Richard Rogers's Blog (13)

Moving the muse.

What do you do when you feel like the muses have deserted you and your inspiration has left for parts unknown?

Someone wrote to me recently who was facing this problem. I’m not an expert, but it got me thinking about the subject.

What to do may depend a little…

Do you find colour confusing? Have you have ever reached for the yellow ochre and then realised you picked up orange instead?

Do you find it hard to decide exactly what a colour is? You are never sure if it is yellow green or khaki… green or brown?

Do you hear other artists talk about nuances of colour that you can’t even see, and wonder how they do…

Setting the stage and putting the hero on it is an approach to painting that works well for some subjects, but not for all. It is particularly suited for paintings where the main subject dominates the foreground as the background is established first and then the subject is added.

The above painting, a demonstration…

I have been following a discussion on Linked In about the diifference between amateur artists and professionals. I was surprised at how much heat the discussion produced. Thought I'd share my own ideas.

To describe an artist as a professional or as an amateur is not necessarily making a judgement about the quality of their art.

By definition, a professional is a person engaged in a specified activity as their main paid occupation, rather than as a pastime.…

For the past few weeks I have been working on a new website. While there is still some work to be done the site is up and running . I have just posted a painting demonstration that I'd like to share. Follow the link Reverse tone and texture demonstration to check it…

This month I have articles in the Australian Artist and International Artist magazines to coincide with the release of the first two titles in the Acrylic Painting Tips & Techniques series. These 10 minute DVDs have been produced for, and are available through International Artist magazine  and Australian Artist magazines. There are six DVDs in the series and they…

The options available to artists wishing to get their work online is now truly staggering. For anyone just starting out I imagine it is mind boggling and hard to know where to start. I thought I'd share some links/web addresses that I like and have found useful. The good news is you don't need to spend lots of money to get started.

If all you want is a webpage…

Marketing art in a changing world is a challenge.

Recently I’ve been listening to, ‘Flip’ , an audio book by Peter Sheahan, which deals with the rapid changes occurring in all industries, often propelled by new technology. He talks about the superstars of modern…

I've often heard people say they can't draw. They talk as though the ability is a 'gift' you either have or you don't. I don't believe it's true.

Recently I've read and enjoyed 'Your Artist's Brain' by artist and author Carl Purcell. 

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to improve their drawing skills or develop better…

The Biggest Mistake of all.

As an artist, what do you think the biggest mistake you can make is?

My vote for the biggest mistake is being afraid of making mistakes.  

Nothing will slow down learning, or progress, more than the fear of getting something wrong, of making a mistake. It is a fear that immobilises some people altogether.

It doesn’t happen often, but I’ve had people walk out of workshops before…

1.There is no substitute for miles on the brush.

You can only learn to paint by painting. Nothing teaches like experience.

You can learn about painting by listening to others, reading books and magazines, and by watching teaching dvds and videos, but it is only in the act of painting that you learn to paint. So paint...and then paint some more.

2.Give yourself permission to succeed.

And while you’re at it,…

On Jan 22nd Sergei Rioumin posted a warning to all members of Complete artist that a 'new member', was attempting to scam other members by getting them to respond to her comments via personal email .

Today I (and a lot of other members) recieved a similar comment from a 'new member, Benita from Senegal'. The comment went along the lines of 'was impressed with my profile, would like to establish a long lasting relationship and please contact her via the email address 'she'…

This demonstration was first published in Issue 133 of Australian Artist magazine. It is reprinted with permission. It has been posted on my website but I thought I would share it with the Complete Artist  community too. The reference photo,  a cottage and sheds in ruin, was taken at Walkers Flat on the Murray River in South Australia.

 Canvas preparation.

 A single coat of Atelier gesso primer was given to a 30”x 20”canvas that had previously been…