Selecting the right tissue paper. The more photo encaustic images I create — and see from others — the more convinced I am of how truly unique tissue paper makes this process. There’s something almost magical about it. But let’s be honest — it can also be so confusing! When I first experimented with tissue… Read More »The Magic of Tissue Paper in Photo Encaustic Art: Choosing the Right Paper for Your Work
Let’s talk about a little business. Being entrepreneurial as an artist isn’t optional — it’s essential if you want to sell your work and build a sustainable art business. One of the most powerful (and underused) tools for artists? Email marketing. It remains one of the most profitable marketing strategies in any business — yet… Read More »The Best CRM and Marketing Tools for Artists: Stay Organized and Sell More Art
Yes, you should have one. If you’ve ever felt stuck creating backgrounds for your tissue-paper images, you’re not alone. Many students tell me, “I’m not an artist—I have no idea how to make a background!” Here’s the good news: your background doesn’t have to come purely from imagination. One of the most powerful (and fun)… Read More »How to Build a Texture Library for Photo Encaustic Backgrounds
#1 Pricing Mistake. How many times have you asked, ‘how do I price my artwork’? It’s one of the hardest aspects of any business, let alone an art business, where you are putting a dollar value on your artistic voice and personal vision. Naturally you start asking around. You ask your friends and family what… Read More »Stop Guessing: Price Your Art with Confidence
Surrendering to the Process. Recently, I asked hundreds of artists to share the best advice they would offer someone just beginning their encaustic journey. The responses were beautiful—thoughtful, generous, and full of wisdom. But one theme appeared again and again: Surrender to the process.Let go.Be patient.Don’t overthink.Enjoy the journey. This reminded me of an example… Read More »Surrendering to the Creative Process
Can I just blow off a little steam? I’m really tired of hearing the downright bad information out there in regard to encaustics and photo encaustics in particular. Normally I get really excited when students tell me what a wonderful teacher I am, but this one got me going. “I just attended a weekend workshop… Read More »Learn how to ‘think’ about photo encaustics
Let’s talk about color. Most of us were introduced to the color wheel early on—ROY G. BIV may still echo in your head. But when it comes to defining your artistic voice, color plays a much deeper and more personal role. Every color carries associations.Red evokes passion, power, courage, or even rage.Blue can feel calming,… Read More »Using Color to Find Your Artistic Style
Come Join me in Wyoming. My signature workshop–photographing horses, Eaton’s Ranch and the lifestyle of the American West is such a special experience. So if you’re wondering where to go next with your images. Or it’s been a long time since you’ve ‘played’ and felt totally free in your art. Maybe you want to Or… Read More »An Interview with Elizabeth Patrenos
Stay Motivated! Lately, I’ve been feeling a little unmotivated. After pouring all my energy into creating my newest course, Embracing Tissue Paper, I’ve hit that familiar post-project slump where I don’t feel like doing anything at all. Motivation has been on my mind, so I asked my creative circle what keeps them inspired. Almost everyone… Read More »How to Stay Motivated as an Artist: Simple Rituals to Spark Creativity
Nothing about this moment feels normal. I’m not even sure what to say in this post. I’m just trusting that the words will come as I type. I’ve been self-quarantined for 2-weeks now and I’m feeling defeated, sad, powerless, exhausted, anxious and bored. It’s an incredibly fearful time for many of us and I know… Read More »Creativity as Medicine in Uncertain Times