Take a Cue from the Masters: Create Your Art in a Public Square

The inspiring surroundings of public squares in France and Italy were central to subjects of prominent works by the celebrated painters Pablo Amedeo Picasso, Modigliani and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Open-air painting is inspiring for many reasons: Inspiration from a convenient and attractive still subject that is consistently and widely available; a variety of scenes that can […]


I Invented Cyber-Monday – Seriously!

I Invented Cyber-Monday. I know what it sounds like, but it is actually true. Here’s my little story. It was way back in November 2002. Pretty early on in online stores. My Madison Art Shop was one of the relative first. We had a forum back then where all of us ecommerce entrepreneurs businesses would […]

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Daylight Lamps That Are Perfect for Painters

When I got my painting degree back a few years (ok, decades) ago, I pretty much only painted outdoors. I loved the colors and the lighting. One semester, I was allowed to travel throughout Europe, painting as I went along. Wow – the colors were so deep and rich! Well, with time, I got married, […]



Richeson Lyptus Wood Dulce Easel: Choosing an Easel for Painting

If you are starting out as a painter or looking for a gift for a creative teenager or adult, one of the best choices is an easel. Easels are used for acrylic and oil painting, and actually make it easier to paint. In fact, the right easel is necessary to really be able to work with acrylics […]


Watercolor for Beginners

When you think back to the type of watercolor painting we all do in elementary school, it is not surprising that we are all fooled into thinking that watercolor painting is a simple art form. The opposite is true, however. Watercolor is actually considered to be one of the most difficult types of painting because […]


How to Choose the Perfect Floor Sculpture Stand

Choosing the perfect floor sculpture stand is not simple for anyone. Depending on your unique needs and standards, different factors will decide which stand works best. Generally, quality is most important but here are the characteristics to look for when finding a durable and versatile stand. Look for Reliable Materials There are many sculpture stands available in […]


5 Tools for Enhancing Art Interest in Students 1

According to Americans for Arts, art education for children and youth includes many benefits. Learning about and participating in art throughout childhood can increase critical-thinking skills and enhance children’s ability to follow-through with goals throughout life. Since art is something that is enjoyed by people of all nations and backgrounds, exposure can help children move […]