Art Instruction Blog
Wrong is Right on
Dannagal Goldtnwaite Young has written a book called Wrong, which was recently featured on an episode of Hidden Brain (on NPR), called, "Sitting with Uncertainty." Wrong is a very enlightening book that not only sheds a much needed light on our political divide but...
The Last Supper in Haiti
It was confirmed for me yesterday that the Watermission compound in Porta Prince, Haiti, where I painted the Last Supper mural fell out of their hands in 2023, when they abandoned the property and the country was taken over by gangs. This was part of my work on The...
Reactive vs Proactive Artists
I've been thinking about what kind of artist I want to be. After 45 years in the business, I think its time. Do I choose to respond to what other artists are doing successfully and turn myself inside out trying to beat them at their own game? Or dare I trod my own...
Job and Abel
Another reason I speak out against a second Trump presidency is because it will mark the end of the Parole program, allowing Americans to sponsor citizens of struggling countries, like Haiti and bring them here, legally. I am sponsoring two beautiful young men, Abel...
Freedom?
We think we have freedom, but do we really? Our choices are carefully curated, from presidential candidates to groceries. We have been conditioned to want what we have been given as “choices.” We are told to be happy with these choices. It will go easier for us. But...
Carol and Paul Schaap Unveiling
Today was truly a great day. I’ve been looking forward to sharing this portrait with the world for quite sometime. My portrait of Carol and Paul Schaap was unveiled at Wayne State in the Paul and Carol Schaap Chemistry Building, where it will hang into perpetuity. It...
My Teaching Method
When I teach privately I like to use the paint along process, where the student paints along as I demonstrate. This is how I learned, sitting next to my father and painting what he painted. I call it full immersion study. It usually works out as a win-win. The student...
My Furry Friends Demo
Recently, I had the pleasure of creating an oil portrait of my dog, Bailey, as the subject of my "Furry Friends" demo, begun at Art on the Square Gallery, where you can also see some of my latest work. I finished the painting in my studio. Here's my Youtube video of...
How to Appreciate Art
Steve Anthony Cefalo created some great tips for appreciating artwork, with which I agree whole heartedly. This is not anti-intellectual dribble (heaven forbid). It’s a way to expand your intuition and use your lifetime of experience to enter a work of art. The...
Dare to Paint Badly
You have the choice. It’s just paint. No one will get hurt if you lay down paint where you choose to put it.









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Thanks to Jeanette of Art & Faith Galleria for finding my portrait of Mother Teresa a good home. If you are in Royal Oak, MI, make it a point to stop in and see the amazing artwork, as well as Jeanette's unique and magnificent collection of icons and rosaries. The work at A&FG is not always overtly religious, but it is always awe-inspiring, reminding us that God is everywhere and in all things. I think this is a time where we are seeking a deeper meaning.
My portrait of Mother Teresa joins my Pope Leo portrait as my most recent art sales. I think God is trying to tell us something. What do you think?
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Check out my pet portrait July special: Get an oil portrait of your pet through the month of July for a special price!
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Barack and I were so honored to have @NjidekaAkunyiliCrosby create our portrait for the Obama Presidential Center. Her artistic brilliance shines through — and the way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary. We love it, and we think everyone who visits the Center will too!
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