lhiller

What do you do when you've lost your muse? Well, you can sit around being frustrated, depressed and feeling lost. Self analysis doesn't always work and can lead to more frustration. What works best for me is to get off the grid and do something completely different. Really outside the box. At least for me. I decided I needed something that would take some focus so I wouldn't dwell on what wasn't working. Also, something that would take very little effort, supplies or props. Something that... Read Full Story

Well, I don't think you can. Paint the Grand Canyon from photos, that is, without first experiencing the canyon itself in person. I believe this is true with most things or places - people too. In some cases painting on location is not possible, so you take as many photos as you can and... guess what? Your painting will have more, much more sense of being there than if you had never viewed your subject. This will not take the place of painting on location for some, but it will far exceed... Read Full Story

I recently returned from a trip touring the southwestern part of the US. One of my most memorable moments was, of course, viewing the Grand Canyon. Ah, the grandeur, the immenseness, the panorama of it all! As a painter I ask myself how can I capture the glory of it on canvas? I've had the pleasure of viewing some wonderful Grand Canyon paintings and have admired the artist's beautiful work, but I don't think anything can capture the majesty of the canyon itself. Therefore, I decided to leave... Read Full Story

Recently I had the opportunity to be in a small show/festival. The weather was not ideal, attendance was off and the economy…well we all know about that.I didn’t have high expectations, but what I didn’t expect was not selling a single original painting. However, I did sell prints. And, they saved the day. How many artists create a truly wonderful painting, have it sell and then wish they had had prints made?There are many ways to have prints made from your own works. If you are not inclined... Read Full Story

One of Oklahoma City's largest outdoor art festivals will be this Labor Day weekend on the grounds of Oklahoma City Community College, also known as OCCC. It's a great show and lots of wonderful people come to visit. I've been in it for the last four or five years and it's a wonderful place to meet new and interesting people. I think I have everything ready to go except for the packing which my husband will do. I'm not organized enough for that part. It's going to be four long hot days and if... Read Full Story

I'm going to show this as a step by step of a painting I just finished. Well actually more like how I started out. I seem to have gotten a little lax on photos toward the end. This is a 30" x 24" canvas gallery wrapped. I wanted to get some paint on the edges for two reasons. One was to get some color on and to cover the white and the other was to protect the canvas around the corners. This is a grey acrylic. Next I draw what I am going to paint using a thin mixture of oil paint and turp. At... Read Full Story

Poppies 5" x 7" I've been so neglectful due to my recent run-in with the scapel, but I think I'm pretty much back on the road to recovery. At least I can type a little better. This little painting is going to be entered in a local OAG (Oklahoma Art Guild) miniature show. Should be lots of fun. Must run, but I'll be back soon. Read Full Story

Still one handed, but I'm trying to look at the humorous side....see my squidoo lense for a few laughs http://www.squidoo.com/one-handed Read Full Story

Silverback 14" x 11" clayboard etching Let me first say that I have always admired and respected any person that has lived with and overcome any handicap, but never more so than this last week. Carpel tunnel surgery has left me all but helpless for the next two weeks. Now I'm not looking for sympathy (well, maybe just a little), but I think they should make a person go into training and practice one-handed skills first. Like physical therapy, but prior to the "event". Not only am I typing... Read Full Story

Lady of the Mountain One of the trickier supports for me is suede board. It can sometimes be a challenge because pastel does not adhere very well to the suede. I like to lay it flat to get the maximum layers of pastel that I want. If I feel the knap is too full I will turn it over and tap it very lightly. After laying it back flat I may need to tweak or highlight a few places until I'm satisfied with the painting. At that point I will lay the glass directly on top of the painting. Archival... Read Full Story