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I post tips about abstract painting, techniques, professional advice for artists, and travel tips for creative travel in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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How to Adopt a Playful Painting Process Almost all creativity involves purposeful play. Abraham Maslow One of the best ways to create unique, dynamic abstract paintings is to stay focused on play in your practice. Abstract painting can feel challenging and intense, but incorporating playfulness can lead to new creative breakthroughs and a more enjoyable […]
It is important to know how to access your right brain mode so that you can draw and paint better. While it comes naturally to some people, others need to learn how to access this mind state. The concept of the “right brain” being more creative and intuitive while the “left brain” being more logical and analytical is a popular one, it is important to note that this is a simplification of the complex functions of the brain. Nevertheless, there are ways to tap into your creativity and intuition to create better paintings, and these methods involve accessing different parts of your brain. In this article, you will learn how to use right brain mode to paint better.
If you want to learn how to paint, you have come to the right place! I started out as an oil painter, but once I learned how to use acrylic, I made the switch and have never gone back! Don’t get me wrong: oil painting has its place, but for several reasons I have chosen to focus on acrylic. First, I will address the differences between oil and acrylic paint, and then I will discuss how to set up a work space, what tools you need, and how to start an acrylic painting. Consider this your How to Paint 101 crash course!
As a painter I am accustomed to seeing my artwork hanging on a wall. While this has kept me inspired for 25 years, recently I have been interested in how my paintings can inhabit interior spaces in more dynamic ways. I want to breathe new life into my paintings so I can watch them transform into functional objects that can grace a sofa or a dining table. It excites me that the price of functional art makes it available to a larger audience, and hence my research into Print on Demand (POD) services began. I’d like to share what I’ve learned so far about various POD services because it truly takes a lot of time and experimentation to figure out which company is the best for you. If you are keen on turning your art into products, then keep reading!
Sometimes you want to be in your studio or do something creative, but you don’t fee like painting. So what should you do? It’s a good idea to do activities that support your painting process, without actually starting on a new canvas. I am going to give you several ideas for what to do when you want to support your creative process, but don’t feel like painting.
"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.
"Different (BETTER) than just a ‘Wine & Paint’ class!
"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."
"We created some great family memories, along with interesting paintings."
"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."
"It is clear Andrea loves what she does and was born for teaching."
"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."
"Good Teacher, Knowledgeable, Patient & Encouraging."
"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!"
"I left feeling inspired, and way more confident!"
