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Poetic Transitions in Watercolor: Mastering the Art of Blending Colors
Discover the beauty of poetic transitions in watercolor. Master smooth blending techniques to create depth, movement, and emotion in your paintings.
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Exploring Vincent Van Gogh’s Life and Legacy Through Art
Delve into the life of Vincent Van Gogh, from his time in Auvers-sur-Oise to his artistic journey. Discover how his passion for painting continues to inspire today.
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Eugene Boudin’s Influence on Monet: A Watercolor Artist’s Perspective
Monet’s artistic journey was deeply shaped by Eugene Boudin. As a watercolor artist, I find continuous inspiration from Monet’s unique vision, blending colors, light, and emotions. Explore my latest watercolor reflections and techniques inspired by this timeless master.
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One Color, Endless Possibilities: The Art of Monochromatic Watercolor Painting
Looking to improve your plein air painting skills? Here are 5 expert tips from plein air painters to help you create stunning paintings.
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Exploring Nature Inside and Out: Teaching Watercolors at the Smithsonian Art Studios
Teaching Watercolors at the Smithsonian Art Studios is a transformative experience with Cindy Briggs, an experienced instructor. Dive into the stunning landscapes of Utah Canyonlands and Zion National Park as Cindy guides students through immersive painting sessions. Explore your creativity
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How to Capture the Sky with Watercolor Painting
Discover expert tips for capturing the ever-changing sky with watercolor painting techniques. Join our workshop to master the art of painting skies with Cindy Briggs.
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Begin with the End in Mind: Transforming Inspiration into Watercolor Masterpieces
Discover the transformative power of envisioning the end result from the beginning as Cindy Briggs guides beginners through essential watercolor painting tips. Unlock your creative potential and bring your artistic vision to life.
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Unleashing Your Creative Spirit: The Art of Urban Sketching
Embark on an artistic journey with 'The Art of Urban Sketching.' Explore the world of Quick Sketch Watercolors, breaking free from urban constraints, and celebrating the universal language of creativity.
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5 Expert Plein Air Painting Tips to Help You Become a Better Artist
Looking to improve your plein air painting skills? Here are 5 expert tips from plein air painters to help you create stunning paintings.
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Celebrating a Milestone: “Brazilian Blues 8×8” in the NWS-RSW International Exchange Exhibition
Embarking on a new artistic adventure has never felt more exhilarating! I'm thrilled to announce that my painting "Brazilian Blues 8x8" has earned a coveted spot in the National Watercolor Society and Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW)
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A Moment of Honor: My Painting Featured in ‘The Best of Watercolor – SPLASH 24
I am thrilled to share an extraordinary moment of triumph with all of you! My heart swells with pride and gratitude as my painting, "Dead Horse Point, Canyonlands," finds its place among the exceptional talents in the renowned art publication,
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10 Ways to Paint the Sea with Watercolors
Learn 10 expert tips to paint the sea with watercolors and create stunning seascapes. Explore techniques, colors, and light to capture the ever-changing beauty of the ocean.
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5 Reasons Why to Consider Painting Outdoors With a Group
Discover the benefits of painting outdoors with a group. From increased safety to camaraderie, learning opportunities, real-life inspiration, and group encouragement, find out why joining a painting group can take your artistic journey to new heights. Join us on our
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Why I Started Painting Outdoors and Why You Can Too
Looking for a new source of inspiration and creativity in your art? Consider painting outdoors, also known as en plein air. As an artist, I found that painting outdoors provided a new level of inspiration and creativity that I couldn't
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Check Out My Artist Spotlight on Outdoor Painter
Step into the world of renowned artist Cindy Briggs as she takes the center stage in the prestigious Artist Spotlight on Outdoor Painter. In this captivating feature, Cindy opens up about her artistic journey and shares her unique definition of
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Best Plein Air Watercolor Palette for Painting Colorful Skies
When it comes to painting stunning and vibrant skies in your watercolor art, choosing the best Plein air watercolor palette for painting colorful skies is crucial. By selecting a limited palette, considering the time of day, experimenting with different colors,
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5 Creative Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginners
Looking to start your watercolor journey? Look no further than Cindy Briggs blog post, where you'll find 5 creative watercolor painting ideas for beginners! From simple techniques to fun projects, this guide will help you get started with watercolors in
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How I Create Flowing Lines with Watercolor Article on Outdoor Painter
Join us at Watercolor Live 2023 for a unique opportunity to learn from some of the top watercolorists in the world. With workshops, demonstrations, and lectures, there's something for everyone at this exciting event. Plus, don't miss my Watercolor Portraits
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Transform Your Artistic Skills at Watercolor Live 2023
Join us at Watercolor Live 2023 for a unique opportunity to learn from some of the top watercolorists in the world. With workshops, demonstrations, and lectures, there's something for everyone at this exciting event. Plus, don't miss my Watercolor Portraits
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Finding the Best Watercolor Paper for Your Painting: My Experience and Recommendations
As a watercolorist, finding the right paper for your paintings can be a bit of trial and error. It's important to understand the difference between cold press (rough) and hot press (smooth) paper, as well as the weight and composition
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Learning How To Paint on Chocolate with Edible Food Paints!
How to paint on chocolate and create a WATERCOLOR PAINTING using Edible Food Paints! Watch Cindy join Chef Tim Ramirez for this Chocolate Paint event!
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A Beginners Guide to Impressionist Watercolor Style
I’m pleased to share with you that I have officially been awarded NWS Signature Status; a recognized master artist of the National Watercolor Society. Thank you for all your support!
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Cindy Briggs Awarded NWS Signature Status
I’m pleased to share with you that I have officially been awarded NWS Signature Status; a recognized master artist of the National Watercolor Society. Thank you for all your support!
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How to Paint Colorful Skies with Watercolors
The palette of watercolors I use works for a variety of colorful skies. From simple blue skies, wispy cirrus clouds and cumulus clouds, to colorful sunsets. 1. How to Paint a Simple Blue Sky? When I started painting, my teacher suggested we paint
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30 Inspirational Artist Quotes
Do you know why I started painting outdoors? 25 years ago I went to Carmel-by-the-Sea to paint. Since then I fell in love with Plein Air Painting. Find out why.
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Why I Started Painting Outdoors
Do you know why I started painting outdoors? 25 years ago I went to Carmel-by-the-Sea to paint. Since then I fell in love with Plein Air Painting. Find out why.
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5 Ways How to Make Money Selling Paintings as an Artist
Thinking about selling your paintings to the general public? Whether you want to start out in your local area or begin selling online, you can launch a successful art career by beginning with a side business. Instead of waiting until
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Creative Watercolor Painting Ideas You Can Do This Weekend
Get your painting supplies out and pick and choose from this list or it may inspire something new. I like to draw with a permanent marker then add some watercolors. Think of these as studies and have fun with the process. Remember that
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5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Painting Outdoors With a Group
I so enjoy painting with friends and students en Plein air (outdoors) and here are the reasons why you should consider painting outdoors with a group too. Safety is key, when in a group you are less likely to run
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How to Start a Travel Journal or Paint Journal or Sketch Journal
Before I started painting in a journal, I was intimidated about painting something that didn’t turn out, feeling that since it was a permanent page it my journal it better be good. Once I let go of this fear and
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How to Track Your Watercolor Progress
Sometimes as artists we don’t see our progress because we are too close to what we are creating. So what I recommend is to put up your paintings so when you walk into the room they are at a distance.
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What to Do When You’re in a Creative Rut
I’ve been in a creative rut a number of times in my life -- it happens to many of us. The deepest rut I found myself in was about 20 years ago and it coincided with a bout of depression
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How to Take Travel Photos to Paint for Later
I used to carry a variety of cameras, storage drives, memory cards, and back in the day, rolls of film. Now, it’s so much simpler to just take photos for painting with my small iPhone. When I travel, I can take upwards
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Painting En Plein Air – TOP TIPS for Beginners
I remember my first plein air experience, I had way too much stuff. If you pack less, you'll paint more is what I've learned with over 25 years of painting en plein air. Watercolors are the easiest medium to travel
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How to Create Simple Watercolor Flowers
Beginner artists sometimes find it daunting to paint flowers. When this happens, I always tell my students to take a deep calming breath start seeing the world in simple shapes. Everything is composed of shapes, so looking at your subject, consider
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How to Plan Out a Watercolor Painting
I’m taking you today to Mona, Utah to the site of the Lavender Fields about 40 minutes from my home in Utah. In this lesson, I’m sharing how I plan out my watercolor painting—what happens at the beginning of the
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Easy Things to Paint for Beginner Artists
I’ve had beginner artists come to me and ask about easy things to paint in watercolors. Most of them are eager to paint but find themselves out of ideas, overwhelmed with too many concepts, or out of inspiration. I tell them
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Cindy Briggs Joins Smithsonian Associates Studio Arts’ Instructors Roster
Cindy Briggs makes watercolor paint come alive. For 25 years, she’s been teaching students how to make it sing for them as well. She is one of the latest additions to the roster of gifted artists sharing their talents with
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My Favorite Watercolor Brush
What’s your favorite watercolor brush? As an artist, I have spent so much money on select watercolor brushes over the years – brushes would usually cost $15 to $150 each. I have tried everything from Kolinsky Sable to recommended
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Ten More Unique Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginners
What are some unique watercolor painting ideas for beginners? When I was asked about unique watercolor painting ideas for beginners, I started with the concept that everything is a shape. Simple organic recognizable shapes are the easiest to start with. A single
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Starting with Watercolors: Watercolor Supplies with Cindy Briggs
Choosing Watercolor Supplies Starts with Quality Watercolor Paper Watercolor works best on quality watercolor paper. Students often think they should start out with cheap paper, but this can be a disappointing mistake. I always encourage using 140# Cold Press Watercolor paper to
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How to Start Watercolor Painting for Beginners–Inspiration
How to Start Watercolor Painting for Beginners If you're wondering how to start watercolor painting for beginners and looking for inspiration, it may be challenging to choose what to paint. The most important first step is to find something you are inspired
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Watercolor Painting: Where to Start
Q&A with Cindy Briggs Should background washes be painted before or after the subject? It all depends on the subject. Sometimes the colors in my background go with my subject and I may work those out as I'm painting. Otherwise, you lose
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Daniel Smith Neutral Tint: An Essential Tool for Watercolorists
Years ago, Theresa Goesling and I encouraged Daniel Smith to create their own version Neutral Tint – a mixing color that you can add to most any color in your palette to get a darker and/or more neutral version mix
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How to Paint Cityscapes
Painting cityscapes while sitting in a park or enjoying a treat at a quaint cafe is something that I often do when traveling
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University of Utah Workshops
Do you want to learn how to draw with free-flowing lines? Then join me at the University of Utah Lifelong Center Workshops. I’ll also teach you how to confidently mix and mingle translucent watercolors to jazz up your sketches. Using watercolors and
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Watercolor Painting for Beginners – A Quick Guide
A Quick Guide to Watercolor Painting Sometimes I get asked for a quick guide to watercolor painting. People say that I make watercolor painting easy. That’s because I simplify the process so you can be more successful. After all, I believe
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Plein Air Painting Workshops with Cindy Briggs
Plein Air Painting Workshops Plein air painting workshops are on top of my list of favorite things to teach. I’ve been all over, painting beaches, seascapes, cityscapes and landscapes. Provence When living in Provence, I went to Senanque Abbey to paint, one of
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Plein Air Workshop – French Mediterranean Villages
Explore the French Riviera The Plein Air Workshop – French Mediterranean Villages is one of our favorite workshops. Theresa Goesling and I are heading to France once again to offer a very special and exclusive Plein Air Workshop. Let’s “Make Every
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Creative Watercolor Postcards
A lot of people enjoy receiving postcards from loved ones who are traveling to new places. But did you know that you can create your own postcard and send them back home? That’s exactly what I’m going to teach you
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A Charming Painting Experience in Park City, Utah
Are you looking for a charming painting experience in Park City, Utah? I always love both painting en plein air (outside on location) and at the Kimball Art Center in Park City, Utah. It’s such a beautiful place with delightful
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7 Unique Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginners
It’s not uncommon for watercolor painting beginners to get stumped when it comes to deciding which subject to paint next. If you’re running out of ideas but you still want to paint, here are seven unique watercolor painting ideas that
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How to Paint from a Photo
Do you wish you knew how to paint from a photo? Sometimes, you want to paint but you’re not in front of a stunning view or a beautiful subject. Paint from a Photo on your Phone Don’t get stuck, look through your
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How to Set up Your Watercolor Palette
How to Set up Your Watercolor Palette from Cindy Briggs Art on Vimeo. Cindy shares how to set up an 18-well watercolor palette with Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors. This is her standard workshop palette.
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Painting Tip: Controlling Water in Your Brush
How to Control Water in Your Brush One of the biggest challenges in watercolor painting is controlling the amount of water in your brush. People often ask me how I do it. Washing and Rinsing your brush is a crucial step
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Easy Painting while Traveling
Favorite Watercolor Painting Tools Every artist has his or her favorite tools when it comes to painting. I love using the same Dynasty Black Gold 311 Size 4 Quill brush, Daniel Smith Watercolors, and Fabriano 140lb Cold Press paper when painting.
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Watercolors-by-the-Sea: Learn How to Paint Nature
My Family and Inspiration for Watercolors-by-the-Sea I’m always inspired by the beauty of the sea and everything associated with it. That’s why I keep on returning to Carmel-by-the-Sea to paint, and it has been a tradition for me for over 20
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Simple Watercolor Painting Tips
When it comes to watercolor painting, sometimes your blank paper can be intimidating. So just think of your painting as a study and you can more easily relax into the process.
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Play with Colors for Beautiful Results
I love using Daniel Smith watercolors in all of my sketchbook paintings because I can count on it’s variety of color selection, quality and consistency of color. Whether you are a beginner with watercolor painting or if you just enjoy
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Discover How to Paint Watercolors in my Step-by-Step Lesson and Video
I'm inviting you to visit the Daniel Smith Website to see this post on Painting with Daniel Smith Watercolors. I share step by step process with images and videos and talk about my favorite colors including Lavender. Here is the link to
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Full Circle Moments: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Returning to Carmel-by-the-Sea to paint has been a family tradition for over 20 years. With my Aunt Ellie Weakley and her teaching partner, Cathy Goodale, Carmel is where I first started painting en Plein Air (painting outside from life). I
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Palm Desert, CA Jan 2019
Paint in Palm Desert, California with Theresa Goesling and Cindy Briggs Watercolors January 25 -29, 2018 Oils January 30 & 31, 2018 Make Every Day A Painting in Palm Desert. We'll make the most of the beautiful surroundings, attend a Polo Match, Visit the
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Honoring the Women in my Life
Yesterday was my Birthday, and I recognized even more how blessed I am with family and friends. I came here seeking tranquility and found it. I've discovered even more, how to just "be". The peace that I discovered here will
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Best Boulangerie in Town | Cindy Briggs Watercolor Paintings
I have no will power when it comes to the baguette's from the best Boulangerie in L'Isle sur la Sorgue. Allowing myself to go only once every 3 to 4 days, their wood-fired oven and special recipe make it the best
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Transportation and My Apartment Tour
First I walked. Then I bought a bicycle with Dina and Bernard and rode it out and about and then I rented a car and drove as far a Sault. So far I'm happiest coming back to L'Isle sur la Sorgue
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Surrounded by the Couleours of Provence
Painting and Pondering Life in Provence: Springtime in L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Provence From the snowcovered, frozen landscape of Bend, Oregon, I have traveled to the charming and much warmer village of “L’Iles sur la Sorgue” in Provence. In this I
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A New Year | Cindy Briggs Watercolor Paintings & Art Workshops
I am truly looking forward to our artist's retreat in France this May. Following a week in Spain we are headed to Collioure, a true Artist's town with everything just steps from our hotel. I can't wait. Until then, I will
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Endurance | Cindy Briggs Art & Watercolor Paintings
Having persevered though my own cancer experience with St. Charles Medical Center, I’m honored to have my Smith Rock watercolor, “Endurance” in the New St. Charles Cancer Center collection.
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Deschutes Children’s Foundation
It is truly an honor to be chosen as the feature artist of the Deschutes Children’s Foundation annual Art and Wine Event. The painting was a labor of love to help raise awareness and funds for children and families
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A Place of Safety and Happiness
Honored to have my painting "Terrazzo Tuscano" as the featured art at the Deschutes Children's Foundation Art & Wine Auction supporting programs for children and families in Central Oregon. The painting reminded me how I've always wanted to live on a
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Eternal Perspective
A painting is a form of prayer for me. It is like meditation. When I am alone, and focused on my subject I become so in tuned with it that time does not exist. This painting of the temple is
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Mt. Bachelor Christmas | Cindy Briggs Watercolor Paintings
I'm excited to be sending my Holiday Newsletter out in the next day or so. If you want a copy be sure to sign up on my newsletter page. My new classes at the Art Station, Gallery Shows, Venice Trip
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Rocks & Vines
My new painting from my Smith Rock Series for the Arts Central Oregon B&W Annual Fundraiser. Call 541. 633.7242 for information.
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When Life Gives You Lemons | Cindy Briggs Art & Watercolor Paintings
I am so pleased to be selected as the poster artist for the 16th Kitchen Kaleidoscope here in Bend. This is part of what I wrote for the program:“When life gives you lemons, paint them! La Vita Abbondante celebrates ‘the
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Setting Goals for a Gallery
Theresa's Gallery & Studio Not that long ago I remember Theresa looking for a gallery and studio space. She wanted to separate her home life from her artist's life to work more efficiently. I wondered how she would make it happen. Knowing
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The Travel Creatively Journal
I used to feel that every painting I did had to end up in a frame. A few years ago I started adding an art journal to my supplies when I traveled and found painting in the journal gave me
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Life is Colorful Again
After Theresa Goesling and I asked Daniel Smith to produce their own brand of "Neutral Tint" they sent us each a sample to work with. "Burano Watercolors" was painted using Neutral tint to turn down the brightness of the colors in the water.
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Envisioning with Optimism
To start off 2013 I am focusing on envisioning a life full of art and optimism. My first creative project was to make my own vision board - it was so much fun to create something just for me. I
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Too Busy for Cancer
A year ago I was very, very busy. Art Workshops, travel plans to London, Brazil, Italy, wedding plans for my son, serving on three boards, art shows and more. I've always been a busy person, and with our son (23) and