Many years ago I heard a motivational speech about overcoming our weaknesses. It’s not enough, the speaker advised, to simply … More
Category: Graphite Pencils
Drawing Through
I learned something today. Of course, I try to learn something every day, and usually I do come across at … More
49 Dots and Other Drawing Exercises
In the summer of 2021 I downloaded an art instruction book by Barrington Barber — Learn to Draw: 10-Week Course … More
The Shadow Knows
I’m old enough to remember “The Shadow” radio program. Although it began in 1937, a bit before my time, it … More
School’s Out!
Being a life-long learner, I seem to naturally move with the rhythms of the school year. My excitement peaks each … More
Close Your Eyes… And Draw
In learning art, we hear over and over again about how important it is that we LOOK at what we’re … More
It Ain’t Me, Babe
If you’re old like me, you’ll remember this Bob Dylan classic. “It Ain’t Me, Babe” is said to be one … More
Making Messy Art
Many times I’ve said that creativity is “making a mess” — but that’s only part of it. The rest of … More
More Academic Drawing
A little over a year ago — March 2021 — I shared a sketch I’d made while following a demonstration … More
Let’s Pretend
As I browsed through the various workshops offered during this year’s “Sketchbook Revival”, one in particular caught my attention. It … More
Graphitint Pencils
I buy a lot of art supplies. Some I purchase because I really need them. Others I buy because I … More
Subtle Influences in Art
I’ve always had a fascination about influences. I love reading, for instance, that Mary Cassatt was influenced by Japanese woodblock printing, … More
Make of It What You Will
“Art Days” with grandsons Madox and Carsen are always fun times around our house. Our most recent Art Day involved … More
Art Misconceptions
Because I had a very limited acquaintance with art as a child, I grew up with a lot of misconceptions, … More
From Afar
From the time I first began oil painting, I’ve been aware of how very different art looks up close as … More
Rocky Falls: Value Study
When I began my current project — Rocky Falls — I first made several small “value sketches” designed to help … More
Tonal Bars
A few days ago I picked up Keys to Drawing — my current favorite “how to draw” book — and … More
A Shopping List for Learning
I like lists. Some people do, others don’t, and I’m one of those people who is always making one list … More
The 5-Minute Burn
Got your phone? You probably have it in your hand, right? And it probably has a “timer” feature included with … More
Disoriented Dreams
Throughout much of my adult life, I’ve had a recurring dream. I see myself at an airport, and I’m trying … More