Art Instruction Blog
The Rigged System
We talk a lot about the system being rigged and we propose this candidate or that one to "fix" it. But in reality, the fix is beyond any one individual's control. I know of many in business, particularly in the arts business, who have been relegated to the outside of...
The RM Theory
When I was a young turk at Andover High School, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, back in 1978, I was part of a band of brothers and sisters who happened to play music in the top rated HS orchestra and choir in the state. We were the nerds, the egg-heads, the sensitive...
My Higher Self
Today I am grateful for the gift of recognition. I have worked hard over my 38 year career and been richly rewarded in what may seem to the outside world a very storied career. While the stories have not always been pretty or pleasant, I am no less grateful to those...
Quench Miracles
For me to detail every miracle that has come out of The Quench Project would require I write another book. But I wanted to attempt to list the many ways God has blessed me and others throughout TQP and offer Him thanks and praise for being such a kind and generous...
Emperor’s New Clothes – Artfields 2016
Cate and I had such a wonderful Artfields experience this year, as we do every year. I think what makes it such a great experience are the people and the inviting atmosphere. And yes, the really cool art. Since I was asked by the organizers to present my feedback and...
Why Have Your Portrait Painted?
As part of my marketing plan, years ago, I was trying to really understand why people have their portraits painted. I was clear on why I did portraits but not so clear on what was in it for my clients. I decided to create this Feature/Benefits/Value Analysis to...
Botanical Residency
I was delighted and honored to present an artist residency at Summerville Elementary. The four day workshop was the culmination of all five first-grade classes' study of plants. I love the challenge of taking what might be a boring subject and turning it into a...
Executive Sweet
I recently had the privilege of being in attendance as my portrait was presented at a very swanky event in Detroit. The Karmanos Cancer Institute honored their outgoing Chair with an oil portrait at their annual gala. It was well received, judging from the applause....
I See Blue
Watch a short film about the color blue: I've noticed some artists tend to favor a certain color. Taking a very wide view, I've even noticed certain cities tend to shy away from certain colors or favor others. It seemed every artist in New Orleans started with a...
Freedom from Identity
I've been living a double life for sometime, painting what moves, touches and inspires me, while dutifully holding on to the moniker of being a professional artist. Today, I am giving up the identity of being a professional artist. Ironically, it is also the day I'm...
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