The decision to enroll in a workshop, with the investment of time and money it will require, should be taken seriously. A little preparation can make the difference between happiness and disappointment. In my experience students too often take workshops based on what the teachers paintings look like.. This is a…
If you have ever been guilty of making painting more complicated that it need be- try this approach. Find an object, preferably an object that is interesting in shape, trace it on several pieces of watercolor paper, canvas, or board and without looking at the object experiment with trusting you eye to…
Diane Santarella , my creative and thoughtful wife, has this list hanging off her easel. She also has the list given to us by Richard Diebenkorn (That I will share later) . The list is by Sister Corita Kent of The Immaculate Heart College Art Department. I think it is worth…
I must admit to being a bit cautious about addressing the subject of the “what” and “why” we paint (make art) for fear that some will hear accusation in my words. It is not my intent to devalue anyone who invests their time and energy in making art. Or to set up…
The blog post: “Oil, Watercolor, and Acrylic – Each is Great” prompted this question from a reader, “Tell us how you use watercolor like oil paint.” Traditionally watercolors have the reputation of only looking good when applied in such a way that features transparency. If you like the watercolors of John Singer Sargent,…
It is January 1, 2012. It is that time when we traditionally , after looking back, look forward to new possibilities, awarenesses, and to insights that will make us better at whatever we do. I paint. I have been reading The Accidental Masterpiece by Michael Kimmelman. The lessons of this writing are how…
Print making is the process of creating art through a sequence of transferring images from a matrix coated with ink or paint generally to paper. The matrix can be zinc, copper, glass, plexiglass, wood, and any surface that works for your intended purpose. Art prints generally refer to the making of images requiring creative decisions as…
For the past month I have been painting using oil pigments. Each time I revisit oil paints I am as excited as if visiting an old friend. There is a feel and freedom that accompanies painting with oil pigments that is unique. Oil paints do not shift in value or…
Welcome to my new website. Months in the making, Joshua Lawrence (my son) and I, have attempted to fill this site with relevant information that is easy to access and helpful to you in your painting journey. Here you will find my workshop calendar, a schedule of upcoming events, a gallery of my…
As I travel around the country conducting workshops I too often hear people discussing “the politics of painting”. These subjects are generally about ideas that have very little to do with making art, rather they are personally held beliefs that eat up more time and energy than they deserve. Subjects like opaque vs. transparent, to…