Skip's Studio Notes

  1. What Our Painted Images Represent

      What  Do Your Paintings Represent Every painting you make represents you.  One of my favorite quotes came from Willie Nelson when he asked this question of Nora Jones,”If all we knew of you was your work (art work) would be know you.”  Our representations are limited to imitation,  creation,…

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  2. Apologies for my Absence

    Dear Faithfuls,  Please understand my absence is not for lack of caring.  I have been on the road for four straight weeks.  There should be a medal for this kind of dedication.  Actually I enjoy teaching and the chance to share my passion for making things.  Every class has it’s…

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  3. Delaplaine Arts Center Workshop

    There are spaces available in my March 26 -30, 2012 workshop at the Delaplaine Art Center in Frederick, Maryland. This is  a real deal as the tuition is only $379 for members or $399 for non-members. The usual tuition for my workshops is $500 to $700 for a 5 day…

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  4. Freedom From, so called, Facts.

    "Tic, Tac, Toe"  12"x12"

        The very best days I spend in my studio are the days I paint without a thought as to how to paint. Several days ago, after having one of these magical studio days, Diane and I were sharing our usual adult beverage time, when I said to her,…

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  5. Preparing For a Painting Workshop

    cartoon-prep-web

        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…

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  6. Exercising Your Artistic Eye

    12_2-scissor-#3web

    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 your eye to…

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  7. A List of Rules for Thinking About ART

    Art-Rules(web)

    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…

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  8. Art and Philosophy

    "Keys"  22"x 30" watercolor on paper

      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…

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  9. How to Use Watercolor Like Oil Paint?

    "Pulling Together" transparent watercolor 22" x 30" 1994

    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,…

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  10. Happy New Year

    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…

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