Delegating Tasks as an Artist The #1 Time Hack When I ask if you’re delegating tasks as an artist, I get some funny looks. No, I don’t mean have someone else paint your background so that you can come back later to paint the primary subject. Although that might work if you’re working on a […]
The Importance of Proportion in Art Sizing It All Up The importance of proportion in art can play a critical role in whether or not your drawings look realistic. Proportion is not the size of an object, but rather it is the size of the object in relation to other objects around it. If you’re […]
The Importance of Value in Art Otherwise Known as Shading The importance of value in art should be of top concern if you’re after realistic drawings. Value, otherwise known as shading, is a main player in what makes a drawing look three-dimensional or not. Without strong values, a drawing looks flat. The artist must be […]
4 Tips on Making Your Drawings More Realistic Besides Practice, Of Course How to make your drawings more realistic is the most common question asked by beginner artists. Of course, most want to draw like Michelangelo right from the start. But realistic drawings will remain elusive until you address these 4 common mistakes. This post […]
6 Tips for Avoiding Art Injuries Yes, I’m Serious! Who knew that avoiding art injuries was a thing? Is it really that hazardous being an artist? Most people wouldn’t think so…even artists. But the fact is, as enjoyable, calming, and peaceful the act of creating art can be, it involves repetitive motion, which can over […]
4 Tips on How to Prevent Pencil Smudging Genius? Not Really. Just Practical. The topic of how to prevent pencil smudging is one that every artist who has ever drawn with pencil has had to face. Pencil (graphite) is such a wonderful medium. Easy to use, relatively inexpensive, and forgiving. Make a mistake? No sweat. […]
Knowing When Your Work Is Done How to Avoid Overworking Your Project Knowing when your work is done can be a tricky thing. Have you ever had the main course in the oven and somehow, while you were busy preparing your side dishes, your main course went from done to a charred mess in the […]
6 Tips on How to Never Run Out of Ideas Sometimes It Takes Creativity To Stay Creative To never run out of ideas would be like gold for any artist. But it’s tough sometimes. I’ve been there. But I also found that a lot of it was me being lazy. I am literally surrounded by […]
Stuck in an Artistic Rut? 3 Tips to Get Unstuck Have you ever been stuck in an artistic rut? I believe all artists have experienced it at one time or another. I certainly have. It’s that moment when you lose all motivation to create. You may have half-finished projects on your table, but lose all […]
Is It Okay to Trace? Find Out Why…Or Why Not… Is it okay to trace? It’s a question that I’ve battled back and forth with many times over the years. And, I’ve come to the conclusion that the answer is yes…and no. Granted, most of my art school teachers would vehemently shout a resounding NO! […]
Our pets become part of the family. “Keo-boy”, my siamese, was just a month shy of 20 yrs old. It was very difficult when I had to put him down. It was so hard that I even had him cremated. Myra surprised me with a picture of him, which sits in my bedroom til this day. “Babe” followed “Keo” & if you know a bit about Maine Coons you know they have long beautiful hair with striking patterns. She surprised me one Xmas with a portrait of the big boy. I can’t believe it is done with only pencil. She captured every detail perfectly. I have known Myra all her life, as I am her auntie. She has always had a knack for drawing. At 4, she even placed her artwork on my white leather chair! I have seen her develop into a fantastic artist. I will treasure my works of art forever.
- E. Naito
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