Teaching at Polymer Clay Adventure Retreat 2015

Thanks to my friend and Mixed Media artist, Kira Slye, I am excited to be presenting a Polymer Clay plus Pebeo Liquid Paints workshop during the upcoming year-long online Polymer Clay Adventure 2015 Retreat. Click here to learn more...

On The Bench - Yummy Soft Pastels

Having taken advantage of a nice discount coupon this week at my local Blick Art Supply store opening, I've begun to experiment further with layering color in soft pastel using Rembrandt half sticks as my base, then working over top with softer pastel brands like Unison, Sennelier and Schmincke.

Thanks Kyle of Royal Talens for motivating me to grab out some of my favorite rough papers (watercolor paper with Pebeo High Density Modeling Paste) and introducing me to the Rembrandt brand...I'm in love! In between several layers of pastel, I used Grumbacher's matte fixative; works like a charm to lock in the surface and cut down on dust between color layers.

And, here's another great tip given me by Kyle; use water, acrylic matte medium or clear gesso (my personal favorite) mixed with the dust left over from pastel painting to create a greyish, purplish, redish, or greenish background on another surface - canvas or watercolor paper work best - to make colored toothy backgrounds for painting on with ANY medium, like pastel, oil paint and acrylics!

Let me know your pastel painting favorites (chalk, oil or wax) and tips in the comments below. Happy Arting!  Tristina :)

No Paint Left Behind Play - Purple

After laying out some gorgeous Violet acrylic paint on canvas, I couldn't bear the thought of throwing the remaining paint water down the sink, so... grabbed some sample papers and an acrylic paper pad and went to town sloshing on washes. Then, I pulled out my favorite box of NeoColor II water soluble wax crayons and played with color combinations to see which were pleasing together.

Loving the light green Jade wax crayon on the purple background. What unexpectely beautiful combinations have you discovered while playing with color?

HAPPY (purple - teehee!) ARTING!  Tristina :D

Lead With Passion and Compassion

While on a Southwest Airlines flight to New Orleans, I read an excellent article in their magazine (southwestmag.com) September 2014 issue titled, "Aristotle's Book of Love". The author, Jay Heinrichs, shares why he believes the lessons of Greek philosopher Aristotle, in his book Rhetoric, can help us build an adoring fan base today.

"The most powerful tool of persuasion is the leader's public ethos, or image. If people love you, they'll follow you anywhere. Aristotle taught that a compelling character is more persuasive than perfect logic."

How important this is when selling artwork! It's common knowledge among creatives that, "people buy from people they like." The best way, then, to become successful at selling artwork and creative services is to make ourselves a beloved person in the eyes of art buyers and their influencers. Mr. Heinrichs' article goes on to describe how to endear people to you; through genuine Caring, Craft and Cause.

CARING: When our family, friends, workmates and customers believe we have their best interests at heart, they will feel cared for in a way that is rare in today's frenetic self-centric experience. Implement this idea by speaking to and serving others in a personal, heartfelt way. Be known as the person who goes "the extra mile" for others.

CRAFT: Know your stuff and be sure your audience knows you do; learn all you can about your area of expertise and BE a knowledgeable authority without being cocky. Great leaders, or anyone who is looked up to, are creative problem solvers. Use "practical wisdom" to get innovative in resolving issues...sometimes throwing out the rule book and applying a fresh approach, creating new options and opportunity.

CAUSE: Stand for something larger. Align your 'virtue' with a cause that embodies the values of your audience. "What is the most important thing to you - or rather, the cause that will make your audience love you?"

Now, do a character check and discuss with the ones who love you the most. You may rewrite your resume to reflect elements of Caring, Craft and Cause.

Illustration by Nigel Buchanan

Happy Arting!  Tristina :)