It's ok to borrow. As a beginner, you may have felt this question: "Am I allowed to paint something I saw someone else do?" Let me gently reassure you: yes, you absolutely can. In fact, not only is it ok, it's one of the most natural and important ways to grow as an artist. Every Artist Starts Here No artist begins with a fully developed, unique style. Every painter you admire once stood exactly where you are now--learning brush control, experimenting with color, and yes...

Starting small can be easier Let's just be blunt: you are going to make bad paintings. Not "maybe." Not "if you're unlucky." You definitely will. And if that thought tightens your stomach a little, you are not alone. For beginners and hobby painters, bad art can feel personal--like proof that you shouldn't have tried in the first place. Like confirmation of that quiet fear that whispers, "See? You are not creative." But here is the truth: Bad art isn't a failure. It's part

Have you ever stared at a blank canvas and thought, "I have no idea what I'm doing" ? If so, then this space is for you. I have decided to create a series of monthly blog posts in 2026 entitled Permission to Paint. It is for beginner and hobby acrylic painters---especially those who feel nervous, intimidated, or unsure where to start. The ones who love the idea of painting...but worry about doing it "wrong." (I hear this so much!) You'll see Permission to Paint  woven th

Lately I've been painting on different surfaces other than a canvas. About a month ago my husband and I were up north camping in a state...

Have you ever heard of scripture writing? I had not, until I stumbled upon a lady on you tube who was talking about it, her name is...

I'm sure most people will agree with me that the world we live in has gone crazy. If you are wondering what I'm talking about just take...

Do you like to read? I sure do, and if I'm not reading a book I'm looking for one. The book pictured here I discovered while up north...

Sometimes people ask me where I get my inspiration to create a painting. That's a tough question, because inspiration, for me, can come...

Have you ever painted anything on a sawblade? I have (now), but only recently for the first time. A friend of mine asked me if I would...

Do you own a dog? At the present time, we don't, but we have had many dogs as pets in the past. The last dog we had was Molly, her fur...

See these blocks of wood? They are pieces of two by fours, cut up by my husband, and gotten from my son's house. My son was going to...

Christmas in July?! What's this craziness! I was going through all my supplies, especially wood, to see what I have, sort of taking...

A couple weeks ago I had oral surgery early on a Monday morning. In fact, I was his very first patient that day. And this was the kind...

Have you ever read one of those Facebook posts about the peculiar traits of people from Michigan? You know, like you are from Michigan...

Yes, you read it right. Lipstick on the living room wall. Who did this? Me, a long time ago, I'm guessing about age 5 or 6. I don't...

I love to paint with people. There is something about gathering together with friends and doing a fun thing. For me, painting is so...