Posts by paintingforlife
November 25 is Small Business Saturday
The Friday after Thanksgiving is well known as Black Friday, the time for getting a head start on your holiday shopping. But did you know that the following day, Saturday, November 26, has been dedicated to supporting small and local businesses? We support the movement now known as “Small Business Saturday” as we work to…
Read MoreColorado's Step Into Art History
Have you ever stopped in your tracks and gazed at the beautiful architecture of a nicely crafted building? Have you ever sat and admired a truly gifted fashion designer mix colors and fabrics and patterns together to craft something amazing? If this generally does not describe you, then I can understand why you may not…
Read MoreHalloween Craft Spiders
Craft Project for the Young and the Young at Heart Ideal age group: kindergarten – 5th grade This fun project works well on an individual basis as well as in large groups. Kids really get into their creations and it is very exciting to see what kind of creepy and fun spiders they come up…
Read MoreA Day in Plein Air
Since I will be teaching plein air painting in a few weeks, I realized that I had better get back to the swing of things and start painting on location again. My last paintings have all been studio paintings, where I’ve had the luxury of working from photos, taking my time, and listening to the ball…
Read MoreForcing the big shapes
Because I struggle with zooming out and painting the big shapes first, I forced myself to conduct a little exercise. I wanted to see how loose I could go while still maintaining recognizability. So I grabbed an Anthropology ad and found a great photo to work with, and I let go, trying to paint as…
Read MoreNew Art: "In His Image"
This piece started as a tribute to an organization called Kimmy’s House. Kimmy’s House focuses on ministering to special needs orphans in India and Haiti. The need is great. Either because of cultural beliefs or because of lack of resources, the special needs orphans of India and Haiti often times suffer great neglect, and can…
Read MoreColor comps: The key to good art
Below are five good reasons why one should create color comps in the same media as their final illustration or painting. One mistake I used to make was doing my color comp in a medium other than the one I was going to use for the final illustration. But after looking at Rockwell’s color comps,…
Read MoreA Word About Rosie's Ranch
I want to take the opportunity to use this post to highlight for you a very special place in Parker, Colorado. It’s called, “Rosie’s Ranch” and it is a place where children with oral language difficulties can come and learn about horses and the care of horses, while developing crucial life skills. A beautiful, remodeled…
Read MoreAn Iris of Hope
This painting was created in response to the tornado disasters in Joplin, Missouri, Alabama and all across the South and the Midwest. Pictorially, we wanted to show how hope can grow even in the darkest times. This hope comes not from us or our own strength, but from above. By creating this piece, Painting for…
Read MoreWedding Portraits
The busiest month of the year for weddings is here: June. Chances are, you are going to a wedding or two within the next few months. Have you thought of what to give the bride and groom? Especially a bride and groom that already has everything? While a painting or print is a great…
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