfect lines or edges or even having things perfect at all...the artist abilities lie in how they see the world NOT how the world controls them. Do you get that? I did and now I have an easier time in letting out my artistic concepts. They don't have to be perfect! Next time you see a painting or a drawing would you draw it the same or different then ask yourself why?

Blue Acrylic Paint Mixing Guide

2026-04-27T22:41:36.145-07:00

🎨 Blue Acrylic Shades & Mixing Ratios

1. Sky Blue
2 parts Titanium White + 1 part Cerulean Blue
2. Cerulean Blue
1 part Phthalo Blue + 1 part White + a touch of Cyan
3. Ultramarine Blue
Use Ultramarine Blue straight, or 1 part Ultramarine + ¼ Quinacridone Magenta for vibrance
4. Cobalt Blue
2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part White
5. Prussian Blue
1 part Phthalo Blue + tiny drop Burnt Umber or Black for depth
6. Teal
1 part Phthalo Blue + ½ part Phthalo Green + touch of White
7. Navy Blue
2 parts Prussian Blue + a touch of Black
8. Ice Blue
1 part Sky Blue + 3 parts White + hint of Grey for softness

A Deeper Look at Art Mediums

2026-04-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

Different Mediums

A Deeper Look at Art Mediums: Finding Your Creative Rhythm

From earth to ink… every medium carries its own rhythm.

If the quick guide offered you a glimpse, this is where we slow down.

Each medium is more than a material—it’s a way of thinking, a pace of creating, a relationship between you and the surface. Some invite spontaneity, others reward patience. Some flow like water, others build like layers of earth.

When creating artwork for prints or products, these subtle differences matter. The way pigment sits, reflects light, and translates digitally can shape the final piece just as much as your technique.

🌿 Acrylic Paint — The Fast-Moving Layer Builder

Acrylic paint is often described as the most adaptable modern medium. It can mimic watercolor when diluted or resemble oil paint when applied thickly.

What makes acrylic unique is its speed. It dries quickly—sometimes within minutes—which allows for rapid layering and experimentation. This makes it ideal for artists who like to work intuitively or build complex textures over time.

However, that same speed can feel unforgiving. Blending must be done quickly, and once dry, changes are harder to make. Many artists use retarders or slow-drying mediums to soften this effect.

For printing, acrylics reproduce well due to their bold color and defined edges, especially in modern or decorative styles.

🌾 Oil Paint — The Slow Language of Depth

Oil painting is less about speed and more about presence. The paint remains workable for hours—or even days—allowing colors to blend seamlessly on the canvas.

This extended working time creates a depth that is difficult to replicate. Skin tones, shadows, and subtle transitions feel luminous and alive. It’s why oil has been the preferred medium for classical realism for centuries.

But oils require care. Solvents, ventilation, and patience are part of the process. Drying can take days or weeks, especially for thicker applications.

When scanned or photographed, oil paintings can produce stunning fine art prints—but capturing their depth requires good lighting and high-resolution imaging.

🌸 Gouache — The Balance Between Control and Softness

Gouache offers a unique middle ground. It behaves like watercolor but provides the opacity of acrylic.

Its matte finish makes it especially loved by illustrators. There is no shine or glare, which allows colors to scan cleanly—making it one of the most print-friendly mediums available.

Gouache can be reactivated with water, which allows for adjustments even after drying. However, this also means finished pieces are more delicate and should be handled with care.

It excels in clean, intentional designs—perfect for branding, prints, and product artwork.

🍃 Watercolor — The Art of Letting Go

Watercolor is less about control and more about collaboration—with water, pigment, and time.

The beauty of watercolor lies in its transparency. Light passes through the pigment and reflects off the paper beneath, creating a softness that feels almost luminous.

But it asks for patience. Mistakes are difficult to correct, and each brushstroke must be considered. Many artists describe watercolor as a practice in acceptance as much as technique.

For prints, watercolor is incredibly popular. Its organic textures and gentle gradients translate beautifully, especially in botanical, lifestyle, and handmade-themed artwork.

🌼 Pastels — Pure Pigment and Immediate Expression

Pastels offer one of the most direct connections between artist and color. There is no brush—only your hand and the pigment itself.

Soft pastels create velvety textures and rich blends, while oil pastels offer a more waxy, bold application. Both allow for expressive, intuitive mark-making.

The trade-off is fragility. Pastels smudge easily and require fixatives to preserve the work. They can also be messy, leaving pigment dust behind.

In print form, pastels shine through their texture—adding depth and softness that feels almost touchable.

🌻 Colored Pencils — The Quiet Discipline of Detail

Colored pencils are often underestimated. While they may seem simple, they allow for incredible precision and layering.

Artists build color slowly, layering pigment to create depth and subtle transitions. This makes them ideal for detailed illustrations, botanical studies, and intricate designs.

The process can be time-intensive, requiring patience and a steady hand. But the result is clean, controlled, and deeply refined.

For printing, colored pencil work translates beautifully when scanned at high resolution, preserving fine details and delicate shading.

🌿 Choosing What Feels Like You

Each medium carries its own energy. Some move quickly, others ask you to slow down. Some are bold and structured, others soft and unpredictable.

When choosing your medium, consider not just the outcome—but the experience you want while creating. The rhythm matters just as much as the result.

Because in the end, your medium isn’t just a tool… it’s part of your voice.

Quick Pick Medium Guide

2026-04-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

Choosing Your Medium: A Gentle Guide to Acrylics, Oils, Gouache & More

From earth to ink… every medium carries its own rhythm.

There’s a quiet kind of magic in choosing your medium. Before the brush ever meets the page, before color blooms into form, there is a simple, grounding decision—how will this piece come to life?

Each medium carries its own personality. Some are quick and expressive, others slow and contemplative. If you’re creating art to print, sell, or simply savor, understanding these differences shapes both your process and your final piece.

🌿 Acrylic Paint

Pros: Fast drying, vibrant, versatile, easy cleanup

Cons: Dries quickly, harder to blend, can feel synthetic

🌾 Oil Paint

Pros: Rich color, long blending time, beautiful depth

Cons: Slow drying, requires solvents, more cleanup

🌸 Gouache

Pros: Matte finish, opaque, great for scanning

Cons: Can crack, slight color shift when drying

🍃 Watercolor

Pros: Soft, fluid, minimal supplies, organic textures

Cons: Hard to control, mistakes are permanent

🌼 Pastels

Pros: Vibrant pigment, expressive, no drying time

Cons: Smudging, messy, needs fixative

🌻 Colored Pencils

Pros: Precision, detail, clean and portable

Cons: Time-consuming, limited coverage

🌿 Bringing It All Together

There is no perfect medium—only the one that meets you where you are. Whether you lean toward the softness of watercolor or the boldness of acrylic, your choice becomes part of the story your art tells.

From pigment to print, your medium is simply the path your creativity takes.

Making art and soap: A combination of talent

2026-02-03T08:53:49.995-08:00

The Brush Listens

2026-02-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

Kaia and her brushes

🎨 The Brush Listens • The Language of Light

A celebration of Kaia Lirien’s watercolor world — where art listens, light speaks, and nature breathes creation.

🌸 The Brush Listens — Kaia Lirien on Painting What Can’t Be Said

Some days, the brush feels more human than hand. It listens, humming softly through colors that speak when words can’t. That’s where Kaia Lirien lives — in that breath between silence and creation.

Her name, Kaia Lirien, carries its own story: Kaia means “earth, renewal, purity.” Lirien, from the ancient Celtic lir for “sea,” flowing and alive. Together they embody her art — grounded, fluid, and endlessly inspired by nature.

Her studio feels like dawn — watercolor jars, pressed flowers, brushes resting in quiet companionship. She paints the way sunlight filters through petals, transforming nature’s hush into art you can see and almost hear.

“Painting is my quiet form of prayer. It’s how I can listen to the day without saying a word.”
— Kaia Lirien

Her collection, The Listening Garden, reminds us that creation doesn’t shout—it whispers. The earth offers pigments, the water carries their voice, and Kaia simply learns to listen.

🌿 The Language of Light — Painting the Quiet Between Colors

Every painting begins in silence — a pause before a story begins. That soft moment is Kaia Lirien’s sanctuary. Her brush speaks softly in watercolor tones of peach, linen, and cream, translating light into emotion.

In her latest body of work, The Language of Light, Kaia explores how hues communicate feeling: gold that hums of warmth, lilac that sighs of memory, ivory that holds breath like morning mist. Each piece glows with the spirit of PrintingYourArt.com — gentle, handcrafted artistry that connects earth and imagination.

Her gentle movements mirror the rhythms of WhimsOfWriting.com and Earth’s Flowers. All three bloom in the same soil of creativity — rooted in nature, touched by grace.

“From earth to ink, Kaia Lirien brings wild grace to every creation—reminding us that nature breathes art, and art breathes life.”
— Kaia Lirien • Earth’s Flowers

The Language of Light is more than a collection. It’s a reflection — a mirror for anyone who finds poetry in petals, peace in process, and memory in color. In Kaia’s hands, even silence becomes luminous.

Creating a Minimalist Artist’s Haven: Transforming Any Corner into a Fine Art Studio

2026-02-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

“Watercolor painting of Kaia in a minimalist art corner by a sunlit window, surrounded by soft neutral tones, brushes, and watercolor materials — handcrafted style.”

Even if you’re short on space, it’s completely possible to set up an inspiring art haven that nurtures your creativity and provides the tools to make beautiful, professional-quality work. Whether you’re painting watercolor botanicals, sculpting clay jewelry, or hand-lettering earthy soap labels, your corner can become a full art studio — minimalist in appearance, yet abundant in purpose.

1. Start with the Right Corner

Look for good natural light first. North-facing windows are ideal for artists since they offer balanced daylight with minimal glare, but any sunny nook can become your creative sanctuary. If you rely on artificial light, use a high-CRI daylight LED lamp to mimic sunlight and accurately show color.

Anchor your space with a neutral backdrop — soft white, cream, or pale beige walls. These tones reflect light and give your art room the peaceful spaciousness of a gallery, even if it measures just four feet wide.

2. Choose Your Core Workspace

A sturdy table with clean lines forms the heart of your studio. If space is tight, consider a fold-down wall desk or a rolling art cart that can tuck away when not in use. Place a wipeable mat or thin wood plank over your surface to protect it from watercolor drips, clay, or paint stains.

Pair your table with a comfortable, ergonomic stool or a wooden chair padded with linen — beautiful enough for photos, practical enough for long creative hours.

3. Essential Tools — Minimal, Not Lacking

You don’t need thousands of supplies. The key is choosing versatile, high-quality basics:

Watercolor set (professional-grade pans or tubes in primary hues)
Brush collection (small round #2, medium round #6, flat wash)
Cold-press watercolor paper for texture and flow
Glass palette or ceramic plate for mixing
Jars for rinse water, one for clean and one for dirty
Cloth towels (replace disposable paper with a simple cotton rag)
A table easel, sketchbook, and fine-line pens
Optional: compact heat gun, masking tape, and portable storage drawer

4. Organize with Beauty

Minimalist doesn’t mean bare — it means intentional. Choose containers that blend function with style:

Mason jars for brushes
Wooden trays for paint tubes and palettes
Neutral linen baskets for paper and fabric scraps
Pegboards or wall-mounted shelves to keep tools visible yet airy

If you make artisan crafts or soap labels, keep one shelf for finished works, where art and your creations can coexist — it reminds you of your purpose and keeps the vibe earthy and grounded.

5. Personal Touches for Inspiration

Add elements that soothe and spark:

A small vase with fresh greenery or dried herbs
A framed watercolor portrait or print that mirrors your aesthetic
A corkboard or inspiration line with clips for sketches and color swatches
Soft instrumental music while you paint or journal

Your art corner should feel like a gentle extension of yourself — a minimalist soul with creative depth.

6. Flowing With Nature — A Watercolor Expression

Picture Kaia — barefoot, serene, sitting by a window in her art corner. Around her, sunlight glows on a muted wooden table sprinkled with brushes, paper, and jars of color. A pale linen curtain flutters while pastel watercolors dance across the page — soft pinks, sage greens, and ocean blues blending like breath and memory.

The scene is calm, authentic, and tactile — a minimalist world alive with artistic purpose.

Choosing the Right Surface for Your Artwork: Canvas, Board, or Paper?

2026-01-29T10:01:00.000-08:00

Canvas, Board, or Paper?

Choosing what to paint on shouldn’t be difficult. This easy guide helps you match your painting surface to your materials, budget, and creative style.

Kaia exploring different painting surfaces and brushes in a cozy artist studio.

🎨 Canvas – Classic and Versatile

Best for: Oil paints, acrylics, and mixed media

Canvas has been a favorite for centuries. Made of cotton or linen stretched over a wooden frame, it gives your artwork a traditional, professional feel.

Pros: Adds texture, light, and depth to paint strokes.
Cons: Needs priming with gesso; higher-quality linen can be pricey.
Best paints: Oil and acrylic — both bond beautifully with canvas fibers.

🖼️ Painting Boards – Durable and Detail-Friendly

Best for: Oils, acrylics, and gouache

Boards like wood panels, MDF, or canvas boards offer a smooth, steady surface perfect for detail work and precision painting.

Pros: Firm, easy to frame, ideal for layering and scraping techniques.
Cons: Heavier; may need sealing to prevent warping.
Best paints: Oils and acrylics for professional texture control.

Kaia is preparing her brushes with different surfaces like canvas, wood, and watercolor paper.

🧻 Paper – Affordable and Adaptable

Best for: Watercolors, gouache, pastel, and ink

Paper is flexible, wallet-friendly, and ideal for light mediums. Its surface texture varies — from smooth “hot press” to rough “cold press.”

Pros: Affordable, portable, and great for layered washes.
Cons: Less durable; may warp with heavy water or paint layers.
Best paints: Watercolors, ink, and pastel sticks that blend easily.

💰 Pricing and Quality

Surface	Price Range	Durability	Best Mediums
Canvas	$10–$40	High	Oil, Acrylic
Painting Board	$5–$30	High	Oil, Acrylic, Gouache
Paper	$1–$10	Moderate	Watercolor, Pastel, Ink

✨ Final Takeaway

Picking your surface is about what inspires you. Choose canvas for classic depth, board for precision, or paper for fluid expressiveness. The right surface makes your color, texture, and creativity shine — and most importantly, it makes painting easy and enjoyable.

Pin this: Choosing your painting surface made simple 🎨

📌 Save to Pinterest

Acrylic vs. Oil Paint: Differences, Pros and Cons, and How to Tell Them Apart

2026-01-28T13:29:00.000-08:00

Kaia Lirien painting with oils and acrylics

Discover the key differences between acrylic and oil paints — from drying time and texture to how to properly layer and identify them. Learn which medium best suits your artistic vision.

Acrylics and oils are two of the most popular mediums for painters — both beautiful in their own right but vastly different in behavior, texture, and finish. This article explores their strengths and weaknesses, what makes each medium unique, and how to identify them in finished artwork.

The Timeless Debate: Acrylics or Oils?

Artists have long debated the virtues of acrylic versus oil paint. While both offer rich, luminous possibilities, they behave in dramatically different ways. Understanding these differences helps artists choose the right medium for their creative process and intended result.

1. Composition and Drying Time

Acrylic Paints:
Acrylics are water-based and made with pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. Because water is the primary solvent, acrylics dry quickly — often within minutes — depending on thickness and humidity.

Oil Paints:
Oils use pigments mixed with drying oils such as linseed, walnut, or safflower oil. They dry slowly because the drying process is oxidative (they harden as they react with oxygen), which can take days, weeks, or even months.

Why It Matters:
The slow-drying nature of oils gives artists time to blend colors directly on the canvas and create smooth transitions — ideal for lifelike portraits or atmospheric landscapes. Acrylics, on the other hand, favor those who prefer layering, crisp edges, and faster results.

2. Layering and Drying Considerations

Acrylics:
Layers can be added once the paint feels dry, usually in minutes. There’s little risk of cracking or blending issues if you work too soon, making acrylics ideal for quick, spontaneous expression.

Oils:
Patience is key with oil painting. Each layer must be fully or mostly dry before applying the next. Failing to do so can cause cracking or dulling as the underlying layer dries at a different rate.

The “Fat Over Lean” Principle:
In oil painting, thicker or more oily layers (fat) must always be applied over thinner, faster-drying layers (lean). This ensures flexibility and prevents future cracking. It’s one of the most important structural rules in painting with oil.

3. Cleanup and Maintenance

Acrylics:
Cleanup is simple — soap and water are usually enough. Brushes should be washed before the paint dries, as dried acrylic forms a flexible but stubborn plastic film.

Oils:
Cleanup requires solvents like odorless mineral spirits or turpentine, followed by soap. Because oils don’t dry via evaporation, cleaned tools must be thoroughly wiped to remove residual oil and pigment.

4. Visual and Textural Differences

Acrylic Appearance:
Acrylics tend to have a flatter, more matte appearance unless finished with gloss medium or varnish. They also darken slightly when dry. Artists can mimic oil richness by adding mediums that extend working time or alter sheen.

Oil Appearance:
Oils are known for their luminous, buttery texture and natural depth. Light refracts differently through the oil binder, so colors appear richer and more unified.

How to Tell Them Apart:

Sheen: Oils often have a glossier surface.
Texture: Oils blend seamlessly, while acrylics reveal more distinct layer edges.
Age: Acrylics rarely yellow over time; oils may develop a warm tint as they age.

5. Pros and Cons Summary

Feature

Acrylic Paint

Oil Paint

Drying Time	Very fast (minutes to hours)	Very slow (days to months)
Cleanup	Easy, with water	Solvent-based, more effort
Texture & Finish	Matte to semi-gloss; can appear flat	Rich, glossy, and deep
Color Mixing	Must mix quickly before drying	Long blending time on canvas
Longevity	Highly stable, non-yellowing	Ages beautifully if preserved well
Layering Needs	Simple, minimal wait time	Must observe “fat over lean” for durability
Best For	Beginners, illustrators, quick workers	Realism, portraiture, classical painting

6. Choosing What’s Best for You

Your ideal medium depends on your temperament, technique, and intent:

If you love immediacy, vibrant color, and experimentation, acrylics are your friend.
If you enjoy subtlety, detail, and patience, oils reward your effort with unmatched richness.

Hybrid artists often combine both: starting with acrylic underpaintings (for speed) and finishing with oil glazes (for luminosity).

Final Thoughts

Both acrylics and oils have contributed masterpieces to art history. The key is understanding their nature: acrylics capture energy and modernity, while oils bring timeless warmth and texture. Mastering one — or both — will deepen your understanding of how color, light, and patience shape the art you create.

Keywords: acrylic vs oil paint, acrylic painting techniques, oil painting techniques, pros and cons of acrylics, fat over lean rule, oil layering, painting mediums comparison, drying time in art, tell acrylic from oil painting
Discover the key differences between acrylic and oil paints — from drying time and texture to how to properly layer and identify them. Learn which medium best suits your artistic vision.

The Roots of Color: A Southern Tale of Red, Blue, and Yellow

2026-01-25T15:14:00.000-08:00

A cozy southern still-life featuring red, blue, and yellow pigments.

Discover the story of the three primary colors — red, blue, and yellow — told with southern charm. Learn their history, how they were made, and how light and shadow change their character.

The Beginning: When Color Came from the Earth

Long before paint came in shiny cans or digital screens shimmered with pigments, colors were made by hand. Folks down South — and across the world — would grind up bits of stone, clay, or plants. They’d boil berries or roots on stovetops, stirring like they were making Sunday jam.

That’s how red, blue, and yellow — the grand trio of all colors — came to life. These primaries are the kinfolk that give birth to every other hue, from grassy greens to royal purples. Each one carries a spirit, a temperament, and a story to tell.

Red: The Fire in the Heart

Red’s the bold one, full of spirit and sass. In olden days, folks made red from clay rich in iron or from crushed cochineal beetles — a tiny bug with a mighty bite of color.

Red shows up in Southern life everywhere: rust-colored barns baking in summer sun, fresh tomatoes shining in a basket, and that lipstick shade that says, “I got this.”

But red’s mood changes with light and shadow. Mix it with white, and it softens into pink — sweet and tender like a magnolia bloom. Add black, and it deepens into burgundy or maroon — the color of old wine, patience, and quiet pride.

Blue: The Quiet Soul

Blue don’t boast. It speaks slow, like an old river on a windless afternoon. Back in the day, indigo plants painted the South in fields of twilight blue. Folks would crush and ferment them into dye for clothing that carried the scent of hard work and warm nights.

Lighten blue with white, and you get airy sky colors — soft as morning light slipping through lace curtains. Darken it with black, and it becomes navy, midnight, or storm — the deep tones of denim worn by generations and the horizon before the rain.

Yellow: The Sunshine Maker

Yellow’s the life of the bunch — bright, easygoing, and always hummin’ a tune. Early pigments came from ochre, saffron blossoms, or clay baked golden by the sun.

It’s the color of cornbread drippin’ with honey, wildflowers dotting an open field, and that first slant of morning light through the kitchen window.

Mix it with white, and it turns to cream — gentle as butter on warm biscuits. Stir in black, and you’ll find mustard — baked-in warmth, sturdy and grounded, like old paint on a well-loved porch.

When Colors Meet

Here in the South, we know that family traits run strong — and when these colors mingle, something new is born.

Red and yellow make orange — bold as a summer sunset.
Blue and yellow give you green — the eternal song of life and growth.
Red and blue create purple — deep as twilight and full of mystery.

And just like Southern storytelling, every mix is a little unpredictable — rich with character, shaped by balance and light.

The Heart Behind the Hue

Colors aren’t just what we see; they’re what we feel. They shape our days, calm our nerves, and stir up memories. Red’s for passion and courage. Blue carries peace and promise. Yellow brings warmth and joy.

The old painters and homemakers who ground their colors by hand knew this well: color is a living thing, born of earth, light, and patience — just like all good Southern things.

So next time you watch a Texas sunrise stretch over golden fields, remember — it’s just red, blue, and yellow, tellin’ their story one shade at a time.

Author’s Note:
Written with a Southern heart and the belief that every color has a soul — if you just take the time to look.

Keywords: primary colors, color history, red blue yellow meaning, southern storytelling, color mixing, art and design

How to Become a Fine Art Painter and Build on Each Step of the Way

2026-01-24T14:02:00.000-08:00

Artist painting

How to Become a Fine Art Painter and Build on Each Step of the Way

Published: January 24, 2026

Learn how to start your journey as a fine art painter from scratch. Discover the tools, techniques, and mindset you need to grow step by step—from your first brushstroke to developing your artistic style.

Introduction: Every Artist Starts with a First Brushstroke

Becoming a fine art painter isn’t about having instant talent—it’s about nurturing curiosity, patience, and a willingness to learn one layer at a time. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or returning to painting after years away, this guide will help you build your foundation and gain confidence step by step.

1. See Like an Artist—Practice Observation and Inspiration

Before you paint, start by noticing your world. Study how sunlight warms a wall, how colors dance at sunset, or how shadows curve across a mug. These quiet observations are what give art its soul.

Creative habit: Keep a sketchbook or notes app for quick doodles and color ideas. Everyday inspiration becomes your creative toolbox.

2. Keep Your Supplies Simple

You don’t need a lot to get started—just enough to create freely and confidently.

Basic starter kit:

Acrylic paints (primary set: red, blue, yellow, white, black)
A few brushes: small round, medium flat, and large wash
Canvas board or heavyweight paper
Palette, rag, and jar for water
Table easel (optional, but comfortable for longer sessions)

The goal is to paint often, not perfectly.

3. Learn the Core Fundamentals

Every painting rests on a few key building blocks:

Color: Understand warm vs. cool tones and complementary contrasts.
Composition: Arrange your subject to guide the viewer’s eye.
Light and shadow: Add depth and realism.
Texture: Experiment with brush types and pressure to create variety.

Try this: Practice painting simple still‑lifes—a fruit bowl or a ceramic mug—to explore light, shape, and color blending.

4. Build a Painting Routine

Like exercise or gardening, painting improves through steady practice. You don’t need hours—twenty minutes daily or several short sessions weekly work wonders. Over time, your hand steadies, and your confidence grows.

Ideas to stay motivated:

Join a “30‑day painting challenge.”
Choose a theme for a week (like nature, reflections, or household objects).
Reward your effort, not just results.

5. Study Great Artists—Then Create Your Own Voice

Examine the techniques of master painters—Monet, Degas, Kahlo, O’Keeffe, Hopper—and study how they used color, light, and emotion. Then, reinterpret what inspires you into your own expression rather than direct imitation.

Let curiosity, not comparison, guide your learning.

6. Explore and Evolve Your Personal Style

Over time, you’ll notice themes and colors that naturally recur in your work. This is your developing signature. Experiment with mixed media, texture, or different surfaces. Growth in art is about evolution, not arrival.

Tip: Photograph your older pieces periodically. Reviewing them helps you see progress more clearly than memory alone.

7. Connect with the Art Community

Community adds encouragement and growth. Look for local workshops, open studios, or online art groups where you can share, learn, and gain feedback in a positive space.

Pro tip: Join a local art guild or weekend paint‑along group—it’s both motivating and social.

8. Keep Learning—Brushstroke by Brushstroke

Every work, good or bad, teaches something. Enjoy the learning curve. Fine art isn’t about perfection—it’s about expression.

Reflect often:

What worked well in this piece?
Which part challenged me?
What do I want to explore next?

Keep painting, stay patient, and trust that progress builds naturally—one layer, one lesson, one canvas at a time.

Conclusion: The Joy Is in the Journey

Every artist begins with a blank canvas and a spark of curiosity. As you practice day by day, you’ll watch that spark grow into skill and self‑expression. The best part? The more you create, the more inspired you become.

So, pick up your brush today. Your masterpiece starts now.

Keywords

beginner fine art painter, learn painting basics, art for beginners, how to start painting, painting practice tips, painting techniques, how to develop your art style

Acrylic Color Mixing: A Visual Guide to the Color Spectrum

2025-12-16T15:18:00.000-08:00

Mixing Colors

Okay, here's a guide to mixing acrylic paints to create a full spectrum of colors, presented as a visual recipe with a chart and instructions. This isn't a culinary recipe, but a guide to creating a color palette with acrylic paints.

Recipe Name: Acrylic Color Mixing: A Visual Guide to the Color Spectrum

Cuisine Type: Artistic/International (color theory is universal!)

Dietary Preferences: N/A (This is for art, not food!)

Yield: A full spectrum of colors, depending on how much you mix.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Mixing Time: 1-2 hours (depending on the number of colors you want to create)

Ingredients:

* Primary Colors:

* Acrylic Paint - Cadmium Red (or a similar vibrant red)

* Acrylic Paint - Ultramarine Blue (or a similar deep blue)

* Acrylic Paint - Cadmium Yellow Light (or a similar bright yellow)

* Secondary Colors (Optional, for easier mixing):

* Acrylic Paint - Green (a pre-mixed green can be helpful)

* Acrylic Paint - Violet/Purple (a pre-mixed violet can be helpful)

* Acrylic Paint - Orange (a pre-mixed orange can be helpful)

* Neutral Colors:

* Acrylic Paint - Titanium White

* Acrylic Paint - Black (Mars Black or Lamp Black)

* Tools:

* Palette (a paint palette, ceramic plate, or even wax paper will do)

* Palette knife or small mixing spatulas

* Small containers for water

* Paint brushes (various sizes)

* Paper towels or a rag for cleaning

* A surface to paint on (paper, canvas, cardboard, etc.) - for creating your color chart.

* Pencil and ruler (for creating the chart)

Instructions:

Part 1: Setting Up Your Color Mixing Station

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Cover your work surface to protect it from paint splatters. Gather all your materials.

2. Organize Your Paints: Squeeze a small amount of each primary color (red, blue, yellow), secondary colors (if using), white, and black onto your palette, keeping them separate.

3. Prepare Your Chart: On your chosen surface (paper, canvas, etc.), use a pencil and ruler to create a grid or chart. This will help you organize and label your color mixes. A simple chart could have the primary colors listed across the top and down the side, creating a matrix where you mix them. You can add rows and columns for white, black, and secondary colors.

Part 2: Mixing Primary Colors

1. Mixing Secondary Colors:

* Orange: Mix Red + Yellow. Start with more yellow than red, adding red gradually until you achieve the desired orange shade.

* Green: Mix Blue + Yellow. Start with more yellow than blue, adding blue gradually until you achieve the desired green shade.

* Violet/Purple: Mix Red + Blue. Start with more blue than red, adding red gradually until you achieve the desired violet shade.

2. Document Your Mixes: Paint a small swatch of each secondary color into the appropriate section of your color chart. Label each swatch with the ratio of primary colors used (e.g., "1:1 Red:Yellow" for a balanced orange).

Part 3: Creating Tertiary Colors (Mixing Primary & Secondary Colors)

1. Mixing Tertiary Colors: These are the colors between the primary and secondary colors on the color wheel.

* Red-Orange: Mix Red + Orange.

* Yellow-Orange: Mix Yellow + Orange.

* Yellow-Green: Mix Yellow + Green.

* Blue-Green: Mix Blue + Green.

* Blue-Violet: Mix Blue + Violet.

* Red-Violet: Mix Red + Violet.

2. Document Your Mixes: Paint a small swatch of each tertiary color into your chart, labeling them with the colors and ratios used.

Part 4: Creating Tints, Shades, and Tones

1. Tints (Adding White): Take any of your mixed colors (primary, secondary, or tertiary) and gradually add white. Each addition of white will create a lighter tint of that color.

2. Shades (Adding Black): Take any of your mixed colors and gradually add black. Be careful with black, as it can quickly overpower a color. Add it in very small increments.

3. Tones (Adding Grey): Mix white and black to create grey. Take any of your mixed colors and gradually add grey. Be careful with grey, as it can quickly overpower a color. Add it in very small increments.

4. Document Your Mixes: Create sections in your chart for tints, shades, and tones. Label each swatch with the original color and the amount of white/black/grey added.

Part 5: Color Chart and Visual Representation

1. Paint Splashes: For a more visually appealing chart, instead of just painting squares, you can create small "splashes" or blobs of paint for each color mix. This adds a more artistic touch.

2. Organization: Arrange your color splashes in a logical order, following the color wheel (Red -> Red-Orange -> Orange -> Yellow-Orange -> Yellow -> Yellow-Green -> Green -> Blue-Green -> Blue -> Blue-Violet -> Violet -> Red-Violet -> Red).

3. Labeling: Clearly label each color splash with the colors and ratios used to create it.

Part 6: Clean Up

1. Clean Your Tools: Wash your brushes and palette knife thoroughly with water.

2. Dispose of Waste: Dispose of any paint-contaminated materials properly.

Amount of time needed:

* Primary Color Prep: Instant

* Secondary Color Mixing: 5-10 minutes per color

* Tertiary Color Mixing: 5-10 minutes per color

* Tint/Shade/Tone Creation: 5-10 minutes per color variation

Serving Suggestions (Conceptual):

* Display Your Chart: Hang your completed color chart in your studio or art space as a reference guide.

* Use Your Knowledge: Use the knowledge gained from mixing colors to create beautiful and vibrant paintings.

* Experiment Further: Continue experimenting with different ratios and combinations of colors to expand your color palette.

Important Notes:

* Acrylics Dry Quickly: Work relatively quickly, especially when mixing small amounts of paint. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to mist your palette and prevent the paints from drying out.

* Color Variations: The exact shades of the colors you create will depend on the specific brands and pigments of the acrylic paints you use.

* Cleanliness is Key: Keep your palette and brushes clean to avoid muddying your colors.

This "recipe" will help you understand the fundamentals of color mixing with acrylic paints and create a valuable reference tool for your artistic endeavors. Enjoy!

Mixing Different Shades of Purple with Acrylic Paints

2025-12-15T08:44:00.000-08:00

Mixing Purple Acrylic Paints

Here’s a helpful visual and practical guide to different shades of purple and how to mix them using acrylic paints.

🎨 1. True Purple (Vivid Violet)

Mix:

1 part Ultramarine Blue
1 part Quinacridone Magenta (or Permanent Rose)

Tip:
To get a more balanced purple, avoid too much blue—it can push it toward indigo. Add white for a soft pastel violet.

💜 2. Lavender

Mix:

1 part Violet (True Purple)
2 parts Titanium White
A touch of Ultramarine Blue

Tone:
Soft, airy, and ideal for highlights or spring-inspired scenes.

💗 3. Lilac

Mix:

1 part Dioxazine Purple
3 parts White
A small dab of Magenta

Tone:
Warm, romantic shade leaning slightly pink. Perfect for flowers (like lilacs).

🪻 4. Mauve

Mix:

2 parts Purple
1 part White
Add a pinch of Burnt Umber or Raw Umber to mute it slightly

Tone:
Dusty, vintage look — great for shadows or antique color schemes.

🌌 5. Indigo Purple

Mix:

2 parts Ultramarine Blue
1 part Dioxazine Purple

Tone:
Deep and mysterious, almost night-sky dark. Good for depth and contrast.

🍇 6. Plum

Mix:

1 part Dioxazine Purple
½ part Alizarin Crimson
A tiny touch of Burnt Sienna to add warmth

Tone:
Rich and velvety—wonderful for floral work or moody settings.

🍆 7. Violet Red (Magenta Purple)

Mix:

1 part Quinacridone Magenta
½ part Ultramarine Blue

Tone:
Leans toward pink — vivid, energetic, ideal for highlights and contrast effects.

🌫 8. Dusty Purple

Mix:

2 parts Purple
1 part White
A tiny pinch of Grey (or a neutral made with Burnt Umber + Blue)

Tone:
Modern, muted, and soothing—used in interiors or background gradients.

🦋 Tips for Mixing Purples with Acrylics:

Cooler Blue (Ultramarine) + Cool Red (Magenta) → clean, vibrant purple.
Warm Blue (Phthalo) + Warm Red (Cadmium Red) → muddy brownish purple.
Add White to lighten and pastelize.
Add Yellow or Brown to mute or neutralize.

Mixin' up Paint Texas Style!

2025-12-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

Alright, y'all, let's rustle up some colors for a paintin' that'll make your jaw drop like a calf lookin' at a new gate. This ain't for eatin', mind you, unless you got a hankerin' for a trip to the emergency room. This here's for makin' art, pure and simple.

Recipe Name: Makin' All the Colors of the Rainbow (and Then Some!) - Texas Style!

Cuisine Type: Not edible, strictly for paintin' pictures that'll make your grandma say, "Well, I'll be hornswoggled!"

Dietary Preferences: This ain't got nothin' to do with eatin', so don't go gettin' your britches in a twist.

Ingredients List (What you'll need to wrangle):

Red Paint: A good, strong red, like the color of a Texas sunset after a dust storm. Acrylic or oil, dealer's choice.
Blue Paint: A deep, rich blue, like the sky over Big Bend on a clear day. Same as above, acrylic or oil.
Yellow Paint: A sunny yellow, like a field of bluebonnets in the spring. You know the drill, acrylic or oil.
White Paint: For lightenin' things up. Use a good quality white, like the clouds after a summer rain.
Black Paint: For makin' things darker than a well digger's backside. Use sparingly, like you would your last dollar.
Palette: A flat surface to mix your colors on. Could be a plate, a piece of glass, or even an old frisbee. Just make sure it's clean!
Palette Knife or Spatula: For scoopin' and mixin' paint. Don't use your fingers, unless you wanna look like you wrestled a rainbow and lost.
Brushes: An assortment of brushes for applyin' the paint to your canvas. Different sizes and shapes are good.
Water or Turpentine: Depends on whether you're usin' acrylic or oil paints. Water for acrylic, turpentine for oil. Don't mix 'em up, or you'll have a mess on your hands bigger than a Texas traffic jam.
Rags or Paper Towels: For cleanin' up spills and brushes. You'll need 'em, trust me.
Easel (Optional): If you're fancy and wanna stand up while you paint. If not, a table will do just fine.

Step-by-Step Instructions (How to wrangle those colors):

Prep Your Spread: Lay out your palette, paints, brushes, and cleanin' supplies. Make sure you got enough room to move around, or you'll be kickin' over paint buckets faster than a jackrabbit on a hot skillet.
Start with the Primaries: Squeeze out a small amount of red, blue, and yellow paint onto your palette. Don't go overboard, you can always add more later.
Mixin' the Secondaries (The Fun Part!):
- Orange: Mix red and yellow together. More red for a fiery orange, more yellow for a softer orange.
- Green: Mix blue and yellow together. More blue for a deep forest green, more yellow for a bright spring green.
- Purple: Mix red and blue together. More red for a reddish-purple, more blue for a bluish-purple.
Lightenin' and Darkenin':
- Lighten: Add a little white paint to any color to make it lighter. Go slow, a little white goes a long way.
- Darken: Add a tiny bit of black paint to any color to make it darker. Black is powerful stuff, so use it sparingly.
Experiment: Now's the time to play around! Mix different colors together to see what you get. Add more red to your orange to make it redder, or add a touch of blue to your green to make it more muted. The possibilities are endless!
Apply to Canvas: Once you've got your colors mixed, start applyin' them to your canvas. Use your brushes to create different textures and effects. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, that's how you learn!
Clean Up: Once you're done paintin', clean your brushes and palette. Don't let the paint dry on your brushes, or they'll be ruined faster than a politician's reputation.

Cooking Times (More like Mixing Times, but you get the idea):

Mixing each color: 2-5 minutes, depending on how picky you are.
Experimenting: As long as you like! There's no limit to the amount of time you can spend playin' with colors.
Clean Up: 5-10 minutes. Don't skimp on this step, or you'll regret it later.

Serving Suggestions (How to show off your masterpiece):

Frame it: A nice frame can make your paintin' look even better.
Hang it: Find a good spot on your wall to hang your paintin'.
Show it off: Invite your friends and family over to admire your work.
Sell it: If you're really good, you might even be able to sell your paintin'.

Important Notes:

Ventilation: If you're usin' oil paints, make sure you have good ventilation. Turpentine fumes can be nasty.
Safety: Don't eat the paint! It's not good for you.
Have Fun: Most importantly, have fun! Paintin' should be enjoyable. Don't take it too seriously.

Now go on and get to paintin'! And remember, if you mess up, just tell everyone it's "abstract." They'll never know the difference! Good luck, and happy paintin'! Yeee-haw!

A Photographer with no garden to take flower photographs? No Problem!

2025-06-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

Dahlia by Carol Eliassen

If someone loves to photograph flowers but doesn't have access to a garden or lives in an apartment, there are several great options to consider:

1. Public Parks: Many cities have parks with beautiful flower gardens. These are often well-maintained and provide a variety of flowers to photograph.

2. Botanical Gardens: Visiting a local botanical garden can be a fantastic option. These gardens typically feature a wide range of plant species, including many types of flowers, and are designed for public enjoyment.

3. Flower Markets: Local flower markets or farmers' markets often have vibrant displays of flowers. These can provide excellent opportunities for close-up photography.

4. Nature Reserves: Many nature reserves have wildflowers and native plants. These areas can offer a more natural setting for flower photography.

5. Community Gardens: Some neighborhoods have community gardens where residents grow flowers and vegetables. These can be great places to take photos and often welcome visitors.

6. Urban Areas: Look for flower beds in urban settings, such as along sidewalks, in plazas, or on rooftops. Many cities plant flowers in public spaces to enhance the environment.

7. Flower Festivals: Check for local flower festivals or events, which often showcase a variety of flowers and provide a festive atmosphere for photography.

8. Friends' or Family Gardens: If you know someone with a garden, ask if you can come over to take some photos. This can also be a nice way to spend time with loved ones.

By exploring these options, a flower photography enthusiast can find plenty of beautiful subjects to capture, even without a personal garden.

What can I do with all my Artwork and Photographs?

2025-06-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

Shilshole Bay Marina - Seattle, Washington

Using your artwork and photographs for a worthy cause or even creating merchandise would be a wonderful way to use them! Here are several suggestions on how you can do this:

1. Charity Auctions: Organize an art and photography auction, with the proceeds going to a charity of your choice. This can be done in person or online through eBay for Charity or Charity Auctions Today.

2. Art Shows for Charity: Host an art and photography exhibition where you display your artwork/photographs and charge an entry fee or sell pieces with proceeds benefiting a nonprofit organization.

3. Collaborate with Local Organizations: Partner with local charities, schools, or community centers to create art and photography workshops or classes. You can donate some of the fees or sell your artwork to support their programs.

4. Create Merchandise: Turn your artwork and photographs into merchandise (like prints, greeting cards, or apparel) and sell them, donating a percentage of the sales to a cause you care about.

5. Online Fundraising Campaigns: Use crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter to raise money for a specific cause, offering your artwork and photographs as rewards for donations.

6. Art for Awareness: Create pieces that raise awareness about specific issues (like mental health, environmental concerns, etc.) and share them on social media to promote the cause.

7. Community Projects: Be involved in community art projects with the purpose of beautifying public spaces, supporting local initiatives, donating your artwork, photographs, or time.

8. Art Therapy Programs: Collaborate with organizations that use art for therapy, donating your artwork and photographs, or even leading sessions to help others express themselves through art.

Choose a cause that resonates with you and consider how your artwork can best contribute to that mission.

Selling Artwork as a New Independent Artist with No Following

2025-05-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

Pink Salmon by Carol

Selling artwork as an independent artist without an established following can be challenging, but there are several effective avenues to explore in the United States. Here are some of the best places to consider:

1. Online Marketplaces

- Etsy: A popular platform for handmade and unique items, including artwork. It's user-friendly and has a large audience.

- Saatchi Art: An online gallery that allows artists to sell original artwork and prints. They handle shipping and customer service.

- Artfinder: A marketplace specifically for original art, connecting artists directly with buyers.

- Redbubble: Allows artists to upload designs that can be printed on various products, from clothing to home decor.

2. Social Media Platforms

- Instagram: Use it to showcase your artwork and connect with potential buyers. Utilize hashtags and engage with art communities.

- Facebook: Join art groups or create a page to promote your work. Facebook Marketplace can also be used for local sales.

- Pinterest: Share your artwork and link back to your online store or website.

3. Local Art Shows and Fairs

- Art Fairs: Participate in local art fairs or craft shows. These events provide exposure and the opportunity to sell directly to customers.

- Farmers Markets: Many local markets allow artists to set up booths. This can be a great way to reach a local audience.

4. Galleries and Co-ops

- Local Galleries: Approach local galleries to see if they accept submissions from independent artists. Some may have specific days for new artists.

- Artist Co-ops: Join a cooperative gallery where multiple artists share space and costs, making it easier to showcase work.

5. Art Classes and Workshops

- Offer classes or workshops in your area. This not only generates income but also helps build a local following.

6. Networking and Community Engagement

- Attend local art events, join art organizations, and network with other artists. Building relationships can lead to opportunities for collaboration and sales.

7. Print-on-Demand Services

- Use services like Printful or Society6 to create prints of your artwork. They handle production and shipping, allowing you to focus on creating.

8. Personal Website

- Create a professional website to showcase your portfolio and sell your artwork directly. Use SEO strategies to attract visitors.

Tips for Success

- Quality Presentation: Ensure your artwork is well-photographed and presented.

- Engagement: Engage with your audience through storytelling about your art and creative process.

- Marketing: Utilize email newsletters and social media ads to reach a broader audience.

By exploring these avenues, you can increase your chances of successfully selling your artwork, even without an established following.

After You Convert Your Artwork - Part 2: What Next?

2023-07-24T13:30:00.002-07:00

Now that you have converted your artwork to a digital format, it is time to find out what you can do with it!

I like using my digital art and photography to design products, sell prints, and add to my stories and articles that I like to write and post.

Some of my artworks can be found on Etsy. I use the company Printify to upload the artwork and attach it to products that I can sell, from cups to clothing. This company interfaces with Etsy, so once I design something, I upload it to Printify, which is easy to link with my Etsy and Pattern (full website that they offer) store. I normally use Photoshop 2023 for my designs as well as utilizing some options available through Printify.

I sell prints and products on the Fine Art America website too. This really started out for my photography, then morphed into my experience learning how to paint. Some of the paintings, well, they leave a lot to be desired, but it is really for me to show my progression. I come from a family of artists and somehow the natural talent skipped me. When time permits, I will paint something, scan it, and then post it to my galleries, be it good or bad. They (whoever they are) say beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Now, that being said, let's move on to the next one...

Vocal-Media is a writer's website that not only promotes one's writing but also challenges writers to write about topics and compete for prize money. You might be wondering if I have won any prize money, unfortunately, not! It wasn't as though I didn't try, there are just so many great writers on that platform that it is incredibly competitive yet surprisingly rewarding. The website gives me motivation to write, even though lately I have not been able to sit at my desk and spend much time doing it. I hope to dedicate myself to writing in the next few months. Wish me luck, life just seems to get in the way! You can find my stories on Vocal-Media.

There are so many avenues for using your digital artwork and photography. You may or may not make money, but the satisfaction of creating something is extremely rewarding, at least for me it is. Check out my website and subscribe to follow. I will be posting updated content soon, and you won't want to miss out!

Stay Artsy!

How to Reproduce Your Art & Make it Digital - Part I: Scanning

2023-06-13T08:53:00.003-07:00

Flatbed scanning of artwork

Need more room for all those paintings to hang on your wall? I'm in the same boat, so when I finish a painting, I do a 300-dpi scan of it to create a digital file. Home scanners are typically good at doing this, but if your artwork is large, you must find someone with a large-format flatbed scanner or take a high-resolution photograph that isn't blurry or doesn't bow on the sides. Practice makes perfect!

I try to stick with painting on canvas, boards, wood, and paper in 12x12 or smaller, and if your flatbed on your copier/scanner doesn't fit the entire artwork, you will need a program where you have several scans showing all the painting and then merge it. I use Photoshop, and it works great!

If your artwork is larger and you can't make scans of all the artwork on your home printer/scanner, then there are alternative ways to do it. First, I would advise finding someone who has a business doing large format art scanning. They usually turn out great with the details of the colors in your painting. Normally, they will give you a digital copy of it by downloading it from their site or giving you some type of electronic copy. Sometimes they will make a small print so you can see how it looks printed on paper or canvas. I suggest contacting a local art club in the area for recommendations. If it can be done locally, they would know.

If you find no one locally or fail at getting a recommendation for someone who offers the above service, why not go to a company that offers printing services. They will have scanners and charge you for the scans. Ask if they have scanners that have good color profiles for artwork.

Last, if you have a good camera or cellular phone that takes high resolution photographs you can take a picture of your artwork. I would try and lay it flat with a tripod that holds your camera straight down and take the picture. Make sure there is no light glare on it. If you don't have a tripod, then put the picture facing you at your height, straight up, taking the picture making sure you get all sides in. Do not take the photograph where you will have to crop out a lot of the background around it because you will lose resolution and you don't want to do that! When you go to reproduce it, it is better to have a high-resolution image that will reproduce a large, clear image, than one that is a low resolution and not clear. The more cropping you must do, the lower the resolution.

If you have a cellular phone with the most awesome picture capabilities that are being offered now, well, you can use it instead of a professional camera. I prefer a 35 mm camera, but that is me. If you are using your artwork for small projects, a cell phone would work just fine.

These are some things that I do for my artwork. Next in Part 2 we will discuss things you can do with your digital artwork once you have converted your artwork.

My New Artwork

2020-05-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

Eli the Crow

Okay, I'm not a multi-talented artist. I just like to dabble with acrylics, watercolors, and photography. I have also been totally enthralled by the Heirloom Traditional Paint Company out of Kentucky, so much so, that I painted my kitchen cabinets myself. I have now bought enough paint to redo every piece of furniture I have. Why? It is because I love playing with colors. Maybe I never really grew up! Coloring books even made a comeback for adults in recent years. I should have thought of that idea first!

I usually digitize my art and then throw it onto my gallery. I am not concerned about sales as much as having a place to put my art. I enjoy viewing it and seeing if I am making any progress in my skill set. I don't always sit and do art, or take my camera everywhere I go, so my progression is really, really slow, but then again, that really isn't my goal in my hobbies and crafts. I just like doing them. I don't need to be the best, or the greatest, or have so many thousands of followers that I spend all my time on it to keep people updated.

I do it because it helps me relax and escape this world for a few minutes or a few hours. I'm just in another zone and I feel refreshed when I'm done for that time, until the next session.

Dreaming of Norway

2019-04-17T11:47:00.001-07:00

Viking Ship

I took this photograph when we were in Norway back in 2014. I have made my grandkids a large poster with it and a canvas for my Norwegian Aunt on my husband's side. She loves it except it would be nice if she could see the buildings on the dock too. They were obscured by the beautiful ships but overall she was very pleased with it.

Waterfalls galore! I saw so many and each one was unique. The beauty of the landscape was incredible. If you have never ventured to this historic and rich culture you should! Adventure awaits you.

This is the Church on the Island where my Mother-in-law and Aunt were born and raised. It is in the village of Gursken, on the western fjords.

The beauty of the rocks of Norway

The beauty of the landscape was around every turn and place. The rocks were amazing, a work of art in nature.

Ulriken Cable Car

The cable car was pretty scary for me, considering I am afraid of heights, but I did it! It was well worth it for the views and awesome photographs I took while at the top. I can't recommend enough the many adventures and things to do not only in Bergen but within the whole country of Norway. It was a lifetime adventure and I hope to return again one day.

At the top of Mount Ulriken overlooking the City of Bergen

Scenic view of Bergen Norway

My Steer Skull Painting

2018-11-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

Steer Skull

I have always wanted to paint a Steer Skull. This one looks like it still has one eye and the other has shriveled away. I like it, and I love the colors. My style of art is to have vibrant colors for the background. Hope you enjoy viewing

Painting Koi Fish

2018-11-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Koi Fish

Having FUN with acrylic paints......trying to paint Koi Fish.

I still need more practice, but it is relaxing to paint. I never know how my paintings are going to turn out. Sometimes they are really good, and I am totally surprised. Other times, I think to myself, "What was I thinking?"

The good thing is I can paint over and start from scratch. Never a wasted canvas!

Below is one of my photographs from the Seattle Japanese Gardens that I used as an example:

Koi

"Cerulean Blue" by Carol Eliassen

2015-08-24T12:06:00.001-07:00

Some call me Cerulean blue. I am a coat of many hues that range from Cyan the great to the depths of the dark deep blue. I’m not really one but many. I sometimes overlay my bluest of friends. I may be dimmer than some but I can accent anyone.

I love to be the colorful flower swaying in the wind or the backdrop of the sky as the white fluffy clouds cluster nearby.

My Artist friend uses me to be a fragment of the color of a fish in a tropical sea or the background of a pink salmon breed. I am versatile at best and can be used with all my palette companions, especially sunflower lemon yellow, flaming tomato red, or that outrageous lime green.

I tend to light up the sky behind the tall snow covered mountains or help that bright frothing white to accent the towering swells that are turbulent in the precarious Bay. I have to admit though my favorite place to be is with a vase of other colors swaying in the breeze.

I am versatile at best not like all the rest. I’m not just blue, I’m also a hue.

A Journey To Being An Artist

2015-02-28T18:05:00.000-08:00

Vera Ritter - Artist

I have posted some of my art and photography on line at Fine Art America and have developed a following from around the world. I don't really care about selling my art but I love sharing it with people as a way to showcase my progression as I move through life and develop my talents in these areas.

I have always loved landscape photography with mountains, water, boats flowers and/or wildlife. I am not a Photographer who enjoys doing Photography for weddings or events. I love looking through the lens and finding the right composition for my photographs to preserve them as a memory. There have been many trips where I have had a wonderful adventure and when I look back at the photographs they flood me with good memories. I know when I leave this life those memories will fade and the photographs won't have the full meaning unless I display, explain and show them to the world. I need to do a better job at defining that moment in time with my viewers so they can come away with the feeling of being in that place and time. I need to really work on writing out my thoughts as it pertained to that one moment in time.

My art is rather new and yet some would say old. I have always influenced my children and grandchildren in the area of art. I bought many art supplies and kits, canvases and paper for them to dive into yet I didn't. I didn't think I was an Artist but that maybe I could influence others to see their full potential. It worked, yet one day an Art Teacher who was displaying their work and art classes at a Winery where my daughter's art was being showcased in their tasting room asked me if I was an Artist as well. I laughed and said "Oh no, not me! I'm crafty and love photography but no I can't draw a straight line!" She said "oh, really! Look around this room at all of the vendors with art and do you see any straight lines in their work?" I truly looked around and saw through her eyes that no, there wasn't a straight line drawn! Incredible. She then explained that I could very well be an Artist. It just takes the first step to start.

I went home and bought myself some art supplies and pulled off the shelf one of a hundred books I have of my Grandmother's collection on how to do art. My Grandmother Vera Ritter was an Artist and had a book on how to do just about everything in art from pastels, acrylics, water coloring and oils. There was no topic that wasn't covered so I decided to read some of her books and review mixing colors. It became an adventure and passion. I was hooked. I decided to just paint out of my head and they turned out good but looking at pictures and painting was somewhat easier for me. I had plenty of photographs to choose from since I have been a Photographer since my Freshman year at college and really even before that.

I believe that if you put your mind to it you can do just about anything! I'm still in the learning stages of fine art and I am currently looking at doing some mixed media projects and how to paint stimulating backgrounds for my canvas paints. I think a great background with interesting color mixes can open up the world of imagination. I sometimes flip through my Grandmother's books and find inspiration. They are very old books and booklets but are still relevant today as they were 30-40 years ago.

So if someone tells you they could never be an Artist, maybe they just haven't had the courage or the push to get started. Share my story. I shared it with some elementary girls in a book club that were reading about art and learning to sketch for the first time. I believe words can leave an impact and that we all have the capability to be creative!

We are made in the image of God and God is certainly the most creative ever! I know I can't be at his level but he has given us gifts and creativity is certainly one of them!

Vera Ritter - Artist

Printing Your Art

Creative Art

Blue Acrylic Paint Mixing Guide

🎨 Blue Acrylic Shades & Mixing Ratios

A Deeper Look at Art Mediums

A Deeper Look at Art Mediums: Finding Your Creative Rhythm

🌿 Acrylic Paint — The Fast-Moving Layer Builder

🌾 Oil Paint — The Slow Language of Depth

🌸 Gouache — The Balance Between Control and Softness

🍃 Watercolor — The Art of Letting Go

🌼 Pastels — Pure Pigment and Immediate Expression

🌻 Colored Pencils — The Quiet Discipline of Detail

🌿 Choosing What Feels Like You

Quick Pick Medium Guide

Choosing Your Medium: A Gentle Guide to Acrylics, Oils, Gouache & More

🌿 Acrylic Paint

🌾 Oil Paint

🌸 Gouache

🍃 Watercolor

🌼 Pastels

🌻 Colored Pencils

🌿 Bringing It All Together

Making art and soap: A combination of talent

The Brush Listens

🎨 The Brush Listens • The Language of Light

🌸 The Brush Listens — Kaia Lirien on Painting What Can’t Be Said

🌿 The Language of Light — Painting the Quiet Between Colors

Creating a Minimalist Artist’s Haven: Transforming Any Corner into a Fine Art Studio

1. Start with the Right Corner

2. Choose Your Core Workspace

3. Essential Tools — Minimal, Not Lacking

4. Organize with Beauty

5. Personal Touches for Inspiration

6. Flowing With Nature — A Watercolor Expression

Choosing the Right Surface for Your Artwork: Canvas, Board, or Paper?

Canvas, Board, or Paper?

🎨 Canvas – Classic and Versatile

🖼️ Painting Boards – Durable and Detail-Friendly

🧻 Paper – Affordable and Adaptable

💰 Pricing and Quality

✨ Final Takeaway

Acrylic vs. Oil Paint: Differences, Pros and Cons, and How to Tell Them Apart

The Timeless Debate: Acrylics or Oils?

1. Composition and Drying Time

2. Layering and Drying Considerations

3. Cleanup and Maintenance

4. Visual and Textural Differences

5. Pros and Cons Summary

6. Choosing What’s Best for You

Final Thoughts

The Roots of Color: A Southern Tale of Red, Blue, and Yellow

The Beginning: When Color Came from the Earth

Red: The Fire in the Heart

Blue: The Quiet Soul

Yellow: The Sunshine Maker

When Colors Meet

The Heart Behind the Hue

How to Become a Fine Art Painter and Build on Each Step of the Way

How to Become a Fine Art Painter and Build on Each Step of the Way

Introduction: Every Artist Starts with a First Brushstroke

1. See Like an Artist—Practice Observation and Inspiration

2. Keep Your Supplies Simple

3. Learn the Core Fundamentals

4. Build a Painting Routine

5. Study Great Artists—Then Create Your Own Voice

6. Explore and Evolve Your Personal Style

7. Connect with the Art Community

8. Keep Learning—Brushstroke by Brushstroke

Conclusion: The Joy Is in the Journey

Acrylic Color Mixing: A Visual Guide to the Color Spectrum

Mixing Different Shades of Purple with Acrylic Paints

🎨 1. True Purple (Vivid Violet)

💜 2. Lavender

💗 3. Lilac

🪻 4. Mauve

🌌 5. Indigo Purple

🍇 6. Plum

🍆 7. Violet Red (Magenta Purple)

🌫 8. Dusty Purple

🦋 Tips for Mixing Purples with Acrylics:

🌸 The Brush Listens — Kaia Lirien on Painting What Can’t Be Said