Art Blog
This blog is for posting photos of new art pieces and the random thoughts of oil painter Stephen St. Claire.
"What was it like going to art school?"
I was asked recently about my own experience at art school. Actually, I attended a Design school, and though art was a large part of the training, the education at Art Center College of Design was much more extensive than just art. Attending Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, really was one of the most unforgettable chapters of my life. Out of all the memories I made during my time there, one experience stands out above the rest—the collaborative design project in my third term.
That project was part of a transdisciplinary course where students from different design backgrounds, like graphic design, industrial design, and interaction design, teamed up. Our goal was to come up with a product that would make urban life better. Working with such a talented and diverse group of people opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and solving problems. Each person brought something unique to the table, and that blend of creativity was electric.
“(this was) really was one of the most unforgettable chapters of my life…”
Our team landed on the idea of creating a modular public seating system that could adapt to different urban spaces. I focused on the visual branding and user interface, while my teammates handled product engineering and environmental design. We hit some roadblocks trying to balance style with function, but we worked through every challenge together, determined to make something both beautiful and practical.
What made the experience even more special was the feedback we got from our instructors and visiting professionals. Their honest critiques pushed us to keep improving and paying attention to every little detail. Art Center had this way of demanding the best from us, and it made us better designers.
The day we presented our final prototype at the end-of-term showcase was one I’ll never forget. Seeing our hard work come to life and hearing positive reactions from our peers and industry pros made it all worth it. It was a real reminder of how design can shape the world around us.
That project at Art Center didn’t just sharpen my design skills—it taught me the value of teamwork, resilience, and staying open to new ideas. It was a perfect example of what Art Center stands for: excellence, innovation, and pushing creative boundaries. Those lessons and memories will stay with me wherever my career takes me.
Steps to Becoming a Full-Time Professional Artist
Becoming a full-time professional artist is a dream many hold, but the path can seem really daunting. The world of art is as challenging as it is rewarding, requiring not just talent, but also persistence, strategy, and a keen understanding of the business side of art. Here's a list of ideas based on my own experience that might help you transition from a passionate amateur to a full-time professional artist.
1. Hone Your Craft
First and foremost, dedicate time to mastering your art. Whether it's painting, sculpture, digital art, or any other medium, consistent practice is crucial. Attend workshops, enroll in art classes, and seek feedback from mentors and peers. The more you refine your skills, the more distinctive and professional your work will become. Just because you can complete a painting, does not mean anyone would part with money to buy it. Ask for input and listen to critique. Growing your art skills is what this step is all about. Keep practicing and learning and never, ever stop.
2. Build a Strong Portfolio
Your portfolio is your artistic resume. It should showcase your best work, demonstrating your style, range, and progression as an artist. Include a variety of pieces that highlight different techniques and subjects. A well-organized, high-quality portfolio can make a significant impact on potential clients and galleries.
3. Create an Online Presence
In today's digital age, having an online presence is essential. Create a professional website to display your portfolio, provide information about yourself, and make it easy for people to contact you. Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to share your work, engage with followers, and reach a wider audience. Regularly updating your online profiles can help keep you in the public eye.
4. Network and Connect
Building a network within the art community is invaluable. Attend art fairs, exhibitions, and gallery openings to meet other artists, curators, and potential buyers. Join local art groups or associations to stay informed about opportunities and events. Networking can lead to collaborations, exhibitions, and sales opportunities that you might not find on your own.
5. Understand the Business of Art
Art is not just about creativity; it's also about business. Learn how to price your work, manage your finances, and handle contracts. Understand the logistics of shipping and handling art pieces. Consider taking courses in art business or seeking advice from more experienced artists. A solid grasp of the business side can make a huge difference in your success as a professional artist.
“The journey to becoming a full-time professional artist is ongoing.”
6. Seek Representation
Gallery representation can provide significant exposure and sales opportunities. Research galleries that align with your style and reach out to them with your portfolio and then ask about the steps involved for representation. Don’t just show up or send them photos in an email. Show some respect and go the route they’ve already set up as far as approaching them to represent you. And…be prepared for rejection, as it's part of the process. Rejection is okay. It just means you’re looking at the wrong gallery. Persistence is key. Having a gallery represent your work can lend credibility and open doors to new audiences.
7. Diversify Your Income Streams
While selling original pieces is the goal, it's wise to have multiple income streams. Consider offering prints, merchandise, or commissioned work. Teaching art classes or workshops can also be a viable source of income. Diversifying your income can provide financial stability as you establish yourself in the art world.
8. Stay Inspired and Keep Creating
The journey to becoming a full-time professional artist is ongoing. Stay inspired by exploring new techniques, subjects, and mediums. Regularly challenge yourself with new projects and continue to grow as an artist. Passion and dedication are the driving forces behind a successful art career.
Becoming a full-time professional artist is a journey that requires dedication, strategic planning, and a love for your craft. By honing your skills, building a strong portfolio, creating an online presence, networking, understanding the business, seeking representation, diversifying your income, and staying inspired, you can turn your passion into a sustainable career. Remember, every artist's path is unique, so stay true to your vision and enjoy the creative journey!
The Worst Advice I’ve Ever Received as an Artist
Every artist’s journey is filled with moments of inspiration, growth, and, unfortunately, some misguided advice. Reflecting on my own path, one piece of advice stands out as particularly detrimental: “Stick to one style and never change.”
At first glance, this advice might seem practical. Consistency can indeed help build a recognizable brand. However, for an artist, this can be incredibly stifling. Art is about exploration, experimentation, and evolution. Being confined to a single style can hinder creative growth and limit the potential to discover new techniques and perspectives.
“Embrace change, experiment boldly, and let your art evolve naturally…”
When I first started, I was eager to find my unique voice. I experimented with various mediums, styles, and subjects. However, after receiving this advice, I felt pressured to conform to a single style that was gaining some attention. I spent months creating similar pieces, but over time, I felt my passion waning. My work became repetitive, and I lost the joy of creation. It wasn’t until I decided to break free from this constraint that I truly began to flourish. I allowed myself to explore different styles again, blending elements from various influences. This not only reignited my passion but also led to a more authentic and dynamic body of work. My audience appreciated the diversity and evolution in my art, and I felt more fulfilled as an artist.
The lesson here is clear: while consistency has its place, it should never come at the cost of your creative freedom. Embrace change, experiment boldly, and let your art evolve naturally. The worst advice I ever received taught me the importance of staying true to my creative instincts and the value of artistic growth. So, to all the artists out there, remember: your journey is uniquely yours. Don’t let anyone box you into a single style. Explore, evolve, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Your art will be richer for it.
Question 12: "What do you do when you have a mental block?"
“In the Heart of the Woods”
This question definitely falls into the category of “Last but not Least”: “What do you do when you have a mental block?”. This is such a difficult question to answer, and THAT may baffle non artists. I’ve never heard of a doctor or a car mechanic or an attorney or an insurance salesperson say “I just have no idea where to start. My head isn’t in this at all.” Maybe they say that. Maybe I’m making a huge assumption based on ignorance. I just know that when it comes to creating…creating something out of nothing, it requires inspiration. It really does. Whether that’s writing a song that has never been sung, or writing a poem that’s never been spoken or painting a painting that’s never been seen…creating from nothing requires an almost “spiritual” energy.
If that is an accurate way of looking at it, then because I am not God (the source of unlimited spiritual energy), I have only a bit here and there. I am a rechargeable “AA” battery, and not a cold fusion reactor. And so, a creative person absolutely needs to recharge their AA battery or nothing will happen creatively at all.
So my answer to the question of what to do when I have a “mental block” is a very person answer. I have my own answer, but if YOU were asking me this question, rather than telling you my own answer, I would first have to ask you a question. My question would be “What is ‘life-giving’ to you? What recharges you?” Maybe it’s cooking. Maybe it’s hanging out with friends, or hiking, or traveling, or reading, or singing in the shower, or finger-painting or taking a long drive. Do that. Do whatever recharges your own AA battery. My answer is MY answer and I'm fine sharing MY answer when specifically asked, but I don’t think this is the place to do that. See, your answer to a truly “spiritual question” is also a very deeply “personal answer”. Your answer is as custom fit to you as mine is to me. So I make it a rule of thumb not to give my own answer unless I’m actually asked for it.
The point though is, if you are creative and you have a mental block, you need to figure out how you’re put together so to speak. What is akin to “inhaling”? If you exhale (create), you HAVE to inhale to keep the whole process going. This is very, very difficult in our modern western society, because time does not allow for “luxuries” like taking a walk or savoring a slow, quiet afternoon, or turning the lights out and listening to a Brahms Symphony. The way we look at these “luxuries” is all wrong though. We are humans, not robots. We require real, spiritual input to create beauty. That input is not a luxury. That is real. That is life. And that is deeply, deeply human.
Question 10: "Do you have your work in galleries?"
If you or someone you know is an aspiring full time artist, one really important question that needs an answer is this: Do you have your work in galleries? And then the follow up question, “How do you find the right galleries?”
When I was still a novice at marketing my own artwork, I had absolutely no idea there is actually etiquette involved with getting my work into an art gallery and in the beginning, I unknowingly broke all the rules. I first thought of cool cities with a decent art scene, and then got onto Google and basically emailed every art gallery on the list. My email included photos and my resume.
After well over a hundred emails (all unanswered by the way), I learned that I needed some help and eventually received the advice I needed. Here is that advice:
1) Think of the cities most visited by tourists or art seekers.
2) Google the art galleries on your list and look at every gallery website with this in mind: “Would my work fit well in this gallery? If say, you do minimalist abstract work and the gallery is in Cody, Wyoming and carries all cowboy portraits, uh…pass that one up”. This is really important. You’ll make yourself look like a fool if you don’t do your research. Contact only galleries in which you work would look “at home” in.
“…Would my work fit into this gallery?”
I regularly get people emailing me asking if they can get into my gallery. Had they actually done their homework, they’d see that I do not have a “gallery” at all per se. I have an open art studio (a place where artwork is produced and sold by the artist). Had the inquirer taken just a moment to look at my website, they’d realize this. When an artist doesn’t do proper research, it just makes them look ridiculous. Trust me…this is probably why I received no responses from all the art galleries I emailed back in the day.
3) Ideally, next, you need to take a road trip and actually VISIT the art galleries in one of the towns you’ve selected. Just pick one town/city and work on that one first. You’re not going to be able to fill twenty art galleries with your work, so don’t bother covering the entire country. Look at one city at a time. When you’re visiting, greet the curator/gallery owner and just browse through, taking your time looking at the artwork. At this point, imagine you’re a perspective art buyer, so pay close attention to the vibe you pick up entering and wondering around. Were you completely ignored when you entered? Not good. Are you followed around and hounded? Not good. I wouldn’t bother pursuing the gallery if they don’t treat visitors with respect. But then if all goes well, ask the person at the desk if you could make an appointment to talk to the manager and get info on their policy regarding the addition of new artists. Asking for an appointment immediately communicates that you respect their time. Respect is good. Then when you meet with the owner/manager, ask them what the process is and how you might be considered as one of the artists they represent. Do NOT walk in with your paintings under your arms. Do NOT scroll through the photos on your phone to wow them. Trust me. They have a policy in place. Find out what that policy is and follow it. Again, that shows respect AND it actually gets your work considered.
I had a gallery owner friend in Asheville years ago, and she said she recieved emails from artists wanting gallery representation every day, literally over a hundred emails a week. She said she just deletes them all. That is because there was an intake policy in place (actually stated on her gallery website) and that the policy was not followed. Do you homework.
Follow this advice, and that will at least help. And it will definitely mean you won’t have to email hundreds of art galleries like I did initially. Be smart.
Question 9: "How do you manage the business side of your art business?"
When someone uses their artistic talent as a hobby or for therapy, that is a beautiful thing. Making art is just really good for you. But when art is a hobby, you don’t have to worry at all about the whole business side of it. In fact, just the suggestion of discussing the “business side” of an art career will get a lot of cow-eyed stares from artists. “But I just want to paint and sell my paintings. That’s it. That’s all I want to do”.
“But I just want to paint…”
Okay, brilliant. However, it’s time for that hard talk. Attending to the business side of an art career is like a track and field athlete investing into top notch running shoes. Yes, you can run barefoot but you can go a lot farther with the proper tools (shoes in this case). Without serious thought regarding the business side of an art career, that art career won’t last long. You have to get answers to some very basic questions and then decide which answers will lead to wise practices. Here are some questions I would suggest a “would be professional artist” ask a full time professional artist regarding the business of running an art career:
Where do you have your art supplies?
How do you keep track of inventory so you always have what you need?
How do you keep track of sales tax?
Do you accept credit cards? What’s involved with that?
Let’s handle these questions one at a time. Regarding art supplies…
Gathering art supplies for your particular craft can take a lot of time and expense. I’m a painter, so my advice won’t be worth much to a ceramic artist or wood sculpture. But if you’re a painter, yes, you can go to Michaels or Hobby Lobby, but don’t go before checking for coupons. Always keep your eye out for a sale. Sign up on art suppliers websites and get all those irritating emails that end up in your promotional email folder. But then LOOK AT THEM and use all the coupons you can. You can save big with coupons. As far as websites on line, my favorites and Cheap Joe’s and Jerry’s Artarama, but there are lots of them.
Regarding inventory…we check once a week on our stock. What I don’t want to happen is to run out of something and then have to WAIT to get more back in stock. Some things I order come from California so I could be waiting several days. For all the main things I use, I always have a duplicate in my studio. When I am done with one paint brush and toss it, I have another just like it and A) begin using it and then immediately (B) order another so I always, always have the next one waiting for me. Think ahead.
Regarding keeping track of sales, we use Quickbooks. And by “we”, I mean my wife Joy uses Quickbooks. We’d be in jail by now if my financial status depended on my math skills. Quickbooks is great because each quarter when it’s time to do sales tax, we just give the files to our accountant and BAM! They do their accounting magic and then tell us what we owe the state of North Carolina.
And lastly, regarding accepting credit cards…Absolutely yes. Hardly anyone uses checks anymore, so I try to make selling artwork as easy as I can for a potential client. There are many, many options for you when you want to enable your clients to use a credit card for a sale. Right now, we use Card Point, but you can use Square and many other credit card readers. Just do some research and ask questions at your favorite stores. Questions like, “How do you like using Square?” or “What credit card software do you use, and how do you like it?” You can also just go the easy route and use PayPal. You can log onto PayPal, write up an invoice, email it to your client and then they pay you all on line through PayPal. That works when you’re making a sale and can your your computer (even if you don’t have a credit card reader) but if you’re selling to someone on the spot, you’d want Square or an alternative.
Sometimes, important things to know are boring. Sorry. This is all info you need to think about though if you want to run full speed into the world of being a full time artist. Good luck!
Question 8: "Do you advertise?"
In my blog list of twelve questions I would suggest an aspiring full time artist ask an already full time artist, we have come to the question of advertising…”Do you advertise? If so, what seems to have worked well for you and what hasn't? What percent of your budget goes to advertising?”
The issue of an artist advertising is so tricky. Here is why…The only way you’ll sell your work is for people to see it, right? How will “Joe Public” see your work and then (maybe) buy your painting? Maybe he’ll scroll through Popular Mechanics magazine and see your ad, and voila! A big sale. Well that was easy.
Except it doesn’t work that way. How many people looking through Popular Mechanics are interested in the latest mechanical gizmos AND maybe fine art. I’m not saying those people aren’t out there, I’m just suggesting that you have to determine who your clients are out there (your demographic) and figure out how to reach them.
“Who is your demographic?”
When I was brand new to the professional artist career, I advertised in local art magazines. It cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars and here’s the thing…No one EVER came into my studio and said, “Oh, I saw your ad in ______ magazine and I just HAD to come and see your artwork for myself.” That literally never happened and SO, I never ever had any clue at all whether or not my career was positively affected by advertising. All I can say is that I’m selling more artwork now (I basically don’t advertise now) than I was back in the day when I felt like my career might crumble if I didn’t advertise.
Ahhhh, so the sage advice is this: DON’T ADVERTISE, right? Wrong. See, because I am part of a collective of hundreds of artists in Asheville, we (as a group) advertise in local magazines around the country in locations where a lot of Asheville tourists are coming from. My dues to the River Arts District Artists goes to help fund that advertising. So the advertising I’m doing doesn’t just affect me, it affects the district. But if people who visit Asheville want to make sure they check out the River Arts District, then I stand to benefit. I do have a listing on an Asheville tourism website (RomanticAsheville.com) but that’s it.
So it’s not that I’m such an awesome artist that I don’t have to advertise. I happen to be a part of an awesome group of artists in an awesome tourist oriented town and WE do the advertising together. That’s one of the very biggest perks of being an artist here, but I would think that same model could be adopted anywhere artists are. If you live in Cincinnati, find the other artists around you and advertise together. It works for us here in Asheville, and although we like to think we are so unique, I doubt that’s the case. We’re just running with a good idea and that same idea could work anywhere I’d think.
The other thing I would totally stay away from is the seemingly kind offers you get from people to display your work in their office space or restaurant. Here’s how that usually goes: “Hey, I have a great opportunity for you Steve! I’m opening a brand new upscale Italian restaurant in town and we would LOVE to display your work there on our walls, free of cost to you, and you can put price tags on all your work so you can sell your work from the restaurant. Think of the exposure!”
Don’t do it.
My experience with this is that if your artwork is simply decor on the wall of a restaurant, coffee shop, dentists office or office space, people don’t notice it at all. Look, when you go out to eat, have you ever asked the waiter, “Hey, I really love this potted ficus you have over here. How much is it??” You have never asked that question, have you? Be honest. No, of course not. You probably didn’t even notice the ficus in the corner because…you were there to eat food. Plain and simple. This way to “get your work out there” is a really nice way to give the restaurant owner free decor for their walls. Suggest he BUY the artwork from you and see what he says. Or tell the owner that you have a cousin who is getting married next month and you would like to suggest that he (the restaurant owner) cater it for free. “I mean, we can put your cards around on all the tables so everyone will know where that amazing food came from! Think of the exposure you’d get!”
That doesn’t work for any other profession, don’t let it happen to you.
Concluding this post, it might be good to remind you that I’d encourage any questions relating to whether to advertise and how/where to do it. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll help you find someone who does.
Question 7: "How do you price your work?"
I am currently in a blog series proposing questions an aspiring full time professional artist ask a current full time professional artist so that they have a better idea of getting from where they are to where they want to be professionally. It’s a really tricky and sometimes difficult thing to make it as an artist. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there are people out there somehow actually doing it, so…don’t reinvent the wheel — TALK to them. Every artist I know personally would be very happy answering questions. So find the artist you’d like to grill, make and appointment and get some advice.
Among the questions I’m proposing is this one I’ve been asked a lot: “How do you price your work?” If you’ve read my blog here, you know I’ve talked about this a lot, so I won’t wax on too long here but some points need to be repeated.
Just last week, I was approached by a gentleman that offered me just over 20% less than my posted price on one of my paintings. This doesn’t bother me at all when people do that. I know a lot of artists set a price for a piece of their work and hope they can get as close to that price as possible. This has trained people to view an art purchase the same way they’d buy a car or a house (i.e. you make a low ball offer, then negotiate). But that means the posted price means nothing and is just there to start the conversation. That is not the way I price my artwork because it feels really arbitrary.
The way I was taught to price my work way back in the day is to let sales themselves dictate the pricing. I price according to the size. So I take the square inches of the work, multiply it by my going rate (and that rate is solely dictated by my sales).
My goal is to sell my work as quickly as I paint it. If I get a big backlog, I know my prices are too high. If my work sells too quickly (I can't have empty studio walls), then my prices are too low. This year, I needed to slow down sales (just slightly) in early spring so I bumped up the price per square inch just slightly. That slowed sales down a bit, but I've actually had to raise prices again in June because they were still selling too quickly.
So that's how I price my work. I don't really take offers because I have a very good idea of what the paintings will sell for. Again, different artists handle pricing different ways, so it’s definitely worth asking around and seeing what works best for you. This works best for me because it’s really easy to defend the prices I have posted when that price is actually based on something concrete like sales rather than something arbitrary like “this is what I’d like to get for this piece”. As a client, I can disagree with what you’d like to get for that piece, but…I can’t disagree with sales.
Question 6: "What are the positive points and negative points about having an 'open studio'?"
For someone looking make a living by selling the artwork they create, this is really a very important question to explore. It’s important to note that not all artists are cool with the idea of an “open studio”. I happen to absolutely love the idea because I absolutely love selling my paintings and if I my studio door isn’t open, no one will see them and if no one sees them, no one will buy them. Let me give some background information that might be helpful to anyone considering having art sales as their full time career.
For years, I created paintings. I couldn’t help myself. I have been an artist since I was a kid and I love painting. The thing is, you can’t just graduate art school and then send out your resume to someone that’s posted an ad on craigslist: “Wanted: Artist to create paintings. Salary commensurate to their experience. Benefits included.” That is uh…NOT how it’s done. The question of HOW to get your paintings in front of potential buyers is the question every artist out there is asking. I have found that the best answer to that question is to adopt an “open studio” model and to definitely find other artists willing to do the same thing in the same part of town you’re in.
Years ago, a metal sculptor opened a studio in a run down part of Asheville (i.e. the low rent district). Over time, more artists opened studios nearby. Once a year, they’d all open their studios to the public and they soon discovered that there was a huge public interest in not only seeing the artwork, but in meeting the artist and watching them work. Somewhere along the line, as more and more artists also opened studios nearby, they began to adopt a full-time “open studio” model. In other words, if you were visiting Asheville, you could run down to the low rent district practically any day of the year and wander into a studio, watch the artist weld, blow glass, paint, etc. and buy direct from the creator. Then they renamed the area of town “River Arts District” (because it sounded so much better than “low rent district”). Eventually, over 220 artists created studios in the district and they’ve pooled their funds for national advertising to promote the district as a tourist destination.
It worked.
Because I have a studio in Asheville, I don’t have to do the art show circuit. I don’t have time to. People from literally all over the country (and the world) explore the River Arts District in Asheville. Because of that, I have paintings hanging in homes and businesses in most of the states of the US and in England, Ireland, China and India. It’s kind of crazy.
“Because I have a studio in Asheville, I don’t have to do the art show circuit.”
So that’s the upside. The downside is that you have to be there with your door open. But to me, that’s a small price to pay for being able so easily to actually make a living doing what I’d do for free anyway! I mean, nearly everyone else I know has a job that requires them to be in an office or store or factory or whatever. Even if you telecommute and work from home, you have to actually be committed to the task your profession requires of you, so it’s really no big deal to adopt an “open studio” model and commit to being there. And especially now, I have three other artists in my studio space and they cover days I’m not in. That makes it a whole lot easier when it comes to days off or time to travel.
But the other downside (not for me, but for some) might be that if an artist has an open studio, people will watch you create what you’re doing and will be asking you questions through the whole process. If that sounds like hell to you as an artist, this is NOT the business model you should adopt. I happen to love it because I actually get to know the people who purchase my work.
So bottom line is, it depends on your personality — whether you’re okay being around people or whether you need solitude. Personally, I’ve found it’s much more “balancing” to be around people (and this is coming from an introvert), but…that’s just me. Everyone is different. But if you’re okay with people, and you can find other artists who would consider opening studios with or very nearby you…I think an open studio is absolutely the best way to actually sell your work.
I have so much more to say on this but this posting is probably long enough. If you’re interested in more information though, just post it below, and/or email me at stclaireart@gmail.com. If you’re an artist trying to make a living selling your art, I am happy to help any way I can.
Question 4: "Would you recommend art school, and if so, how would you find the right one?"
Question 4 is obviously connected to question 3. I would suggest following up on question three (“Did you go to art school?”) with this one because it may well be an artist would or would not recommend art school. That statement may sound bizarre to some people. I mean, if you want to become a lawyer, you go to law school; if you want to become a doctor, you go to medical school. So…if you want to become an artist, you go to art school. Yes?
Maybe.
The creation of artwork is a craft. A good art school can be really helpful. I went to art school and had a blast. But upon graduation, while I could paint, I had absolutely no idea how to get a job as an artist. Art school, as I explained in my answer to Question 3, taught me the rules of art, however, I had already learned many of those rules in the private art classes I took. Look, back in the day, if you wanted to be an artist, you found an artist and asked to be apprenticed by him (or her). That’s how it worked. That would probably still be the very best way of learning the craft, but at least here in America in the 21st century, we value our own individuality and privacy too much for this to work I think. But however impractical and improbable to find, this (asking to be apprenticed by an artist) would be exactly what I would recommend as the very best way to learn to paint (or sculpt, or whatever).
Short of apprenticing, a good art school is a great option. But if I were looking for the right art school, I would get a really good portfolio of work together and apply for as many scholarships as possible. Honestly, I want to spit expletives and pull every last hair out of my head when I hear some art student graduated with a painting major and is now 100K in debt and six months later is waiting tables at TGI Fridays. That…happens…often. I also know people that got full scholarships. Yes, that also happens. Go that route.
The other option though would be to get another degree that might be helpful propelling you as an artist (like a degree in marketing, business, computer illustration, etc.) that would give you skills for an actual job upon graduation. At the same time, either minor in art, or enroll in private art classes. This route gives you two things: 1) a marketable career that can support you while you inch your way into the art career you actually want (being a professional artist) and 2) continued art training. Do NOT just relegate art to a hobby. Keep it always as the goal. It took me decades to be able to reach the goal of being a full time artist, and I WENT to an art school and graduated with honors. But like I said, what I was NOT taught was HOW TO START an art career.
So learning new techniques, getting used to having your work critiqued (very important), being challenged and stretched as an artist…a good art school can do that. But there are a few other options that can do exactly the same thing. Be open to options.
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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