Art Blog
This blog is for posting photos of new art pieces and the random thoughts of oil painter Stephen St. Claire.
Your Opinion Please...
Okay so, I have a question and I’d be really curious about YOUR answer (ALL OF YOU READING THIS). True confessions…I love to explore, and then I love to paint what I find on that exploration. Most of what the visitors to my Asheville studio see on my gallery walls is the result of me painting what my wife Joy and I discover while exploring the western North Carolina mountains.
I was told years ago that what I paint and display in my Asheville studio should be (since it’s western North Carolina we’re talking about) Western North Carolina scenes. If that is really the case, I can be happy with that guideline probably forever. I love this part of the country. I love our gentle mountains. Places like Grandfather Mountain, Gorges State Park, Smoky Mountains National Park, and pretty much any vista seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway — there is far more than one lifetime of potential paintings right here. But…
In your opinion, should I stick mostly to local scenes or when I travel to various parts of the country (or various parts of the world), would you like to see paintings inspired by those places? I love painting. Period. I could probably paint my navel and be happy (but it would not sell). Trust me on that. I need to paint sellable paintings since selling my paintings is what I do to pay my mortgage and buy food to eat. And I like food to eat. I need what I choose to paint to (eventually) be sellable. So do I paint what excites me even if it’s a scene that is set far from an Asheville, North Carolina locale, or should I play it safe and continue to mostly paint local scenes?
That’s my question. And your response here would be SO much appreciated.
"How did you know you wanted to be an artist?"
It’s easy at this point in my art career to take a lot for granted. I have an amazing job. I have an art studio in Asheville, in the heart of the River Arts District, just a few hundred yards from the mighty French Broad River (just kidding — it’s not all that mighty except for after a good thunderstorm), and I get to paint all day long and welcome people into my studio who are interested in artwork. It’s awesome. But as I said, it’s easy now to forget the steps I took to where I’m at now.
Yesterday, a gentleman from Toledo, Ohio was asking me about that artistic path, and it was good to remember. He asked, “how did you know you wanted to be an artist?”
The answer only took a moment to consider. I explained, “Well…do you remember that kid when you were in third grade that was always chosen last for the football, basketball or baseball team? :) That was me. At the time, it was really hurtful and shaming, but looking back now, I admit I feel sorry for the team that got stuck with my athletic skills. I really did stink. It’s not that I was uncoordinated. I liked individual sports, like skiing, running, things like that, but I crumbled under the pressure of team sports because too many people were depending on me and then I cracked. So, picture this insecure little kid who every day during P.E. wants to disappear. That was me. But then after lunch was art class, and the same kids that insulted me on the baseball diamond would regularly come over to my desk during art class and ask “Wow, how the *%$##@! did you do that?”
So very early on, art was a savior. But art makes a horrid savior, because it only saves you as long as you perform…as long as you’re the best. But when you’re not, it leaves you desolate. So after several years of wrestling with that, I began to create art just for the joy of it, not to prop up my sagging self image or try to prove something. I stopped “using” art for a personal (selfish) motive and being experiencing a real release in what I created and experimented with.
So how did I know I wanted to be an artist? It’s pretty much the only thing I’ve ever been really good at, so that makes the choice easy. I love my job. I love working as an artist in Asheville. I love the mountains of North Carolina. I wouldn’t trade this gig for anything in the world.
Lessons I've Learned as an Artist
I love Asheville and I especially love painting in my studio in Asheville in the summer time. Yes, it’s hot and muggy, but there are so many visitors wondering through the River Arts District — it’s really a fun environment to create artwork in! So many people and so many conversations! Some of the questions I’m asked are hysterical, and some are really deep. Last week, I had a couple visiting with me who asked an interesting question. And as I was answering them it occurred to me I should blog about it. The question was “what has being an artist taught you?” That struck me as a really huge (and very personal) question. I could probably write a whole book on that subject, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll condense my thoughts to five points.
Thinking outside the box is what creativity is all about.
When you learn art techniques in school, you study the “masters” of art history and in a sense, you copy their techniques in order to learn them. In a sense, this places each modern artist in a wonderful place...you are standing on the backs of people like Monet, Renoir, Rembrandt, Da Vinci, and on and on back to the first cave painters. You learn the rules (yes, THERE ARE RULES TO ART). Once you learn the techniques and rules, then (the fun part!) you learn how to remix them into something brand new and unique. This is where rules (some of them) are broken. Learning how and when to break the rules...that takes a life time of playing with art and composition.
2. Mistakes are necessary for growth
My whole technique was developed through many (and on-going) experiments. Some of those experiments work out well. Some of them fail completely. How you respond to a mistake is crucial I think, and I would guess this applies to all of life. If you let them crush and discourage you (and I have let mistakes do that), then that's the end of the story. But if the mistake prompts you to ask questions (like, "why did that happen?", "how did that happen?", "how can I make it do this or that?") then a new experiment takes shape. This is play. This is how play works! Very few mistakes in life are utterly crippling. Most of the mistakes we make can and should prompt serious questions, and as we search for answers...play happens and life goes on.
3. Marketing is really important if you want to be a full-time artist
I wish I could paint all day. I wish I didn't have to take the time to work social media (or write blogs :) but that is not possible. If people do not see the work of an artist, they won't appreciate it, and if they don't appreciate it, they won't purchase it, and if they don't purchase it, you can't be a full-time artist (unless you've won the lottery and can blow through the winnings for the rest of your life). Connecting to people and marketing what you do is really important. How to do that best is a complete mystery to me, but I’m learning. I'm not wired that way, but I know people who ARE and I ask for advice or pay them to for their help.
4. Rest and rejuvenation is crucial for creativity
For me, creativity and moments of epiphany happen when I'm quiet. That's why I walk a lot. Almost every day off, we're hiking -- getting out into nature and breathing in the peace and quiet. Being in nature is like a baby being in it's mother's lap. It's just where we belong. Something almost magical happens sometimes when I'm hiking and enjoying the beauty of creation. The experience creates in me a wonder; it takes me back to being like a child. In that place, my own creativity is excited. I have likened all this (quiet time) as "breathing in" and my own creating as "breathing out". One is necessary if you want the other.
5. People are more important than art.
I work in a public forum. People walk into my studio all day long and ask me what I'm working on and inquire about my technique. It's tempting to wish them all away so I can quietly enter "my creative zone" and paint in undistracted peace. But I'm always reminding myself that the people who come into my studio are infinitely more important than any piece of artwork I create. Artwork only lasts so long. People are eternal (that's my belief anyway). And according to my faith system, people are created in the image of God, so if I love God, I should see him in the face of every single person that enters my studio (and treat them accordingly).
"What are you Working on These Days?"
My Happy Mess
I had a client come into my art studio last week and he asked what I was working on these days. After I recounted some of the projects I’ve got in process, I thought “Wow, I’m really busy!” Thankfully, this has been a very busy season so far and I have lots on my plate and lots more projects I have in mind. So where to start?
I’ve got a three month show coming up in the summer at one of the premier hotel/restaurants in downtown Asheville. This will require 10 to 12 paintings, with more waiting “in the wings” to replace pieces as they sell (thinking positive here). Most of those paintings are completed now and ready for the show.
I am finishing up a commission (just completed today actually) for a couple that got married in Maine. The wedding venue had an amazing view of the mountains, so that vista was what I painted for their anniversary present to each other. I love creating a painting that’s not only a nice piece of artwork (hopefully!) but actually means something to the client. This one very definitely means a lot to them. How cool is that?
I’m also working on a rather large piece for a client that lives on a mountainside just south of Asheville. The view from their back deck is really spectacular so I’m creating a sunset inspired piece from the viewpoint of their back deck. This one is nearly completed now as well.
I just finished up a set of eight new pieces and have started a brand new 8-piece set to get ready for our busy summer season. Most of these paintings are on the smaller size (like 16” x 20” and 18” x 24”) so it’s easier on the wallet (since my prices are determined by the size). Come by this summer and there will be a lot to see!
How boring would life be if the motivation for everything we did was simply because it was practical?”
I saved the completely impractical (but really fun) projects for last in this list. This year, I wanted to depict a very large wave crashing on rocks and I just finished the line drawing of that composition on the canvas last week. The other project is a jagged peak of a mountain (up close view). I know…I’m in Asheville and how do I expect to sell a crashing wave (we’re five hours from the ocean and we only get huge waves here when there’s a hurricane) and we’re about a 30 hour drive from the nearest “jagged” mountains. So the reason I’m painting these two is because I want to. I don’t really care if these sell or not. I may end up with these on my own wall and if that’s the case, I’m very much okay with that. How boring would life be if the motivation for everything we did was simply because it was practical?” Seriously, I’d be excited if they don’t sell because I wouldn’t mind ending up with two of my very best pieces (and that’s what I intend to create). That said, if. you like waves and/or mountains, let’s talk. :)
Well, that about sums up the current work load of this Asheville artist. If you’re planning a trip to visit western North Carolina this year, please make sure you include our art studio (in Asheville’s historic River Arts District) in your itinerary. With over 220 artists with open art studios, you could spend a whole day browsing artwork and meeting artists. Cheers!
Lessons I've Learned as an Artist
I love my job. I really love it. I’m a painter in Asheville, North Carolina and have an open studio in the River Arts District. I work around 200 other artists (within a square mile) and share a very precious comradery with them. Every day, I walk the three miles to the studio and gear up to the tasks of the day, and then walk three miles home to unwind. My life is awesome right now.
This lifestyle and occupation niche is really rewarding but doesn’t come without challenges and lessons to be learned. Actually, I’ve learned a whole lot as a result of being a full time artist with an open studio:
1) Learn to be patient with tactile visitors
People love to touch my artwork. It’s not enough to look at it, they have to touch it. And they don’t just touch finished pieces. Every time I step away from my work table, I have to put up several “PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH” signs around my work (because it’s wet paint!). Otherwise, I can come back and see foreign fingerprints. I can let this frustrate me (and it has) or insult me (and it does) but my work inspires curiosity and when I remember that fact, it makes it much easier to just deal with the inconvenience of painting over a fingerprint. Inspiring curiosity is an amazing thing and (when my head is in the right place), that makes me smile. That’s what this is all about.
2) Learn to be patient with people’s questions
Every day, I have to answer exactly the same questions multiple times and honestly, it’s exhausting sometimes. The artwork I do is something no one else is doing and while I love that fact, my artwork baffles some people. Before they even look around the studio, some folks have come over to me and almost demanded “So what is that? What’s your process? How do you do this?” I want to say “Why are you worried about HOW I do this? DO YOU LIKE IT?” And that’s because that’s really all I care about. When Joy and I go out to dinner downtown and have an awesome main course, I do not go back to the kitchen and ask the chef “What is this sauce? How did you make it?!” I would never even think of asking. I’m just consumed with “I really love this sauce” or “this doesn’t taste right” and that’s all. So this area frankly baffles me. But…again, if artwork inspires curiosity and ignites questions in the mind of the viewer, is that a bad thing? I don’t think so. It can be exhausting for me as the artist involved here, but I think it’s a very good thing. I don’t want my artwork to look like everyone else’s work. I do want it to be unique. So I’ve learned to be okay (most of the time anyway) with the hundreds of times a week I’m asked this question and try to answer it with a genuine smile (because when they ask, that means my artwork has done it’s job: inspired curiosity).
3) Listen well
I love my business model. Because I work right in the middle of public setting, I get to hear all the comments people make to each other. And this is really helpful. I come up with all sorts of ideas for artwork, but I honestly don’t know if they’re all good ideas until I hang the artwork on the wall and listen to people. This can be humbling, but so helpful. This is my job, and because of that, I can’t afford to be “angsty” and put my artwork up on the wall with the attitude that if people don’t appreciate it, there’s something wrong with them. That attitude won’t fly here. I put up an idea and I know pretty quickly if it was a good idea or not. I can hear some artist say, “Okay, he’s a sell-out”. I disagree. If I want to make a living selling hot dogs, I’d better make sure people enjoy my hot dogs, right? Get some focus groups together and do blind taste tests and see what sells. I’m not saying that an artist should just abandon the passion inside and paint only what people want. But if a respect for people and their interests and tastes is not part of the equation, that artist will not be able to create full time. Unless it’s a hobby, art needs to sell and if it’s not, it’s either too expensive, or the quality is lacking or it’s not executed with the right (popular) color palette, etc. All these things need to be factored into the production of a painting that (hopefully) will one day sell.
That’s probably enough for this blog entry. I’ve got more to say so…this will be continued.
"Aqueous Dream"
Several months ago, I was asked to create a large installation piece of art for a design showroom in Oklahoma City (30A Home). The place is awesome and amazing and they are displaying one other installation piece (multiple panel art) and several single abstract paintings of mine already.
This piece was an unexpected challenge. Ha! I have found that the term “unexpected” is usually applied to all my abstract paintings because they seem to have a mind of their own. I tell visitors to my art studio that painting an abstract painting is a bit like raising a teenager: they have their own mind and don’t like to be forced to conform to YOUR will. They have their own plan. It sounds almost metaphysical (sorry) but my job as a painter is to figure out what each abstract paintings “wants” to become. Landscape paintings are totally different. They’re like the super agreeable and responsible first born kid. An abstract piece is, uh….not like that. This particular abstract installation was a particularly challenging painting, in that I painted it twice. I originally had my own idea regarding what I wanted it to look like. So I spent several weeks applying paint and not liking it. So I worked on it more and arm wrestled it into compliance…and..then…
It won. It did not want to be what I wanted it to be. So I killed it. (It’s okay. It’s just a painting. I’m anthropomorphizing it.) So in a fit of rage (not really, but it makes a great story), I covered over every single panel with fresh aluminum leaf and…begun again.
This time, I just picked a color palette and let it have it’s say. And oh my gosh, even after the very first then application of paint, I was so glad I started over. I loved it. There’s got to be a life lesson here. I should write a parenting book I think. Anyway, after several more weeks of simply “listening” to what this piece wanted and complying; gently coercing it to my will here and there JUST A BIT, it turned into something I am so proud of. Wooo Hooo!
Only North Carolina?
“El Capitan” circa 2013
A few years ago (before I moved to my current studio on Depot Street, I was in the Wedge Building in Asheville’s River Arts District. At that time, I was painting mostly local Western North Carolina mountain scenes — places that were within an hour or two drive from Asheville. I was beginning to sell well (much better than I’d ever thought I would or could) and I was really excited about what I was doing. I was selling artwork to people from the north as far as Maine and south as far as Florida, and from the east coast to the west coast.
Because my clients were from all over North America, the thought occurred to me that maybe I was unnecessarily limiting myself in my subject matter. My musings at the time went like this… “Since my art buyers are coming from literally all over the country, maybe I shouldn’t JUST paint local Western North Carolina landscapes. Maybe I should I branch out and paint some of the iconic scenes from all over the country.” ???
So I spent several months painting some of the most amazing landscapes this country has to offer. The painting I’m featuring on this blog post “El Capitan” is from that series. What I found though was that my sales shriveled to a small fraction of what they were before. Because I am dependent on making the most people happy as possible with my artwork, I gave up painting anything but generic or local North Carolina landscapes and…my sales went back to where they were before my little theme-based experiment. I learned something from that, although I confess I wish I could make a living painting more than JUST my own backyard. I love this part of the country, but this country is so huge and so beautiful — as an artist, I’d love to be able to paint all of it. But as a homeowner, I need to sell my artwork so I can pay my mortgage. So that has been my quandary.
So I write this blog post to ask for the opinions of anyone out there that might feel inclined to share…
1) Would you like to see at least some paintings that were not “North Carolina themed” and, if you could, would you be more inclined to purchase them than local themed paintings?
2) If you answered yes to question 1…What part of the country would you love to see depicted?
3) Do you have a favorite place in your own state that you would love to have depicted in a painting? Or have you visited somewhere in your travels that would make an awesome piece of art?
If the only artwork I can sell here in Asheville is North Carolina themed and generic landscapes, I’m content with that. I’m just wondering if I chose the wrong photos to work from or if the paintings I did back then just weren’t all that great (I hope I’m a better artist now than I was six years ago!). But I’d love your input. I really do listen. So thank you ahead of time for any opinion you have on the matter!
"The Trail That Never Ends"
About a month ago, I had some really nice visitors to my studio in Asheville’s River Arts District. They spent some time looking at all my landscape oil paintings and approached me as I was painting at my work station up front. They asked me if I ever did commissions (I LOVE COMMISSIONS!) and after talking them through the process, they gave me a photo of theirs which was taken somewhere along the Appalachian Trail. I was excited to be able to honestly say I’ve now tackled the A.T.
“it just kept going and going and going...”
This trail is infamous and wonderful. One friend of mine tried to hike it a few years ago and the main complaint was “it just kept going and going and going”. Yes. It goes on forever.
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,180+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, it criss-crosses through twelve states along the eastern seaboard.
Completing the entire 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in one trip is a mammoth undertaking. Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way. A typical thru-hiker takes 5 to 7 months to hike the entire A.T.
I’ve not actually hiked much of the A.T. but some of my very favorite vistas are on the trial: Max Patch and Roan Mountain. If you’re in North Carolina (or…Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine), it’s definitely worth exploring. And in the meantime, enjoy the painting!
Funny Things People Say in an Art Studio
Most of the time, being artist in the River Arts District in Asheville is a blast. I mean really -- all of us down here are living out our passion, and making a living doing it! Who could ask for a better job than that? And honestly, about 98% of the people who visit us are super nice people. Some of become regular clients and dear friends of mine. The fact that we artists don't create in a vacuum is one of the huge benefits of our "open studio" business model here in the Arts District. This keeps us socialized (which honestly, is really emotionally healthy) and ithe fact that I can see and hear what I do that resonates with visitors helps me make a living as a painter.
"How Ready are you to Sell These?"
So honestly, all 220 of us artists in the Arts District love our jobs and we very warmly welcome any visitor who comes in to feel free to chat with us and take a look at our artwork. That said, there is a really funny 2% of studio visitors that either make us laugh or cry. A few weeks ago, one of the artists posted an entry on our River Arts District Facebook page asking for artist contributions to a growing list of "funny things people say when visiting an art studio". I cracked up reading this list and thought others might crack a smile as well. This is what keeps life as an artist entertaining...
Visitor walking out the door: "But how much can a painting really cost? Paint and boards aren't that expensive"...
Visitor to friend: "We should buy some of these and make these and make them ourselves!”
"How ready to sell this are you?"
"I have a group in China that copies oil paintings like this for a quarter of these prices."
“Does the city pay your rent?"
"Is this your 'real job'? Can you really make a living doing this?"
“My cousin is an artist. You should see his work! He sells his.”
"I've paid less for a car!"
"This piece has been on your website for over three months...so...I'm going to offer to pay you 50% of the prices..."
"What exactly is this material?" (as they are sticking their finger into wet oil paint)
"Does your job give you insurance? I couldn't take a job without insurance."
Man to girlfriend: “Babe, you could TOTALLY do this!” Man to me: “so HOW do you do this??”
Woman entering and looking around the studio: "Are all the pretty paintings gone?"
Man looking around at the walls: "this must be the stuff that doesn't sell right?"
“So how does it feel to be selling out?”
"It's so sensitively done! I thought for sure the artist was a woman!".
Visitor whispering...“Heck, honey I’ll make you one of those”
"Can you give me a break on sales tax?"
"Do you have any 95% off prices?"
"Did your real job not work out, so now you're here?"
"How long does it take ya to paint one a them things?" (I think they're trying to figure out your hourly wages.)
Visitor showing the artist photos on his phone: "I wouldn't charge you much if you wanted to use any of these photos. Just pay me a commission if your painting sells."
"Oh, the kids make those."
A few weeks ago, a woman came in the studio with her little high strung, fashionably dressed miniature curly haired dog and after a few minutes of browsing she walked quickly up to me and asked where her dog could pee.
"It's a nice little hobby you have here."
"I would love to just play like this all day but... I have a job."
A man came in to our studios, looked around quickly and then asked me where she could find "fine art".
From a woman at a local museum..."I love your work and we're committed to promoting local artists. We'd like to have you paint a 10 ft x 20 ft mural." (Then she explained that the museum would pay for the paint but needed me to donate my time to design and paint it.)
"I absolutely love your work! I always go to the ***** art auction and I always look to see if I can get one of your paintings at a good price."
Gallery Representation in Hendersonville!
I'm super excited to announce that I'm going to be represented in Hendersonville, NC right there on Main Street at the Silver Fox Gallery (508 N. Main Street). I just toured the gallery today with Joy and it's a really wonderful collection of furniture and really exquisite home furnishings (including artwork). If you're in the area, it's most definitely worth a visit. Tell them I sent you!
I'm excited about it for several reasons. First, it'll be great to be represented right there on Main Street (just across from Mast General Store). I've always LOVED Main Street, Hendersonville. It's full of tourists in the summer and it's just a really nice place to walk around, check out galleries, antique stores, grab some ice cream, visit the bakery and go to dinner. There's also a wonderful kids museum just up the street, Hands On! Children's Museum (with grandchildren that visit, we go there often). So anyway, I love the location.
Secondly though, this gallery is very deeply involved with interior design projects (they have on-staff designers) and I've had super great experiences in the past working directly with an interior designer on special custom projects in the past (the Pardee Cancer Center, City Centre project in downtown Asheville and including the main elevator lobby, and the Hilton Garden Inn lobby.
So hello Hendersonville! I'm glad to be a part of what's going on in one of the coolest little towns in North Carolina!
Blog Archive
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2025
- Oct 12, 2025 What can I learn from Pablo Picasso in 2025? Oct 12, 2025
- Oct 10, 2025 What can I learn from Raphael in 2025? Oct 10, 2025
- Oct 8, 2025 What can I learn from Georgia O’Keefe in 2025? Oct 8, 2025
- Sep 28, 2025 What can I learn from Caravaggio in 2025? Sep 28, 2025
- Jul 25, 2025 What can I learn from Thomas Gainsborough in 2025? Jul 25, 2025
- Jul 20, 2025 What can I learn from Leonardo da Vinci in 2025? Jul 20, 2025
- Jul 15, 2025 What can I learn from Michelangelo in 2025? Jul 15, 2025
- Jul 2, 2025 What can I learn from Van Gogh in 2025? Jul 2, 2025
- Jun 25, 2025 What can I learn from Renoir in 2025? Jun 25, 2025
- Jun 23, 2025 What can I learn from Claude Monet in 2025? Jun 23, 2025
- Jun 21, 2025 Using Complimentary Colors for Shading Jun 21, 2025
- Jun 17, 2025 How and When to use Complimentary Colors Jun 17, 2025
- May 30, 2025 Perspective in Art 101: How to Make Your Drawings Pop Off the Page May 30, 2025
- May 26, 2025 How to Really Understand Medieval Art May 26, 2025
- May 22, 2025 Staying Creative May 22, 2025
- May 10, 2025 AT Experience May 10, 2025
- May 3, 2025 Go Take a Walk! May 3, 2025
- Apr 25, 2025 Periods of Art: Mannerism Apr 25, 2025
- Apr 17, 2025 Finding Meaning in the Abstract: Pointers for Understanding Modern Art Apr 17, 2025
- Apr 16, 2025 The Quiet Labor Apr 16, 2025
- Apr 12, 2025 To Art: a Poem Apr 12, 2025
- Apr 5, 2025 The Enchantment of Art Nouveau Apr 5, 2025
- Mar 23, 2025 "What was it like going to art school?" Mar 23, 2025
- Mar 18, 2025 Why I Love the Rococo Period Mar 18, 2025
- Mar 4, 2025 Expressing Joy Through Art Mar 4, 2025
- Feb 28, 2025 The Connection Between Art and Frustration Feb 28, 2025
- Feb 23, 2025 Neoclassicism: Bringing Ancient Style Back to Life Feb 23, 2025
- Feb 18, 2025 On my walk Feb 18, 2025
- Feb 12, 2025 Art at the Very Beginning Feb 12, 2025
- Feb 10, 2025 Monet and Renoir: A Personal Reflection on Their Differences Feb 10, 2025
- Feb 6, 2025 The Fount of Creation: A poem Feb 6, 2025
- Feb 1, 2025 The Connection Between Art and Grief Feb 1, 2025
- Jan 29, 2025 A Journey Through Medieval Art: Stories from the Middle Ages Jan 29, 2025
- Jan 26, 2025 The Story of Art: The Romantic Period Jan 26, 2025
- Jan 16, 2025 The Relationship Between Music and Painting Jan 16, 2025
- Jan 12, 2025 Periods of Art: Baroque Jan 12, 2025
- Jan 11, 2025 Marketing your Artwork Jan 11, 2025
- Jan 7, 2025 Exploring the Golden Ratio in Art Jan 7, 2025
- Jan 3, 2025 Artistic Enlightenment: Lessons from Italy Jan 3, 2025
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2024
- Dec 29, 2024 Why Travel is Crucial for Unleashing Creativity Dec 29, 2024
- Dec 22, 2024 Steps to Becoming a Full-Time Professional Artist Dec 22, 2024
- Dec 10, 2024 How to Determine Subject Matter for Your Next Painting Dec 10, 2024
- Dec 3, 2024 My Favorite Artist Dec 3, 2024
- Dec 1, 2024 Creativity and Exploration Dec 1, 2024
- Nov 13, 2024 Impressionistic Heroes of Mine Nov 13, 2024
- Nov 10, 2024 "So how do you DO this?" Nov 10, 2024
- Nov 3, 2024 Discovering the Bond Between Nature and Art Nov 3, 2024
- Nov 1, 2024 How Art Can Help Us Cope with Stress Nov 1, 2024
- Oct 27, 2024 How to Select the Perfect Art for Your Home Oct 27, 2024
- Oct 24, 2024 What to Do When You Feel Like Giving Up as an Artist Oct 24, 2024
- Oct 14, 2024 Book Review: The Artist’s Way Oct 14, 2024
- Oct 11, 2024 How to find Inspiration for your art Oct 11, 2024
- Sep 24, 2024 Crafting the Perfect Title for Your Artwork Sep 24, 2024
- Sep 14, 2024 The Worst Advice I’ve Ever Received as an Artist Sep 14, 2024
- Sep 8, 2024 Overcoming Artist’s Block: Practical Tips Sep 8, 2024
- Aug 30, 2024 Exploring Lessons from Vincent van Gogh Aug 30, 2024
- Aug 29, 2024 Why Purchase Original Artwork? Aug 29, 2024
- Aug 25, 2024 How do you determine the best size artwork to purchase? Aug 25, 2024
- Aug 15, 2024 "So, what's this painting worth?" Aug 15, 2024
- Aug 9, 2024 What color art would go best in my home? Aug 9, 2024
- Aug 4, 2024 How to deal with criticism as an artist Aug 4, 2024
- Mar 27, 2024 Question 12: "What do you do when you have a mental block?" Mar 27, 2024
- Mar 27, 2024 New Goals + Winter Months = "Outside the Box" Creativity Mar 27, 2024
- Jan 8, 2024 Question 11: Where do you get inspiration for your work? Jan 8, 2024
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2023
- Sep 11, 2023 Question 10: "Do you have your work in galleries?" Sep 11, 2023
- Aug 27, 2023 Question 9: "How do you manage the business side of your art business?" Aug 27, 2023
- Aug 20, 2023 Question 8: "Do you advertise?" Aug 20, 2023
- Aug 13, 2023 Question 7: "How do you price your work?" Aug 13, 2023
- Jul 30, 2023 Question 6: "What are the positive points and negative points about having an 'open studio'?" Jul 30, 2023
- Jul 19, 2023 Question 5: "Would you mind critiquing my work at some point?" Jul 19, 2023
- Jul 1, 2023 Question 4: "Would you recommend art school, and if so, how would you find the right one?" Jul 1, 2023
- Jun 24, 2023 Question 3: "Did you go to art school? If so, where?" Jun 24, 2023
- Jun 16, 2023 Question 2: "How long have you been selling your work professionally?" Jun 16, 2023
- Jun 10, 2023 Question 1..."How long have you been an artist?" Jun 10, 2023
- Jun 4, 2023 So, you're thinking about art as a career? Jun 4, 2023
- Mar 3, 2023 "What inspires you as an artist?" Mar 3, 2023
- Feb 15, 2023 Should I buy a completed painting OR commission a painting? Feb 15, 2023
- Jan 23, 2023 "How do you Price Your Work?" Jan 23, 2023
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2022
- Dec 1, 2022 An Artist in Italy (Part 3) Dec 1, 2022
- Nov 16, 2022 An Artist in Italy (Part 2) Nov 16, 2022
- Nov 8, 2022 An Artist in Italy (Part 1) Nov 8, 2022
- Oct 10, 2022 When Remodeling a Home... Oct 10, 2022
- Aug 22, 2022 How to Handle Failure Aug 22, 2022
- Jun 3, 2022 "What is it like being an artist these days?" Jun 3, 2022
- May 21, 2022 "Are All Artists Introverts?" May 21, 2022
- May 9, 2022 What Makes a Painting a Good Piece of Art? May 9, 2022
- Apr 1, 2022 The Story Behind…"Gentle Showers on a Summer Afternoon" Apr 1, 2022
- Mar 19, 2022 The Story Behind..."Blue Ridge Summer Afternoon" Mar 19, 2022
- Feb 18, 2022 Your Opinion Please... Feb 18, 2022
- Jan 22, 2022 What's in a Compliment? Jan 22, 2022
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2021
- Dec 25, 2021 My Christmas Present to Joy Dec 25, 2021
- Dec 12, 2021 Deep in the Heart Dec 12, 2021
- Nov 29, 2021 "How do you know you're done with a painting?" Nov 29, 2021
- Nov 1, 2021 Does it Matter What Other People Think of My Art? Nov 1, 2021
- Oct 12, 2021 Creatively Inhaling... Oct 12, 2021
- Aug 31, 2021 More Fun than I Know What to do With Aug 31, 2021
- Aug 13, 2021 “Are You Self Taught?” Aug 13, 2021
- Jul 21, 2021 New Art Gallery on the West Coast Jul 21, 2021
- Jun 23, 2021 "Art from the Heart" vs "Commissioned Art" Jun 23, 2021
- May 28, 2021 More Questions and Answers May 28, 2021
- May 17, 2021 What does Diversity have to do with honest artwork? May 17, 2021
- May 4, 2021 More Questions and Answers May 4, 2021
- Apr 30, 2021 Questions and Answers Apr 30, 2021
- Apr 16, 2021 And the Next Blog Post is... Apr 16, 2021
- Mar 10, 2021 How do you create when you don't feel like creating? Mar 10, 2021
- Feb 11, 2021 "Mullaghmore": The Story Behind the Painting Feb 11, 2021
- Jan 28, 2021 A Look Back to "The Dark Year" Jan 28, 2021
- Jan 17, 2021 Studio Expansion...Hello Northeast! Jan 17, 2021
- Jan 7, 2021 How to Create the Perfect Painting Jan 7, 2021
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2020
- Dec 1, 2020 A personal answer to a personal question... Dec 1, 2020
- Nov 4, 2020 Using Art to Express my Politics Nov 4, 2020
- Oct 16, 2020 Sometimes, just "having fun" is a good enough reason Oct 16, 2020
- Oct 4, 2020 The Best Painting Delivery Ever... Oct 4, 2020
- Sep 7, 2020 How a Dinky Little Virus Changed my Art Business Sep 7, 2020
- Aug 9, 2020 Adaptation: Survival of the Most Flexible Aug 9, 2020
- Aug 3, 2020 Story Behind the Painting: "Sundown over the Blue Ridge" Aug 3, 2020
- Jul 18, 2020 Cure for Covid blues Jul 18, 2020
- Jul 5, 2020 Where Does it Take You? Jul 5, 2020
- Jun 3, 2020 Story Behind the Painting: Autumn Day on the French Broad River Jun 3, 2020
- May 24, 2020 Story Behind the Painting: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat May 24, 2020
- Apr 30, 2020 Q&A: SESSION TWO Apr 30, 2020
- Apr 22, 2020 Q&A: SESSION ONE Apr 22, 2020
- Apr 8, 2020 What I'll Miss When This Pandemic is Over... Apr 8, 2020
- Mar 20, 2020 Entertaining Angels Unawares Mar 20, 2020
- Mar 8, 2020 In Celebration of Art Mar 8, 2020
- Feb 27, 2020 "The Bridge" Feb 27, 2020
- Feb 8, 2020 The Most Interesting Question of the Year (but it's only February so...) Feb 8, 2020
- Jan 29, 2020 "Can I Watch You?" Jan 29, 2020
- Jan 14, 2020 From Point A to Point Z Jan 14, 2020
- Jan 5, 2020 An Impractical Idea Jan 5, 2020
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2019
- Dec 17, 2019 My Beautiful Baby on Display Dec 17, 2019
- Dec 3, 2019 Regarding the Selection of an Artistic Theme Dec 3, 2019
- Nov 20, 2019 "What's Your Best Price on This Piece?" Nov 20, 2019
- Nov 13, 2019 A Really Unique Commission Project Nov 13, 2019
- Nov 6, 2019 Fun with Art Scammers Nov 6, 2019
- Nov 3, 2019 "How did you know you wanted to be an artist?" Nov 3, 2019
- Oct 30, 2019 How do you know when a painting is "done"? Oct 30, 2019
- Oct 20, 2019 The piece I had to paint: "Côte d’Azur" Oct 20, 2019
- Oct 18, 2019 Inspiration Everywhere! Oct 18, 2019
- Aug 26, 2019 Contentment vs Restlessness Aug 26, 2019
- Aug 14, 2019 "Why Should I Purchase Artwork?" Aug 14, 2019
- Aug 11, 2019 What Was Art School Like? Aug 11, 2019
- Aug 7, 2019 "The Four Seasons on the French Broad River" Aug 7, 2019
- Jul 30, 2019 Joy Unspeakable Jul 30, 2019
- Jul 7, 2019 Of Mountains and Oceans Jul 7, 2019
- Jul 3, 2019 Lessons I've Learned as an Artist Jul 3, 2019
- Jun 26, 2019 St.Claire Art Opening at the AC Hotel, Asheville Jun 26, 2019
- Jun 23, 2019 "How do you decide what to paint?" Jun 23, 2019
- Jun 5, 2019 One of my All-Time Heroes Jun 5, 2019
- Jun 2, 2019 Regarding "Inspiration" vs "Necessity" Jun 2, 2019
- May 29, 2019 The Best Complement I've Ever Received May 29, 2019
- May 19, 2019 "What are you Working on These Days?" May 19, 2019
- May 5, 2019 "Frankenstein-ing" a painting May 5, 2019
- Apr 17, 2019 The Big Reveal Apr 17, 2019
- Apr 3, 2019 "How do you Decide What to Paint?" Apr 3, 2019
- Mar 27, 2019 "I'm just not making the sales I need!" Mar 27, 2019
- Mar 20, 2019 Making the Most of Mistakes Mar 20, 2019
- Mar 10, 2019 Exploring Austin Galleries, Part 2 Mar 10, 2019
- Feb 25, 2019 Exploring Austin Galleries, Part 1 Feb 25, 2019
- Feb 10, 2019 Progress! Feb 10, 2019
- Jan 23, 2019 Preliminary Photos of my "Sails" Prototypes Jan 23, 2019
- Jan 16, 2019 The Benefits of Slowing Down Jan 16, 2019
- Jan 8, 2019 New Idea Taking Shape Jan 8, 2019
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2018
- Dec 29, 2018 Looking Back and Looking Ahead Dec 29, 2018
- Dec 19, 2018 Percolating Creativity Dec 19, 2018
- Dec 16, 2018 So then... Dec 16, 2018
- Dec 12, 2018 What if... Dec 12, 2018
- Dec 5, 2018 Recent Projects on my Plate Dec 5, 2018
- Dec 3, 2018 Claude: My Creative Hero and Muse Dec 3, 2018
- Nov 22, 2018 Lessons I've Learned as an Artist Nov 22, 2018
- Nov 12, 2018 Planning for a Second Studio Location! Nov 12, 2018
- Nov 7, 2018 Steps Involved with a Painting Commission Nov 7, 2018
- Nov 4, 2018 How do you stay "balanced"? Nov 4, 2018
- Oct 28, 2018 What makes art "Art"? Oct 28, 2018
- Oct 21, 2018 "How Did You Stumble Across This Type of Artwork?" Oct 21, 2018
- Oct 17, 2018 "A Personal History" Oct 17, 2018
- Oct 14, 2018 Commission Confusion Oct 14, 2018
- Oct 10, 2018 "Aqueous Dream" Oct 10, 2018
- Oct 7, 2018 Beauty in the Center of the Pit Oct 7, 2018
- Sep 30, 2018 Only North Carolina? Sep 30, 2018
- Sep 23, 2018 The Price of Being a Landscape Painter Sep 23, 2018
- Sep 9, 2018 Thoughts on New Directions, New Possibilities Sep 9, 2018
- Aug 29, 2018 SURVEY: GLOSSY OR SATIN Aug 29, 2018
- Aug 22, 2018 Regarding Commissioning a Painting Aug 22, 2018
- Aug 19, 2018 On the Brink of a Huge Failure Aug 19, 2018
- Aug 7, 2018 "The Trail That Never Ends" Aug 7, 2018
- Aug 5, 2018 Inspration Begets Inspiration Aug 5, 2018
- Jul 19, 2018 Rejuvenating Creativity! Jul 19, 2018
- Jul 15, 2018 A Word About Accolades Jul 15, 2018
- Jul 10, 2018 Where it Began Jul 10, 2018
- Jul 4, 2018 Funny Things People Say in an Art Studio Jul 4, 2018
- Jun 29, 2018 "The Time Between Times" Jun 29, 2018
- Jun 27, 2018 World View #8: Post Modernism Jun 27, 2018
- Jun 21, 2018 World View #7: New Age Pantheism Jun 21, 2018
- Jun 12, 2018 A New Opportunity -- A New Idea Jun 12, 2018
- Jun 6, 2018 The Art of Dinner (at the Grove Park Inn) Jun 6, 2018
- Jun 3, 2018 National Geographic?!? Jun 3, 2018
- Jun 1, 2018 World View #6: Modernism Jun 1, 2018
- May 24, 2018 The Art of Dinner (with the Dallas Cowboys) May 24, 2018
- May 13, 2018 Carving Mountains from Scratch May 13, 2018
- May 10, 2018 "Trigger Warning" May 10, 2018
- May 7, 2018 World View #5: Existentialism May 7, 2018
- Apr 29, 2018 World View #4: Nihilism Apr 29, 2018
- Apr 11, 2018 World View #3: Naturalism Apr 11, 2018
- Apr 4, 2018 World View #2: Deism Apr 4, 2018
- Mar 26, 2018 World View #1: Theism Mar 26, 2018
- Mar 23, 2018 A Time to be Disturbed Mar 23, 2018
- Mar 14, 2018 Understanding Art 101 Mar 14, 2018
- Mar 8, 2018 The Organ Mountains Mar 8, 2018
- Mar 7, 2018 "Remember...there are no mistakes with art" Mar 7, 2018
- Mar 2, 2018 The Biltmore Estate Mar 2, 2018
- Feb 21, 2018 How to Make a Living as an Artist (Part 2) Feb 21, 2018
- Feb 12, 2018 How to Make a Living as an Artist Feb 12, 2018
- Feb 4, 2018 How do you create when you don't feel creative? Feb 4, 2018
- Jan 24, 2018 Gallery Representation in Hendersonville! Jan 24, 2018
- Jan 19, 2018 Metalizing the Biltmore Estate Jan 19, 2018
- Jan 15, 2018 Four Seasons on the Blue Ridge Jan 15, 2018
- Jan 11, 2018 About Ice... Jan 11, 2018
- Jan 10, 2018 What's Next? Jan 10, 2018
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2017
- Dec 20, 2017 Mountain Top Experiences Dec 20, 2017
- Dec 18, 2017 The Power of Mystery Dec 18, 2017
- Dec 7, 2017 Forsyth Park Fountain Dec 7, 2017
- Dec 6, 2017 Angsty or Terrified? Dec 6, 2017
- Dec 4, 2017 To the "Angsty" Artist... Dec 4, 2017
- Dec 3, 2017 "I woudn't pay HALF of what he's asking!" Dec 3, 2017
- Nov 20, 2017 "On the Water" Nov 20, 2017
- Nov 19, 2017 Song of Autumn Nov 19, 2017
- Nov 15, 2017 "Top of the Mountain" Nov 15, 2017
- Nov 5, 2017 "How do you decide what to paint?" Nov 5, 2017
- Nov 2, 2017 "Valley of Shadows" Nov 2, 2017
- Nov 1, 2017 Forest of Autumn Gold Nov 1, 2017
- Oct 25, 2017 Then and Now Oct 25, 2017
- Oct 24, 2017 Catawba Falls Oct 24, 2017
- Oct 18, 2017 "Valley of Shadows" Oct 18, 2017
- Oct 11, 2017 Autumn River Song Oct 11, 2017
- Oct 3, 2017 Autumnal Shift Oct 3, 2017
- Sep 28, 2017 Mystic Summer Morning Sep 28, 2017
- Sep 24, 2017 Valley of Shadows Sep 24, 2017
- Sep 1, 2017 the breakers Sep 1, 2017
- Aug 24, 2017 When the Sun Went Dark Aug 24, 2017
- Aug 17, 2017 Secret Blog Post Aug 17, 2017
- Aug 14, 2017 Waterfalls Everywhere! Aug 14, 2017
- Aug 11, 2017 "Cullasaja Falls" Completion photo Aug 11, 2017
- Aug 8, 2017 Finishing up "My Marathon" Aug 8, 2017
- Aug 1, 2017 One of the Best Days Ever! Aug 1, 2017
- Jul 26, 2017 "Glacial Fractures in situ" Jul 26, 2017
- Jul 24, 2017 Inspiration and Rest Jul 24, 2017
- Jul 18, 2017 Half Baked Ideas... Jul 18, 2017
- Jul 13, 2017 Oaks on the Water Jul 13, 2017
- Jul 9, 2017 Challenged to the Core Jul 9, 2017
- Jul 5, 2017 Boats on the Water Jul 5, 2017
- Jun 30, 2017 Glacial Fractures Jun 30, 2017
- Jun 29, 2017 Winter in the Summer! Jun 29, 2017
- Jun 27, 2017 What's in a Compliment? Jun 27, 2017
- Jun 23, 2017 Thoughts on a Mighty Failure Jun 23, 2017
- Jun 20, 2017 Sunrise on the Mountain Jun 20, 2017
- Jun 14, 2017 The Last Sunset (is that dramatic or what?) Jun 14, 2017
- Jun 12, 2017 Sunset or Sunrise? End or Beginning? Jun 12, 2017
- Jun 9, 2017 At the End of the Day Jun 9, 2017
- Jun 8, 2017 Giverny: My Homage to the Man Jun 8, 2017
- Jun 2, 2017 A Funny Thing Happened at the Studio Today... Jun 2, 2017
- Jun 2, 2017 Sunrise, Sunset... Jun 2, 2017
- May 29, 2017 Color Explosion May 29, 2017
- May 22, 2017 My Largest Painting to Date... May 22, 2017
- May 18, 2017 What to do with 2000 visitors in an art studio... May 18, 2017
- May 9, 2017 My Creative Muse May 9, 2017
- May 3, 2017 Joys of Life May 3, 2017
- Apr 28, 2017 Regarding Art & Beauty Apr 28, 2017
- Apr 25, 2017 Getting Better Acquainted Apr 25, 2017
- Apr 23, 2017 Rainy Sunday Morning Thoughts Apr 23, 2017
- Apr 22, 2017 Personal Thoughts Apr 22, 2017
- Apr 19, 2017 Favorite Hikes (Inspiration in the Making)... Apr 19, 2017
- Apr 15, 2017 Inspiration is Everywhere (some of our favorite hiking trails) Apr 15, 2017
- Apr 9, 2017 "Where should we eat tonight?" Apr 9, 2017
- Apr 6, 2017 Who Else Should We See in the District? Apr 6, 2017
- Apr 1, 2017 Spring in Western North Carolina Apr 1, 2017
- Mar 29, 2017 "Can you really make a living here?" Mar 29, 2017
- Mar 25, 2017 Of Ruination and Rescue Mar 25, 2017
- Mar 21, 2017 How I decide what to paint... Mar 21, 2017
- Mar 18, 2017 Musings of an artist... Mar 18, 2017
- Mar 14, 2017 Winter thoughts Mar 14, 2017
- Mar 13, 2017 "What makes this painting so sparkly?" Mar 13, 2017
- Mar 10, 2017 You're From Where? Mar 10, 2017
- Mar 5, 2017 "No Boundaries" Mar 5, 2017
- Mar 3, 2017 Appalachian Trail Mar 3, 2017
- Mar 2, 2017 What is 'good' art? Mar 2, 2017
- Feb 26, 2017 A Trip to the Art Museum Feb 26, 2017
- Feb 23, 2017 "The Rules" of Art Feb 23, 2017
- Feb 15, 2017 To School or Not to School... Feb 15, 2017
- Feb 10, 2017 How Do I Start This Thing? Feb 10, 2017
- Feb 9, 2017 Rocky Mountains reflection Feb 9, 2017
- Feb 7, 2017 Getting Inspired Feb 7, 2017
- Feb 5, 2017 Inspiration for a painting... Feb 5, 2017
- Jan 31, 2017 Understanding Abstract Art Jan 31, 2017
- Jan 29, 2017 Chi Jan 29, 2017
- Jan 26, 2017 Process: Rocky Mountain Commission Jan 26, 2017
- Jan 12, 2017 "Summer Path Thru the Birch Trees" Jan 12, 2017
- Jan 9, 2017 "Daybreak" Jan 9, 2017
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2016
- Dec 31, 2016 Revisiting a friend Dec 31, 2016
- Dec 28, 2016 The Trial Run Dec 28, 2016
- Dec 17, 2016 Asheville Channel Interview Dec 17, 2016
- Nov 28, 2016 "Big Mamma" begins to sing.... Nov 28, 2016
- Nov 22, 2016 An Experiment with Moonlight Nov 22, 2016
- Nov 17, 2016 Transfiguration Nov 17, 2016
- Nov 11, 2016 My Cluttered World Nov 11, 2016
- Oct 30, 2016 Sacred Space Oct 30, 2016
- Oct 22, 2016 Omikron (Fire & Ice) Oct 22, 2016
- Oct 19, 2016 "Do you know what you're going to paint?" Oct 19, 2016
- Oct 15, 2016 "Golden Pathway" Oct 15, 2016
- Oct 14, 2016 Flowers, Flowers Everywhere Oct 14, 2016
- Oct 13, 2016 OKC 2 ("The Bridge") Oct 13, 2016
- Oct 12, 2016 Headed west... Oct 12, 2016
- Sep 7, 2016 A Year of "Largest" Sep 7, 2016
- Aug 2, 2016 Transformation of an idea... Aug 2, 2016
- Jul 27, 2016 Beginning my "marathon" painting: Cullasaja Falls Jul 27, 2016
- Jul 18, 2016 My Marathon Jul 18, 2016
- Jul 13, 2016 Welcome! Jul 13, 2016
- Jul 11, 2016 Aegean Waters Jul 11, 2016
- Jul 2, 2016 The Red Planet Jul 2, 2016
- Jun 17, 2016 Puzzling and Playing Jun 17, 2016
- Jun 10, 2016 St.Claire Art Studio Tour Jun 10, 2016
- Jun 6, 2016 Hominy Valley Jun 6, 2016
- May 25, 2016 "The Acolytes" is installed in Georgetown, SC May 25, 2016
- May 19, 2016 "Zuma" May 19, 2016
- May 18, 2016 Fishy Art May 18, 2016
- May 13, 2016 "The Journey" May 13, 2016
- May 10, 2016 Hyatt Ridge (26" x 16") May 10, 2016
- May 5, 2016 "Broad River in October" May 5, 2016
- May 2, 2016 A Blast From the Past May 2, 2016
- Apr 22, 2016 Beginnings II Apr 22, 2016
- Apr 21, 2016 Appalachian Panorama Apr 21, 2016
- Apr 18, 2016 "How do you get the aluminum on the painting?" Apr 18, 2016
- Apr 14, 2016 Beginnings Apr 14, 2016
- Mar 24, 2016 St. Claire Art News & Updates Mar 24, 2016
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