Motivational Blog
Fear and Bravery
Fear and Bravery Fear is nothing more than an opportunity for bravery. Every time we are brave we are a hero to ourselves and others. rm There was a father and a son. The father, cold and afraid, herded onto a rugged ship with other brave...
Creativity and Insanity – Artbeat Tribute to Gail mally-mack
Today I present a tribute to Gail mally-mack, whom we featured on Artbeat back in 2003. Her passing is a loss to the art world and the Detroit art community will miss her dearly. Although the conversation didn't really go there in my visit in her studio, it struck...
Be a Con Artist
"Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist." Pablo Picasso Here's the ugly truth about being an artist. Actually, its not really so ugly, once you get over the initial shock. It's your job to convince me, the art lover/collector, that you know...
The Philosophy Behind the Power of Positive Painting
The Power of Positive Painting (P3) The Philosophy Behind the P3 Method As the title suggests, my philosophy of teaching, as well as my approach to painting itself, is positive. I encourage my students to take positive action, always moving forward in their process. ...
When is Faster Better?
Here's today's first quick sketch, redeemed by the owner of GoCharlestonDeals.com. There are about three days left to get your sketches in, at half price. Check out that G0CharlestonDeals link above for more info about the deal. I find the element of time to be...
Perfectionism – The Perils of Making Rough Places Plane
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth. Luke 3:5 One might argue the spiritual arch is one of finding the middle. Over the millennia nature has a...
Fighting the Good Fight
"A man paints with his brains and not with his hands." Michelangelo Buonarroti Try explaining this to a fellow who's just spent $350 on art supplies, thinking if only he had the right brush, all his troubles would be over. His masterpiece is always around the...
My Personal Best
You can't do better than to do the best you can. Trouble comes when people base their concept of their personal best on a mental construct dragged up from their past experiences, or worse, the past experiences of others, which are no longer relevant. Every new...
Quick Sketch Deal
The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. Aristotle I really enjoy sketching quickly. The time element is exciting to me. Here's your chance to get some sketching time with me. Here's where you can get...
Is Art Cool?
Following is an excerpt from one of the Chapters in my book, Point of Art. I’m not a cool person. They can dress me up to look cool. I’ve played cool on TV. But I’m really not cool. That’s ok, I’m cool with it. On the other hand, with all this talk about “cool cities”...
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"Reflections on Nothingness" #existentialism This #painting is not a design choice; it’s a commitment to keep looking into the #mystery rather than numbing out. “Reflections on Nothingness” is a #meditation on the space between presence and absence—the quiet, unsettling recognition that everything we cling to is, in the end, temporary. This piece is for collectors who are not afraid to sit with the bigger questions: mortality, consciousness, and the strange beauty of existing at all. Hung in a study, retreat space, or #contemplative corner, it becomes less a decoration and more a companion for the long, honest conversations you have with yourself. Let me know if you'd like to the whole painting ... See MoreSee Less
A lot goes into making a #oilportrait. Hands, drapery, leather chairs. I am going beyond #likeness; I make every element as true and deep as possible, without them taking away from the main event, which is soul of the sitter. That's the #art of #portraiture. Let me know if you want to see the entire #portrait are interested in creating your legacy ... See MoreSee Less
“Light” is a #painting about the moment before everything changes—the quiet split-second when intention becomes action. Set against a swirling, cosmic backdrop, the hands of God (or man?) hold earth or another planet to the flame of destruction (or enlightenment?). The painting invites you to consider both the beauty and the weight of what we choose to ignite in our lives. It holds the tension between our power to create and our responsibility to care. #Light is for those who think deeply about #purpose, #stewardship, and the mystery of #existence, “Light” becomes more than an artwork. It’s a daily reminder that even the smallest spark—an idea, a conversation, a decision—can shape entire worlds. There’s a moment—right before we act—when everything is still possible.
“Light” was painted for the people who feel that weight: the therapists, teachers, spiritual guides, scientists, and quiet leaders who know their choices ripple out farther than they can see. If you’ve ever looked at our fragile little planet and felt both awe and responsibility, this piece is meant to live in your space. A reminder that what you choose to ignite today matters. Where in your life are you ready to strike the match? ... See MoreSee Less
Have you had an #oilportrait of your #children made yet? Now is the best time to #create an #heirloom #portrait by one of America's top portraitists. ... See MoreSee Less
"Jennifer's Flowers" is a recent painting. Can you see how it is a depiction of lovers? How does it make you feel? ... See MoreSee Less
What is existence? Are we really spiritual beings, made in God's image? #existence #charlestonsc #painting #artcollector ... See MoreSee Less