How to Keep Safe While Painting

What is the fuss about solvents? Recently I researched an article comparing oil paints. I was interested to read about health risks associated with artist materials. About that time I also happened to be talking to an artist about how I work in my studio. During the discussion he mentioned two artists who were afflicted with Parkinson's disease. Although these artists lived normal lifespans it was noteworthy that they shared this disease too. My mind started creating images of toxic waste in my humble studio. Maybe it was time to reassess basic...

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Art and Culture in South America - And the World

Art and Culture in North America Diverse - this probably characterizes the works of art in North America. Considered the melting pot of different cultures, we see works of art in various forms. The Northwest boasts the wonderful sight of totem poles; the Southwest regions offer the sight of figurines like the notable Kachina dolls; the arctic regions are known for its masks; and in the southwest, sand painting and pottery are famous. All of these art forms reflect the kind of culture that sustained the people who lived to create something spectacular. Art...

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Tales From an Art Gallery

Artists face the challenge of marketing their work. There is no point trying to avoid this unless the artist does not want to sell art. Many methods of marketing exist including the traditional gallery exhibits. I spent a year marketing my art, together with other artists, through an art gallery. My experience through this period has been invaluable. I had the pleasure of meeting many people including dedicated collectors, artists and other interesting folk. I experienced the highs and lows of the art trade at the meeting point between artist...

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How to Break Out of a Creative Rut

One of my artist friends asked me what do I personally do when I find myself stuck in a creative rut. I was in one of those periods recently. Not the first time and it will not be the last either. Every artist gets into a creative rut at times. The good news is that these ruts are necessary. They are a call to up your game. The artist's rut has many causes. Perhaps the most common are: Doing the same technique over and over expecting a different result; painting the same subject without intent; failing to study your art; not painting regularly;...

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Become An Artist's Model - Get Paid For Getting a Tan - You Wish

Well, having become involved with a local artists group in the Channel Islands Area, I realized that my pre-conceived notions about the lives of artists was totally misguided. Perhaps you too have some false visions as to how the art world works. If so, maybe I can assist you in setting the record straight. First, there are many types of artists. Some paint landscapes, buildings, and nature, others specialize in people, animals, and life art. Still, others make a living painting cars, airplanes, trains and other such things. Then there is the...

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Appreciation to Oil Painting - The Artist's Studio

People and things appearing in this painting had a certain meaning, which seemed puzzling. But it reflected the painter's democratic thought and realistic artistic direction, which contained Courbet's capitalist social attitude with suspicion and critique. Some people said that his painting was the proud expression and sad memories. In his paintings, he was very pleased with himself, giving the painting composition so naïve and warm vitality. It was so sincere and not ridiculous. Some people also said that his superb performance skills saved a...

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Renoir - The Impressionist Who Loved Life

"Why shouldn't art be pretty?" asked Renoir, stalwart of Impressionism. "There are enough unpleasant things in the world." True to his words Pierre Auguste Renoir painted beautiful canvases that came alive with flowers, people, lush landscapes, and nudes so sensual, he felt he could pinch them. His delight in life of the Parisian street corner was intense. So much that he side-stepped academic studio practices of the nineteenth century to paint everyday scenes. When his exasperated art master remarked "No doubt you took up painting just to amuse...

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