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 Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A splash of color
At this time of year in Ohio, everything seems to take on a gray pallor. But I've got the perfect antidote to the dullness of another Ohio winter: bold, beautiful color! In Day Lilies Strata (above), artist Phil Garrett worked wet-into-wet with thick pours of acrylic paint to create this unique surface. The thick layers were rubbed back with alcohol, exposing the color underneath. Garrett painted the lily with matte acrylic paint, which contrasts with the high gloss of the surrounding orange and green areas. Ah, summer... we will see you soon!
—Kelly Messerly
Editor, North Light Books
More color resources:
North Light Books | Random Thoughts
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 2:48:27 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00) 
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Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Create better compositions with simple value masses
No matter the medium or subject, every work of art needs a strong  composition. Without it, even the most compelling subject will look flat on the picture plane. A key part of creating a good composition is creating interest and drama with value masses. Large, simple value masses create a composition that's both dramatic and easy to comprehend. Ian Roberts, author of Mastering Composition, has the following exercise to help you see and simplify the value masses in your composition:
Try working out the three or four major value masses of your next painting with three gray markers and see how it changes the way you think about abstract shapes. Gray markers come in a range of values: from 1 to black. You could get 1, 3 and 5, for example (my 5 is actually closer to a 7 on the gray scale). The nibs are fat and clumsy to use, which is the point. If yours come with markers at both ends, one fat, the other a sharp point, pretend the sharp one doesn’t exist. Then you’ll have to think and draw in simple masses and shapes, not details. You’ll definitely find it clumsy at first. Try it on bond paper, which bleeds a bit. You’re not trying to create a beautiful drawing; you're using the markers to see if your composition can be reduced to three or four value masses, and to force yourself to render those masses simply.
Check out Mastering Composition for more information, tips and exercises.
—Mary Bostic
Associate editor, North Light Books
Advice | North Light Books
Tuesday, January 05, 2010 8:29:04 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, December 18, 2009
Watercolor book deadline extended
The deadline for Splash 12: Celebrating Artistic Vision has been extended to Dec. 28! You can enter your watermedia paintings to be considered for the book, and if your artwork is selected, we'll ask you to explain in
writing how your painting expresses your artistic vision, as well as
give a few pointers about the techniques you used. The latest edition of this long-running North Light Books series is sure to trump all. See Splash 10 to get an idea of how the books turn out.
Click here to enter online!
By Grace Dobush | News | North Light Books
Friday, December 18, 2009 4:35:59 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Intense Color: Another Point of View
 Now that much of the country is in the gray and frozen depths of winter, do your eyes long for color somewhere, anywhere? A couple of weeks ago Kelly Messerly, a fellow editor here at North Light Books, talked about how a painting in Bob Rohm's The Painterly Approach was a great example of how intense colors can be appropriate in an otherwise muted landscape.
Many more examples of this idea can be found in Julie Gilbert Pollard's new book, Brilliant Color: Painting Vibrant Outdoor Scenes. Julie finds painting inspiration in the arid deserts and canyons of Arizona, finding spectacular color where you or I would probably never see it. She says of her use of color:
"If I want to put purple or pink in foliage which my left brain tells me is green, I make it work by using the correct value, then putting whatever color I like where I like."
Check it out—I think you'll be surprised at how freeing it is to bypass the color rules sometimes, even if you like to paint representationally.
—Kathy K.
Editor, North Light Books
North Light Books
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 10:31:01 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Advice for Using Intense Color
 I've always loved the varied and intense colors of fall, and with winter only a few short weeks away, I thought this was the perfect time to share with you this stunning oil painting by artist Bob Rohm entitled Morning Color. It's a wonderful example of how intense colors can be perfectly appropriate in an otherwise muted landscape. The yellow cottonwood trees Rohm painted here seem especially vibrant compared to the cool grayish tones of the surrounding trees and mountains. By having these cool hues dominate the painting, the warm golden leaves appear all the more intense. To maximize color intensity, Rohm recommends using the background hues to enhance—not compete with—a composition's more vivid hues, suggesting, "Only one color family should be dominant." Learn more about color intensity and how Rohm creates such impressive Impressionistic effects in his book, The Painterly Approach: An Artist’s Guide to Seeing, Painting and Expressing. —Kelly Messerly
Editor, North Light Books
Advice | North Light Books | Notable Artists
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 3:09:38 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Matisse: The real revolutionary
One of my favorite aspects of studying art history is making connections between artists and art movements, trying to figure out who influenced whom or who reacted against what. The fun part is that hardly anything is written in stone. Art historians and critics are constantly finding new ways of looking at artists and their influences. So I was interested to see this new take on Matisse’s influence on contemporary installation, performance and space invasion art. The article in the Guardian says Matisse was the real driving force behind the 20th century art revolution—not Rothko or Pollack. Who has had the most influence on your art? —Mary Bostic Associate editor, North Light Books Spark your own creativity:
North Light Books | Notable Artists | Random Thoughts
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 3:39:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Art and nature
I want to build an earthbag dome.  I've been working like mad today trying to put the finishing touches on the upcoming book, Naturescapes: Innovative Painting Techniques Using Acrylics, Sponges, Natural Materials and More, in which Terrence Lun Tse uses leaves, twigs and found objects for painting acrylic landscapes and nature. Then I thought I'd take a little break to look for more examples of organic art. What I discovered was Earthen Hand Natural Building, a business started by artist Scott Howard. And now ... now I want to go to Africa and build an earthbag dome. It's a vacation, it's real, it's cool, it's art ... check it out. Have you found any out of the ordinary escapes? I'd love to hear about them! —Mona Michael
Managing editor, North Light Books
Learn more about Terrence Lun Tse:
News | North Light Books | Random Thoughts
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 8:51:14 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Interview with the revolutionary Lisa Cyr
 The Creative Spirit Within by Lisa Cyr (mixed media, 17.5x22)Lisa Cyr, author of the best-selling mixed-media instructional book Art Revolution, is busy at work on her latest North Light project, tentatively titled Experimental Painting and set for release in summer 2011. We caught up with Lisa recently to chat about the project and some of the things that have inspired her. When did you know you wanted to be an artist?I grew up in a family that was very craft oriented. Both of my grandmothers, my mother and my aunt (basically all the adult females in my life at the time) could sew, knit, crochet and embroider really well. There was
always extra fabric, thread and yarn around to play with. As a child, I made my own doll clothes and accessories. Early on, I think it was clear to me that something handmade was superior and special compared to anything you could find readymade in a store. Both my grandmothers have since passed but throughout my home, especially at holidays, I have many special things to look at, touch and use that they made for
me with their talents. Each piece serves as a reminder of the
importance of sharing one's special gifts with others and the impact it has on generations to come. What’s your home life like?After living in Manhattan for many years, I moved to the Pocono Mountain area, about an hour and 15 minutes outside the city. I feel like I have the best of both worlds: the richness and culture of the city nearby and the fresh air and comforts of having lots of space to work. I have two cats that I rescued from the streets when I was living in NYC. They are my little buddies, providing creative feedback when I need it. A good supportive purr is all you need sometimes to keep you going! I also have a daughter and she is the love of my life. She inspires me to continue to play and experiment, always seeking new ways to do things. Any favorite quotes?I like this quote by Goethe, "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic." I also have a quote of my own that I like to use often. "Create from the heart, innovate without boundaries, strive for greatness and speak to the culture in ways that inspire and motivate." Favorite artists?I think if I had to describe where my inspirations come from I would say J.W. Waterhouse and Adolphe-William Bouguereau meet Robert Rauschenberg with a twist of Gustav Klimt. Favorite books?I like when others share their life experience in insightful ways. Artists on Art (Pantheon Books), compiled and edited by Robert Goldwater and Marco Treves, is a collection of writings and letters by famous artists throughout the centuries. From the classical notations of Leonardo da Vinci to the inner workings of Pablo Picasso, the prose is quite uplifting and inspirational. Give us a taste of your latest project. Experimental Painting is my latest project with North Light Books. It will feature exciting, in-depth demonstrations that bring a project from conceptual ideation to final execution, showing all sorts of interesting techniques along the way! It will also have a chapter on the artist portfolio, which will divulge into innovative promotional strategies for the artist. In addition to the book, I am planning on doing a mini documentary, showing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this book. I think it will be a great teaching device as well as an interesting inside look into the project and its content. You can check out a few of the reviews from fans of Art Revolution, and learn more about Lisa on her website.
By Sarah Laichas | North Light Books | Notable Artists
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 4:58:32 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Get kids interested in drawing
Little kids are natural-born artists. If you provide them with the right materials, they'll draw anywhere—at restaurants, in the car, anywhere. One of the best ways to get your kids interested in drawing is to show them how to draw something they love, such as their own favorite pet—it might be puppies and  kittens, or other little critters such as ducklings and chicks, bunnies and mice, lambs and fawns. All of these and more are included in Jane Maday's new book, Draw Baby Animals. While this isn't a drawing book specifically for children, it does have easy step-by-steps and simple diagrams adults can use to teach kids how to draw their favorite baby animals. And the materials are minimal—regular graphite pencils and an assortment of colored pencils are all you'll need. Here's a great holiday gift idea for the kids in your life: Create your own drawing kit by combining the book and some pencils and paper to help your budding artist get inspired. They'll soon discover the sheer pleasure and fun of drawing their own beloved pets! —Kathy K.
Editor, North Light Books
Learn more:
North Light Books
Tuesday, November 03, 2009 5:07:42 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
What's new in art education
You know me as Jen from Jen's Picks, and as the new Online Education Manager here at Artists Network, my main goal is to give you what you need to grow artistically. Here's what's new in my world! 
Our Artist's Network Online Seminars are a great way to learn about art from the comfort of your own home. Each seminar is presented by an expert in the field who guides you through an hour-long discussion of your favorite art topics. In our next seminar Nov. 3, The Artists Magazine's Maureen Bloomfield pairs up with Watercolor Artist's Kelly Kane to help you make a strong, positive impression on judges when entering art competitions. Learn more about Entering Art Competitions here.
 ArtistsNetwork.TV's streaming, downloadable and DVD art classes are like having a one-on-one in-studio session with a professional artist. This month we filmed Sterling Edwards, and I am amazed at how just by watching him paint, right there in front of me, I now find luminous watercolors actually doable and fun. And, I've got to get my hands on some encaustic materials—once you watch our latest production, Encaustic Techniques with Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch, you'll be itching to melt wax, too.
—Jen Lepore
Online education manager
News | North Light Books
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 6:21:47 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, October 23, 2009
What drawings can do that paintings can't
Last week, instead of spending time on my own drawing, I got to see the work of several talented artists while in Scottsdale, AZ. Among other things, I was there to attend the Scottsdale Gallery Association's monthly Art Walk. Art walks are a great way for the arts community and art lovers to come together by opening gallery doors for an evening, and I saw some amazing art. One of the highlights of my trip was the 1st Annual Scottsdale Drawing Event. So many collectors focus on paintings that drawings are often an overlooked art form. Many of the drawings were completed in conjunction with oil paintings. It was astounding to see the same image, one in black and white, the other in full color; each a complete work on its own with a different intensity. I found it fun to find the slight variations between the works as the composition was altered to best suit the artists' intention and medium. All the work was great, but sometimes I actually liked the drawings better. Drawing has a direct connection to the subject that's not always present in paintings. I think it's the mark-making that only dry media create—each line, hash-mark or smudge echoing the movement of the hand across the paper. You be the judge: Check out this gallery of drawings from the show. Improve your own drawing skills with these books:
By Jamie Markle | North Light Books | Random Thoughts
Friday, October 23, 2009 3:52:48 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sketching children from life
Capturing the personality and inner life of a child in a portrait can be challenging, and sometimes reference photos just won't cut it. Read on for award-winning artist and author Victoria Lisi's tips for sketching from life: 
If you have an opportunity to sketch the child, you can record details, impressions and characteristics that a camera would miss. There is a big difference between a photo and a living, breathing child! What sort of personality does she have? Shy? Bold? Impish? Artistic? These qualities will be more obvious as you sketch and interact and will add to your work.
One of my students brought his baby to class one day, and I took the opportunity to demonstrate drawing from life to my students. The baby hadn’t learned to crawl yet and was quite content to sit on a blanket gazing about, talking baby talk. I tried to capture his easy-going, happy personality in these quick sketches. A photograph could not have conveyed his disposition as well as these sketches based on life observation.
To learn more about drawing and painting children, check out Victoria's book Vibrant Children's Portraits: Painting Beautiful Hair and Skin Tones With Oils, available in January 2010. —Mary Bostic Associate editor, North Light Books
Advice | North Light Books
Tuesday, October 20, 2009 6:55:52 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Forget Bed, Bath and Beyond: Register for Art
 Why register for toasters, towels and Tupperware when you can celebrate your wedding with an original piece of art? The nAscent gallery of New York has just created a registry service that allows couples to register for works of art showcased by the company. Friends and family of the lucky couple can either purchase the work outright or may make a contribution toward the purchase of the work, such as the above piece, Sugarcane Fields by artist Fernando Ferreira de Araujo. If you’re more of a bookworm, Splash 10 or Strokes of Genius 2 are coffee table books filled with art that’s sure to impress your soon-to-be in-laws with your excellent taste. —Kelly Messerly
Editor, North Light Books
Cool Web sites | North Light Books
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 6:49:12 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, October 09, 2009
Warm and cool: Simple color mixing
I like to play with color in my drawings. There are a lot of great artists who capture realistic skin tone to create amazingly accurate drawings. This takes a lot skill and practice, which is certainly worth striving for. However, I prefer to be more experimental with my figure drawing and choose a subjective color palette. This gives me the latitude to select the hues and values I want to convey the mood I'm looking for.  When drawing the figure, I like to start with the basic shapes, defining the outline of the model. I make corrections as I go along until I get the shapes just right. I want to capture the posture of the pose, so that the mood and gesture of the model is reflected in my drawing. To me, that's more important than capturing the proportions perfectly. Once I've achieved the shapes I want, I add color. The lines of the drawing capture the figure and mood of the pose while setting the groundwork for the entire composition. Blue becomes a natural shadow color; the value is darker, which adds depth and rounds out the form. Using the light yellow-green adds warmth to the skin, while providing contrast to the blue. Contrast is a great way to add interest to any drawing or painting, so I always try to add some strong contrast my work. The red hair provides a great final pop to top off the image. One other thing to notice is how the same colors are used in different places throughout the figure. This helps move the eye around the drawing and keeps any one color from garnering too much attention. The red behind the arm balances with the red in the hair; the blue in the hair, neck and arm brings the eye from top to bottom, then back up. The one thing I'd like to fix is the balance between the eyes; one is darker than the other. Next time I'll need to be more precise in my line making. Learn more:
Advice | By Jamie Markle | North Light Books
Friday, October 09, 2009 3:14:44 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, October 06, 2009
We want your best watercolors
News | North Light Books | Shows and Events | Videos
Tuesday, October 06, 2009 5:41:54 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
How to set up a French easel
First-time North Light author George Durkee is back at home in Murphys, CA, after spending nine inspiring days at the Burning Man festival in the Black Rock desert of Nevada. (He got in 25 hours of life drawing in five days!) He's now gearing up for his book's release at the end of October. In the beautiful Expressive Oil Painting: An Open-Air Approach to Creative Landscapes, George shares tricks of the trade to encourage you to paint inspired and engaging landscapes that capture your own unique impressions of the world around you. It covers nine in-depth painting demos, all of the fundamentals of oil painting, plus a diverse sampling of ideas and approaches for capturing mood, light, movement, painting en plein air and determining accurate reference values. George's passion is painting outside in nature. Here he demonstrates how to set up a French easel, an important piece of equipment that helps artists paint efficiently en plein air. 1. Extend one of the side legs to full length and tighten the nut.  2. Bring the leg into position and fasten it in place.  3. Extend the other side leg.  4. Unfold the second leg and fasten it in place.  5. Unfold the center leg.  6. Stand the easel upright and arrange your materials.  You can pre-order Expressive Oil Painting at northlightshop.com, or look for it in stores Oct. 30!
Advice | By Sarah Laichas | North Light Books
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 6:01:22 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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