top of page


Creating Movement with Figure Ground Relationship: Charcoal Drawing Analysis using Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel Ceiling, Libyan Sybil
Understand art like never before! Learn the figure-ground relationship & see how artists create drama & movement.
2 min read


Painting Analysis of Sargent v. Sorolla: Seductive and Blatant with Color and Value
Exploring the contrasting styles of Sargent & Sorolla! We analyze their use of light, value, & color with each artist.
3 min read


Oil Painting Color Vibrancy: Why Did the Old Masters Use the Grisaille Painting Technique?
Learn about Grisaille painting! Discover how this technique, using shades of gray as a base, impacts color vibrancy and creates stunning art
2 min read


Leonardo daVinci & Aerial Perspective with Sfumato, Softening Edges by Getting Darker Farther Away
Aerial Perspective: Learn from Leonardo da Vinci's groundbreaking techniques to soften edges by getting darker farther away.
1 min read


Understanding How To Use The Color Wheel - You Might Be Using the Color Wheel Wrong!
Discover how to create stunning color schemes that evoke emotions and convey messages through value, temperature, and color psychology.
4 min read


The Story Behind 'A Man of Prayer,' my Smithsonian Portrait of President Jimmy Carter
Using Art Mapping and the technique of the Old Masters to tell the story of an American Hero and the 39th President of the United States.
10 min read


Lazy Painting Techniques: Get Back to Work Without Leaving Your Spot
The reducing lens, a useful and "lazy" resource for painting - step back without moving & prioritize perspective.
1 min read


Part 6 of 7: Varying Your Edges Lord Ribblesdale Sargent, Analyzing Lord Ribblesdale
Uncovering John Sargent's secrets: his edge work technique and masterful use of texture to create depth & contrast.
2 min read


Softening Edges by Cross Hatching, Analyzing Lord Ribblesdale with a Rosemary Brush
Softening edges with a round brush creates subtle contrast & direction, inviting viewer focus while balancing bold strokes.
2 min read


Part 5 of 7: Cross Hatching with Bristle Fan & Round, The Most Important Brushes for Oil Painting
There are various ways to achieve a sharp edge, and one of my favorites is using a bristle fan brush into wet paint.
1 min read
bottom of page