The Blog | ART SECRETS STUDIO

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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

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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.

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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.

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Capturing Art: A Quick and Easy Guide to Museum Photography

Master museum photography with our tips! Learn quickly about lenses, sensors & capturing art on the go.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Art of Organization: Studio and Travel Essentials

As an artist and educator for over 40 years, I believe it's important to stay organized in both the studio and on-the-go. Probably easier...

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Spiral vs. Bound: Which Sketchbook Wins the Art Class Showdown? And Reinforce Your Spiral Bindings with Fishing Line!

Choosing between spiral & bound sketchbooks? An art teacher spills secrets for durability, size & ease of use.

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My Top Picks for Travel Journaling: Hahnemuhle Nostalgia Sketch Pad & Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad

Discover my top picks for travel journaling: Strassman sketch pad & Strath Moore 400 series paper. Perfect for on-location art. #ArtJournal