Use the force for good!

And by "force" I mean the internet which, as we all know, can be a major waste of time.

So instead of checking out cats playing the piano and toddlers singing opera, here are some websites and blogs that consistently provide insightful tidbits that are art related.

• Robert Genn's The Painter's Keys inspires artistically and philosophically. Plus it's a source for workshops, retreats, art shows, etc. You can also sign up for Robert's twice weekly letters - he is a wonderful writer! 

•  Fine Art Views from FASO (Fine Art Studios Online) has endless information for artists from marketing to, well, attitude adjustment. (you know we need that too...sometimes). And yes, they would like to host your website, but you don't connect in that way, they are still so generous!  



by Henk Helmantel courtesy M. Innis

•  Matthew D. Innis' blog Underpaintings celebrates representational art with in-depth information and images of paintings by master artists, past and present. It's one of my absolute favorite places to lose myself. There are previews of important exhibitions and demos of classical painting techniques - all searchable by subject.

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• For color junkies (and aren't we all?!) check out the Munsell Color System website. Munsell's system describes colors by hue, value and chroma. Subtle differences adjacent colors and how they compare is what makes realistic paintings "real".

• Lori McNee provides info on everything from composition to marketing in her blog Fine Art Tips and she often features guest posts by artists and experts on specific areas of interest.

• Another source of marketing information and strategy is Alyson Stanfield's Art Biz Blog. Alyson is also a professional Art Biz Coach who offers courses for artists, but she also gives plenty of practical information on the business of being an artist, free, on her blog.

• There are zillions of YouTube videos demonstrating painting technique. Seek and ye shall find! My favorites have audio and time lapse, like this one from David Jon Kassan.

So, the next time you feel like getting caught in the world wide web, spend your time checking out some creative and informative art resources.

I vow to never get lost in the world of cute kittens and giggly kiddies. Seriously, life it too short.  (however, I may have a hard time passing up the video of a dog with perfect pitch... just because I'm a little jealous)

please visit my Facebook page about oil painting and art here: 

https://www.facebook.com/dblorenze.artist