An opportunity to exhibit?

An opportunity to exhibit?

I’ve recently received enough questions about exhibiting to warrant an article on the topic. Most artists welcome an opportunity to exhibit, especially if there’s a possibility of selling a piece. And if someone is willing to open their wallet for your work, it’s...
A commitment of Olympic proportions.

A commitment of Olympic proportions.

I frequently hear versions of this question: “What does it take to get to the next level? Please review my work and tell me where I need to improve.” I’ve been instructing for a long time now and of course I am in a position to do this. But my advice will not make a...
Sketch your way to successful composition

Sketch your way to successful composition

In my recent Tech Talks on Composition Concepts, I pointed out that Mother Nature seldom, if ever, gifts you with ready-to-go composition. Throughout recorded history artists of all skill levels have wrestled with the best placement of content in their paintings. The...
Value drawing in graphite is your key to success in colour

Value drawing in graphite is your key to success in colour

Some unfortunate offerings for botanical art study have emerged amid the surge in online educational opportunities. One of these is instructors sending their own drawings to students to trace as part of a course on how to create successful botanical art pieces....
Mixed media

Mixed media

In March 2016, I wrote an article about Auriol Batten for the ASBA publication, The Botanical Artist. If you are unfamiliar with her name or work, Auriol was one of the most renowned South Africa botanical artists of her time. Her influence is still apparent today. My...
It’s the process that leads to success

It’s the process that leads to success

Sengmany (Seng) Phommachakr of Ottawa has just been announced as the first recipient of the ASBA’s Lizzie Sanders Memorial Award, created in memory of Lizzie Sanders, a widely-admired botanical artist who passed away in 2020. Seng’s work is outstanding and it’s not...