Keith Morant (1944-2022) was an internationally acclaimed artist who had been painting for over 50 years. His innovative abstract art is characterized by unique curvilinear forms and symbols, contrasting colors, and kinetic expression. He lived in New Zealand and exhibited in galleries and art centers throughout the world. He received innumerable distinguished awards including … [Read more...]
Artists and Their Muses
A few years ago I posted a question for my Facebook artists friends. I wanted to know about their Muses -- who they are and what role do they play in their creative process? The replies I received are diverse, imaginative and insightful. I am pleased to present this collection of replies "Artists and Their Muses". This question I posted on Facebook attracted almost 100 … [Read more...]
The Many Benefits of Cross-Promotion For Artists
When I was a professional artist a major collector of mine, who was a floral designer with a retail store on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, prominently displayed my garden paintings in his store window. The endorsement and exposure he gave me was priceless. He referred art buyers to my studio a few blocks away. To reciprocate, I distributed his business cards to my friends, … [Read more...]
Advice from Artists Who Say “Follow Your Bliss”
If you're living your heartfelt dream as an artist you might be in the minority. Our world is filled with people who gave up on their aspirations and have settled for less. Several years ago I read an article in The New York Times that revealed: “Many of the people who seem to have it ‘all’ harbor dreams about "the road not taken” and referred to a study that claimed among … [Read more...]
Advice from Artists Who Encourage You To “Never Give Up!”
Most artists I know are eager to encourage, support and help their fellow artists. For example, for this article I collected advice from artists who encourage you to "Never Give Up!". You'll find motivational words from three prominent artists JoAnne Carson, Nancy Reyner and Nancy Staub Laughlin from in-depth interviews on this website. There are links to 10 more helpful … [Read more...]
Famous Black Artists Who Have Confronted Racism and Inequality
They Broke Barriers and Raised Awareness (Originally published on May 17, 2020 and updated in April 2022) As we try to cope with the horror of one pandemic we battle another deadly and appalling disease known as racism. Around the world, protesters are gathering peacefully to call attention to racial inequity and strive to achieve justice and reform. I join you in this period … [Read more...]
How and Why Artists Win Juried Competitions
Over my career I've juried and curated more than 200 exhibitions both in physical venues and online. My process includes viewing jpegs and reading artist's statements. There are many talented artists who had to be disqualified. Rather than go into detail about any mistakes they made, I prefer to devote this article to what the artists who made it into the exhibition did … [Read more...]
What Artist Friends Learned and Experienced in April 2020 During COVID-19
April 2020 was a very challenging month for many of us, as it was the second month of being in isolation. For many artists it meant adjusting to a new and welcome routine, such as acquiring more time to create art. It also served to increase quiet reflection about themselves and the changing world in which they live. Curious to know what my artist friends learned and … [Read more...]
Interview with Denisa Prochazka, Award-Winning Sculptor
Denisa Prochazka, denisa-sculpture.com, is a classically trained figurative sculptor living in Ottawa, Canada, whose passion is creating portrait sculpture and clay reliefs. She has participated in over thirty exhibitions in Canada and the U.S. She has attracted many special commissions including creating Awards of Excellence for the Nelson Mandela Legacy and Ottawa University … [Read more...]
10 Ways for Artists to Be Optimistic
There are many things you will never be able to change, such as who your parents are, the closing of your art gallery, or the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic. How much we focus on the current economy or state of the art market will not change the facts nor the statistics. However, we can control the way we view these circumstances and we can choose where we focus our … [Read more...]
Artists Share Positive Ways They Are Using Time in Isolation Part III
I recently asked my artist friends on Facebook to share what they are doing now since the Coronavirus pandemic altered all of our lives. I was delighted to receive many replies from artists around the world. In this article artists share positive ways they are using time in isolation to improve their lives, art and careers. I encourage you to visit the artists’ websites to … [Read more...]
Artists Share Positive Ways They Are Using Time in Isolation Part II
While we're either in mandatory lock down or we're choosing to do so voluntarily, during the Coronavirus pandemic, we can choose from an array of opportunities to pursue indoor activities to improve ourselves. I recently posted a discussion on Facebook asking artists what they are doing now. I was delighted to receive many replies from artists around the world. In this … [Read more...]
Artists Share Positive Ways They Are Using Time in Isolation Part I
It's important for us to stay informed about the ever-changing events related the Coronavirus Pandemic, in order to insure our safety. However, since so much of the news is negative, it is essential that we not lose sight of the good news and opportunities that are available. In this article artists from around the world share positive ways they are using time in isolation to … [Read more...]
Artists Who Are Sharing Positive Messages
Normally I write articles with advice for you about growing your art business; however, this morning I was inspired to publish this article about artists who are sharing positive messages. There are many of you who are communicating compassion and support for others during this difficult time. I've chosen three of you this week and I'll be sharing a series of similar articles … [Read more...]
School of Visual Arts Mentors Program and Exhibition
Students Receive Mentorship From Leaders in the New York Arts Community This article was published in 2020. School of Visual Arts (SVA) in NYC, NY, has been a leader in the education of artists, designers and creative professionals for more than seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum and an emphasis on critical thinking, … [Read more...]
How to Create A Great Painting
Nancy Reyner, nancyreyner.com, is a world renowned artist, instructor and author. She received her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, and an MFA from Columbia University. Her art is in numerous private and corporate collections including the City of Santa Fe Civic Center, Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, VA, University of New Mexico Hospital, Albuquerque, NM, Southwestern … [Read more...]