Blog
Top Ten Art Books to Inspire Artists
I'm a hoarder of books. I believe that you can never have too many and continuing education, especially art education, is essential to staying current, growing and learning what you need to be successful at doing what you love. I average about one new book a week. Some really give me the kick I need and others are duds. I take what I can from all of them and then form my own opinions and plan of action for what I want to accomplish. Sometimes i need help with business and other times I'm searchi…
How to Find Your Voice as an Artist
Who am I as an artist?
Finding the answer to this is the secret every artists wants to figure out. After reading all kinds of books, spending a lot of time online and grilling all of my artist friends, I have come to only one conclusion. *You must do the work.* Only time spent creating will help you reveal the mystery. And this is one that will keep unfolding your whole art career. I am still asking myself who am I as an artist and I suspect in twenty years I will still be asking myself the s…
Color Mix Like a Pro Using Only Three Colors
Yes, it's true, mix like a pro using just three colors plus white!
Over the years I have found myself naturally limiting my palette as I mix my own colors more often.
Narrowing my palette to my few favorite colors like Quinacridone Magenta, Hansa Yellow medium, Green-Gold, Turquoise, Payne's Grey and Permanent Violet hue - all by Golden Acrylic Paints - I have found I simply just don't need every color. And with the growth of Color Crush Creative, I have been even more aware of color mixing a…
My Favorite Supplies for Acrylic Painting
What Supplies Do I Need to Start Acrylic Painting?
I'm asked often about what supplies I use to create my artwork.
Here is a run-down of my favorite acrylic painting supplies!
I love Golden acrylic paints. I work fast and in thin layers, so usually I turn to Golden Fluid Paint the most. I often follow up with Golden Heavy Body for details or texture. All of these paints have a very high pigment load and can resist fading over time, an important thing if you want your painting to last.
5 Quick Tips for Better Instagram Photos
Let's face it, if you want your Instagram feed to stand out, you need to take better photos.
You don't need a fancy camera or elaborate equipment. You don't need to be a designer or a stylist. And you don't have to spend all day taking the perfect photo, but you do need bright, clear, and consistent photos if you want your work to be eye-catching.
First, since you're posting to Instagram, it makes sense to just use your phone camera. These days most smartphones have cameras that rival a d…
Be Inspired: Seascape Escape
Break out your beach chair and let your oceanic adventure begin...

Seascape Escape is an easy step-by-step class that will have you diving into the art of acrylics, and creating coastal masterpieces with moody clouds and stunning seascapes.
In this simple and easy-to-follow course, Kellee guides you through everything you need to know about acrylic materials, starting and finishing simple landscape paintings, and unleashing your creativity onto the canvas! Whether you're new to acrylics or yo…
Find Your True Colors: 10 Questions for Artists
Who are we as artists?
Finding this answer is the secret every artist wants to figure out. After reading all kinds of books, spending a lot of time online, and grilling artist friends, there has only been one common conclusion. *You must do the work.* Ask yourself this question today, and again in a year, then again in 20 years. Only time spent creating will help you reveal the mystery.
As artists, we hear these competing ideas over and over again - "Just pick one thing and you will be success…
Escape in your Art: 7 Steps to a Perfect Seascape
The sky is never the same, and the clouds are constantly changing, so the story of your painting journey is still to be made.
There are hundreds of ways to approach your artwork. Each one is unique just like the sky itself.
Our method is also only one of the hundreds of ways to paint. It's your job to take these ideas and make them your own, we just want to spark a fire for you if you’re feeling a little burnt out!
Try out these quick and easy steps for picking up your paintbrush and workin…
Unleash Your Creativity: SuperBloom
Have you ever experienced a moment where spontaneity meets years of hard work?
That magical moment where all that you know about a particular subject finally becomes all that you feel?
In nature, this moment is called a Superbloom - a rare phenomenon that occurs when wildflowers germinate and blossom at the same time after an unusually wet rainy season. And in the world of painting, a Super Bloom is a moment of pure creativity, where muses arrive unexpectedly and inspiration flows freely.
A…
Come and Explore: Intro to Oil Pastels
Oil pastels are a versatile and exciting medium that can add texture and depth to any artwork.
Remember that feeling of opening up a brand new box of crayons and seeing all those bright colors, just waiting to be used?
That's exactly what it feels like to experiment with oil pastels. With rich, vibrant hues and creamy texture, you can easily blend and layer colors to create bold and expressive works of art. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, oil pastels offer endless possib…