Painting 2/6

2 min read

Unveiling the Depth of "Alba Madonna": A Journey Through Rafael's Artistic Mastery

Rafael's "Alba Madonna" captures masterful color, composition & detail in this high Renaissance period.

2 min read

The Power of Color Theory: Transparent Colors, Hierarchy of Contrast, and Lost and Found Areas

Unlock the power of color theory: transparent colors, value structure, lost & found areas, and aerial perspective.

2 min read

Mastering Contrast: Telling Your Story Through Color and Contrast

Learn how contrast creates depth & tells stories in your art! Explore color theory, light & shadow techniques with examples from eye to appl

2 min read

Ruining Color by "Blocking-In": Every Stroke Maters, Deconstructing Each Layer

Color Blocking can ruin your painting. Every brushstroke is a decision, shaping the viewer's journey through the painting's world.

2 min read

Part 3 of 7: Workhorse Must Have Brushes, Are Leonardo and Raphael to Blame for My Brush Addiction?

Discover how softening edges in oil painting brushes revolutionized art history, from Leonardo and Raphael to modern techniques.

2 min read

Part 2 of 7: Renaissance Brush Revolution, Are Leonardo and Raphael to Blame for My Brush Addiction?

Leonardo & Raphael's brushwork is addictive! How brushstrokes communicate meaning. From tempera to oil, learn about sfumato & chiaroscuro.

2 min read

COLDS: Exploring Compositional Depth with Contrast, Overlapping Planes, Location, Direction, and Size

Learn how contrast (beyond light & dark), overlapping planes, location, direction & size create compelling narratives in your art.

2 min read

Part 1 of 7: Are Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael to Blame for My Brush Addiction?

Explore how brushstrokes transformed art! From tempera's hard edges to Leonardo & Raphael's soft sfumato, discover the impact of brushes.

3 min read

Why Classical Art is Important and the Three Stages: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric

There are three stages to mastering the visual language of classical art – stages that reveal not just technical skill and profound emotion.

2 min read

Transparent Darks Are Beautiful but Sometimes Too Beautiful: Mastering Transparent Colors in Your Paintings

By taking charge of the Elements of Art – color, contrast, pattern, shape, and texture, you can create a narrative that visually transcends.