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ABSTRACT PAINTING TIPS, TECHNIQUES, PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, AND CREATIVE TRAVEL IN SANTA FE.
Abstract painting can feel frustrating when your work isn’t coming together—and it’s often not because of talent, but a few common misunderstandings. In this video, I walk through the most common abstract painting mistakes I see, and how to begin correcting them so your work feels more cohesive and confident.
After teaching painting workshops in Santa Fe for over fifteen years, I’ve worked with just about every medium you can imagine. Oil paints, watercolors, gouache, tempera: I’ve guided thousands of students through them all. But if I’m being completely honest, acrylic paint holds a special place in my heart, and I find myself reaching for it more often than any other medium.
You’ve been working on a painting for over an hour. You keep stepping back, squinting, staring at that one little section you just can’t figure out. You love that part, it’s probably your favorite thing you’ve painted all day, but no matter what you try, the painting just… doesn’t feel finished. And deep down, you […]
You sat down to paint, ready to let go of perfectionism and just have fun. You started making creative marks, layering colors, and letting your ideas flow. At first, it was beautiful — vibrant reds, lively greens, striking contrasts. Then suddenly… it wasn’t. What was once a joyful, exciting painting turned into a muddy mess. […]
In this article, I want to walk you through why we compare, how it hurts, and most importantly, some mindset shifts and techniques you can use to stop comparing your work to others and start enjoying your unique artistic journey.
Experience My New Natural Pigment Series Art Santa Fe 2025 is just around the corner, and I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be exhibiting at this prestigious contemporary art fair from July 11–13. You can find me at Booth 304, where I’ll be showcasing a brand-new series crafted entirely with natural pigments. This series marks […]
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.
Have you ever wondered how to make a maroon color with acrylic paint? If you’ve ever tried to capture the deep, rich tones of maroon in your artwork, you know it’s not just about grabbing a tube of paint from the store. Sure, you can buy a pre-mixed marron, but where’s the fun in that? Mixing your maroon not only gives you a better understanding of color theory but also lets you create a shade that’s uniquely yours. Let’s dive into the world of maroon and explore the various ways to achieve this beautiful color.
Painting pours have been all the rage for quite some time. By thinning down paint and pouring it rather than the conventional brush application, artists can craft mesmerizing visual effects. Yet, relying on pre-made pouring mediums may impose limitations. Without the knowledge of crafting your own, you might find yourself stuck when the desire to create strikes. Consequently, I’ve curated my own pour medium recipe, giving me the flexibility to make it at will and create the effects I want.
Let’s face it: art supplies are expensive, especially if you are buying professional quality. However, if you are new to painting you don’t need to break the bank to get decent supplies. This article presents you with a range of affordable art supplies that not only spare your budget, but also empower you to unleash your creativity on canvas with confidence!
"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...
"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.
"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."
"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."
"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!"
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