Painting/Drawing

Posted by Alina Bradford

The art of comic books have always amazed me. Every single panel requires a team of illustrator to build the story into a page-turning good time.

If you are aspiring to be a comic book artist or if you’re already working on a comic, these articles are sure to impart some new information.

How to Make Comics:The Steps to Creating and Illustrating a Comic Book

This is our latest article on comic illustration. It takes more than one illustrator to create a completed comic book. The penciler, inker, colorist, and letterer are all important to the process. This article talks about what each of these artists do to make a completed comic.

How to Ink Comics: Learning Inking Skills and Techniques

This article is a comic inking demo for those interested in becoming an inker.

Comic Artist’s Resource: Links for Comic Book Artists and Illustrators

This article lists some great resources for artist aspiring to dive into the world of comic illustration.

Enjoy!

Alina

Posted by Alina Bradford

When I first started out as an artist I didn't have a clue about choosing the right pencil for my graphite drawings or which paper was best for my watercolors. Today, I'm a lot smarter, and a lot pickier, about my art gear. Why? Because I know that your art is only as good as the materials you used to create it.

If you find yourself vexed over paper types, canvases, drawing tools, pastel brands, and more, I have the solution. Take a look at these articles:

• How to Choose Drawing Supplies
• How to Pick a Pencil for Drawing
• How to Make and Use a Viewfinder
• How to Choose an Art Pastel Brand
• Oil Painting Tips and Terms
• Art Paper Terms and Uses
• Free Art Supplies
• Free Drawing Programs

If you have a specific question, feel free to contact me!

Alina

Posted by Alina Bradford

I set up my Google Alerts to let me know when interesting articles or blogs about art or artists pop up on the web. Today, I recieved an alert that had a link to Painting with Pop, a touching blog written by the son of a deceased artist.

This post contains the sweet and amazing tail of a mural he painted with the help of his father.

It is a must read.

Enjoy!

Alina

Posted by Alina Bradford

I am so excited. Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. Fireworks have a lot to do with this. They are so colorful and expressive I just have to photograph and paint them.

Our article How to Paint Fireworks shows you how to capture the beauty of fireworks on canvas.

My tip: take photographs of the fireworks to use as a reference. This article provides some great tips.

I hope you have a lot of fun this 4th and I would like to say thank you to all of the men and women oversees this holiday working to keep the USA free.

Alina

Posted by Alina Bradford

I just got back from Helena, MT two days ago. As soon as I got home I just had to write about all of the great places that artists just have to see while they are in Helena. Small Town Helena, Montana has Big Art is what resulted. The article is June's addition to the Destinations for Artists article series that Painting/Drawing at Suite 101 has been doing all year.

Helena not only has all of the wonderful fine artist attractions mentioned in the article, but it also has one of the best arts colleges in the country, an amazing performing arts community, and family attractions for the young and old.

I must say, I was really impressed with Helena. It has the offerings of a big city in the quiet, laid-back atmosphere of a small town.

If you get a chance, go visit the nice folks in Helena...and tell them Alina sent you.

Alina

Posted by Alina Bradford

Ever want to get your art honestly critiqued? Well, now you can! Each month here at Painting/Drawing we will feature artwork by you. The artwork will get balanced and fair critiques and we will let others add their comments. (Don't worry, callus and mean comments will be deleated.)

So are you ready to bring your skill to new hights? Email me clear digital images of your artwork to be featured for critique, along with its dimensions, medium, and any other information you would like to include.

I look forward to seeing your work!

Alina

Posted by Alina Bradford

Many artists don't realize all of the legal issues that come with running an art business. It is important to know where you stand when it comes to copyrights, model release forms, and painting people to protect you and your art. Here are two articles that can help:

How to Use a Model Release Form

Using Other People in Artwork Legally

When you use real people as models for your artwork, it is important to have them sign a model release form to protect you legally. This article shows you how and has a sample release form.

How Copyright Affects Artists

Protect Yourself from Copyright Infringement Lawsuits

You may think that copyrights and public domain have nothing to do with artists, but they are very important for protecting your art and your reputation. This article tells you everything you need to know to protect your artwork.

Enjoy!

Alina

Posted by Alina Bradford

There is one art show that I love more than any other and it is happening in just a few weeks! I'm so excited! Here's all about it from my article

Beavers Bend Resort Park, May's Destination for Artists:

"During the third weekend of June, the Forest Heritage Center opens its doors to artists young and old as it holds its annual Owa-Chito Art Show and Sale. This art show is held by the Oklahoma Art Counsel and draws artists from many nearby states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. It has categories for children to professional artists. The show and museum is free to view and entry fees are minimal.

Artists interested in entering the competition can contact the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce at 113 West Martin Luther King Drive Broken Bow, Oklahoma, 74745, telephone number: (580) 584-3393 or the Idabel Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture at 13 North Central Idabel, Oklahoma, 74745, telephone number: (580) 286-3305."

If you live in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, or Arkansas you should really consider entering this fabulous show. I have several times and have loved it.

Alina

Posted by Alina Bradford

I love summer! There are so many things to draw and sketch!

If you need some summer insperation, take a look at these articles:

Summer Painting and Drawing Ideas

Get More Creative Ideas this Season

The great warm weather can bring out a host of things to paint or draw. Here are five ideas for summer themed paintings or drawings.



Ten Tips to Inspire Creativity

Boost Your Art Inspiration with These Ideas





Everyone can get into a creative slump. Here are ten ways to stimulate your creative juices and generate fresh inspiration.



How to Draw and Paint Flowers

Learning to See and Draw the Parts of a Flower





Learn how to identify the shapes and parts that form flower, leaves, and stems to make beautiful floral drawings and paintings.

Enjoy!

Alina

Posted by Alina Bradford

I looove pastels. They are extremely portable, easy to clean up, and can give you a wide range of looks.

If you want to start painting in pastels, or if you have already started and want to learn more, I have the articles for you.

Our newest article, How to Blend Pastel, teaches you how to take your chalk pastel paintings to new level using blending techniques.

How to Choose an Art Pastel Brand shows you how to choose the right pastel for your type of painting.

How to Use Soft Pastel has all the basics on how to get started drawing and painting in soft pastel.

For those of you that love the look of oil, but hate the mess, we have the article How to Use Oil Pastels. Oil pastels give you the look and feel of oil paint and with the freedom of pastels. This article shows you the basics of working with this great medium.

So, no matter what your skill level, we have your pastel needs covered.

Enjoy!

Alina