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ABSTRACT PAINTING TIPS, TECHNIQUES, PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, AND CREATIVE TRAVEL IN SANTA FE.

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As artists, we often struggle with the question: ‘When am I ready to sell my work?’ The journey from creating art purely for personal expression to offering it for sale can feel like crossing a huge, intimidating chasm.
There’s no magical moment when a bell rings to tell you ‘You’re ready!’ But there are some pretty reliable clues that might suggest it’s time to take that leap. Here are three big signs that your artwork might be ready for its first price tag.
One of the most telling signs your art is ready for the market is when people who have no obligation to praise your work do exactly that…

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Acrylic Paint Comparison: Golden vs. Liquitex vs. Novacolor If you paint with acrylics, you are likely overwhelmed by the many options on the shelves.  While I have not tested all of them, I consistently use a few brands in my professional work. I want to share my experience and break down the differences between the […]

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Are you struggling to create abstract paintings that match your vision? You’re not alone. Many artists face challenges in bringing their abstract concepts to life. But don’t worry—there are proven strategies that can help you overcome these obstacles and create compelling, vibrant artwork. 

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When diving into the world of painting, one often wonders, “Does the quality of a paintbrush matter?” or “Does the price of a paintbrush matter?” The answer is both yes and no. While some argue that “you get what you pay for,” that’s not always the case. There are high-quality, expensive brushes worth every penny, but there are also excellent, affordable options available. In this blog post, we will explore how to identify a quality paintbrush, best practices for caring for your brushes, and my top picks for both splurge-worthy and budget-friendly paintbrushes.

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Every artist has faced the frustrating moment when a paint tube cap refuses to budge. When you need that perfect color immediately, a stuck cap can be infuriating. However, with the right techniques, you can open that stubborn paint bottle in no time and prevent future mishaps. Let’s explore effective methods to fix and prevent stuck paint caps!

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SETH HALLEN
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"It is clear Andrea loves what she does and was born for teaching."

"My son and I had an amazing weekend in Santa Fe and the best ending to it was taking our abstract painting class with Andrea. From the minute we walked in, we were in a warm and welcoming environment. Its clear Andrea loves what she does and that she was born for teaching art. I had no experience and felt a little inhibited, but with her guidance and support it was an extremely positive experience and I certainly learned a lot."

what people are saying...

Lauren Menor
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man and woman with their arms around each other clinking wine glasses

"Different (BETTER) than
just a ‘Wine & Paint’ class!

"I was looking for an experience beyond the typical tree painting class and Andrea’s class was perfect! I’ve taken many art classes and am a relatively experienced painter, but my mother was more nervous about being “let loose” to paint whatever she wanted to. During our class, Andrea handled both our desires wonderfully. Giving us mediums, techniques and suggestions whenever we needed them. We could have brought in reference photos, (or wine lol) but being surrounded by Andrea’s work was inspiration enough. We both walked away really feeling like we created something memorable and unique in just two hours. 

CYNTHIA HAMMOND
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woman standing behind table with paint supplies with two paintings

"We created some great family memories, along with interesting paintings."

"Andrea is an accomplished artist, and her teaching style is appropriate for all levels of artists. Our granddaughter is very proud of her finished painting. We had a wonderful time, and we created some great family memories, along with some interesting paintings. We all agreed that we can’t wait to do it again. It was a great family activity."

LARRY J. REYNOLDS
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woman wearing a red checked shirt while painting

"Good Teacher, Knowledgeable, Patient & Encouraging."

"Andrea Cermanski has all the skills of a good teacher. She's knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, and gives precise and helpful instruction to each individual student, allowing him or her to discover their hidden artistic talents."

Alexis Bove
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woman standing behind table with art supplies and two paintings

"I left feeling inspired, and way more confident!"

"I did a private class with Andrea and it was so wonderful!! Andrea is an amazing artist and she is also a great teacher!! Thorough, patient and just a fun person to be around! I really wanted a basic introduction to how to use the paints, mediums, brushes, palettes, etc. I got that and so much more!! She even helped me with the anxieties I was having around painting. I left feeling inspired, and way more confident! Ready to go home and explore. I look forward to another class after I have played some on my own. Highly recommend!"