Tag Archives: Inspiration

Axiom #1: The End Product Will Never Be Greater Than the Idea Behind the Artwork.

I’m at the point in life where I love to pass on to others things that I have learned along the way. As I teach and as I ponder great thoughts while painting I come back to some principles, some axioms, over and over again. I thought it would be good to get these writtenContinue reading “Axiom #1: The End Product Will Never Be Greater Than the Idea Behind the Artwork.”

Learning From Nature

“Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.” – Jimmy Carter This Art Instruction Video called “Learning from Nature” is meant to encourage artists and aspiring artists in their creative development through studying the visual world. Although this is the primary intended audience, there mightContinue reading “Learning From Nature”

Mural for an Elementary School

  I had the great opportunity to meet with the first graders at South School and ask them what they thought was important for their fellow students to remember.  Their answers all revolved around the theme “Be Kind.”  Each of the children placed their hand print on the lower section which became a field ofContinue reading “Mural for an Elementary School”

Teenage Art

They filed in the studio on a blustery and rainy afternoon coming from a small town in Redwood Country, Northern California.  Some knew each other previously and the chatter among them was upbeat, energizing and fun.  They gathered around the “Idea Table” searching for reference material for what they might like to draw.  Moving toContinue reading “Teenage Art”

Well of Creativity – How People Conceive Such Extraordinary Things!

“Inspiration” is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language in the following way: “1. a.  Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity. b.  The condition of being so stimulated. 2.  An agency, such as a person or work of art,  that moves the intellect orContinue reading “Well of Creativity – How People Conceive Such Extraordinary Things!”

Autumn Colors Inspire Art

 Well Fall is in the air!  As much as we long for summers here on the North Coast because we have such an abundance of rain, still, we tend to greet Autumn with great anticipation as well.  There is something about new beginnings, a change in the weather and students going back to school.  InContinue reading “Autumn Colors Inspire Art”

Fruit, Flowers and Faith

“I am never going to have anything more to do with politics or politicians. When this war is over I shall confine myself entirely to writing and painting.”  –  Winston Churchill What an interesting insight into this great leader in history!  Also revealed is an understanding that there are distinct seasons in the book ofContinue reading “Fruit, Flowers and Faith”

Why Art?

Why art?  Many would say there are much more practical ways to spend one’s time and energy.  There are incredibly talented artists all over the world.  Does the world really need one more painting or other creative form of expression? Art is many things, but for me in this season of my life, art hasContinue reading “Why Art?”

Sole Inspiration

In last night’s Colored Pencil Drawing Class the subject was shoes. The students did a great job bringing all kinds of footwear to artistic life. When we think of shoes there is what we call the sole of the shoe.  The word ‘sole’ or ‘soul’ is used in a couple of different ways.  In ministryContinue reading “Sole Inspiration”