I recently came across another workshop instructor’s handout on “workshop etiquette” — and honestly, I was floored. I can only assume the intent was to encourage mindfulness during class… but wow. The delivery? Let’s just say I hope she’s a better painter than communicator. Every paragraph made my jaw drop — lines like:“Give the instructor… Read More »Why I Encourage Questions and Conversation in My Art Workshops
The Power of Insta. I’ve learned over the years that I like to control things—maybe a little too much. And because of that, I’ve never been a huge fan of handing everything over to social media. I strongly believe every artist should have a website they own and a mailing list they nurture consistently. But… Read More »How Artists Can Use Instagram to Grow Their Audience
Recently I did one of my favorite things–ordering art materials. You know that feeling when a new box of art supplies arrives? It’s like Christmas morning for artists! 🎨 This time, I decided to step outside my usual black-and-white palette and treat myself to a full array of color pan pastels. I couldn’t wait to… Read More »How to Fix Broken Pan Pastels: A Simple Art Supply Hack for Photo Encaustic Artists
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