We love to promote Portland artists and art teachers.  We discovered that Portland artist, Scott Conary has been teaching an ongoing painting class online since April 2020, making it especially relevant during COVID-19.  It's a combination of live video demos, discussions and even art critiques if you so desire.  He feels that his style of teaching suits hermits and introverts because you get to paint and get instruction all from the comfort of your own home studio.  

If you should need any painting supplies, please don't hesitate to make an art supply order with us at this link.

He emphasizes teaching the formal elements of art such as light, shade, tone, and he does so with humor and a reverence for finding what works best for each individual artist.  Here's what he says you'll learn from him:

• The online class offers something different from the in-person class and workshop. While I won't be able to reach over your shoulder and touch your painting, you can participate as your schedule allows, access content that might otherwise be inaccessible due to cost, time, and distance, and be part of a community of other artists.
• Classes are a combination of live broadcasts through Zoom, suggested assignments, online demonstration and discussion, critiques, and limited private correspondence. The live broadcasts are the magic and meat of these classes. They include slide presentations, demonstrations, and question and answer sessions. Each broadcast is recorded so that students can review the material at their leisure (or if they couldn't attend the live broadcast). Online discussion is optional and will take place in private facebook groups.
• If you'd like to participate in a group critique, that is available in addition to the class. Enrollment in the group critique is limited.

It's only $40 per month and the live Zoom demo and discussion are every Thursday at 11 am.  Click this link to enroll and get more info.

Unfortunately, so many of the great drawing clubs and workshops that used to be in abundance around Portland, Oregon have shut down due to COVID-19.  But drawing from a live model can still be achieved when we adapt to what we can do during this COVID-19 pandemic.  Artist, Christopher Preda Rabilwongse had done just that by moving his figure drawing workshop outside in his backyard and limiting the number of artists.

He can only have 6 artists and the model in the backyard doing figure drawing.  Everyone wears masks and practices social distancing.  It's not perfect and it's still hard to talk through those masks, but since it's summer, they are adapting and taking advantage of the great, summer weather.  He's doing this while the nice weather lasts. It's every Wednesday from 3-6pm.  Fee is $10.  You must RSVP by sending him a DM on his Instagram account.  

We love that artists are finding ways to still connect and learn during this difficult time.  Maybe, we'll see you at the next drawing session.  Should you need any drawing supplies for the workshop, get them with us by making a curbside pickup order at this link.

We are on pins and needles with excitement, waiting for this new video series to start called, "Storytime & Art With 2 Teahcers".  Mrs. I and Mrs. Cook have been teaching elementary school for a combined total of over 40 years.  

In this series, they take their experience and passion for storytime and art into a super fun class that helps grow children's love for reading and creating.  We think it's the perfect combination like chocolate and peanut butter which taste better together than apart. ​

What if you could advise your younger self  to stay clear of the pitfalls in an art career?  What if you are starting out your art career and would love to learn any wisdom you can from seasoned artists?  What if you're just curious what professional, working artists think is the best advice to making a great art career?  If you fall under any of these categories, we have a few links to articles that will interest you.  Check them out below.  

Should you need any art supplies to keep up your art practice, we've got you covered.  Make a no-contact, curbside order at this link.

Alleyvision is collaborative painting couple, Bill & Heather Alley (aka HAWA) who live in North East Portland and who know how to have fun with art.  They have a great YouTube channel in which they open their studio, show you their art process, and share the art they've had a great time creating.  They also have many video tutorials for pour painting projects as well as other art and craft projects.  They are high-spirited, enthusiastic and amusing, making it fun to hang out with them as they paint.

Website:  www.alleyvision.com
YouTube:  Alleyvision
​Instagram:  @alleyvision

According to realistic, oil painting artist, Mark Carder, there is a mistake that he sees oil painting artists make over and over again which is a real pet peeve of his.  He says that the mistake is that painters exaggerate features and lines, making them too strong and standing out when they should not.  If you are a realistic style painter, his explanation and discussion could help you figure out how to make everything more subtle and  more realistic.  Then you'd avoid this #1 mistake.  Watch he full video at this link. 

Should you need any oil painting supplies, we've got you covered.  Make a no-contact, curbside pickup order at this link.

We're not sure what this art video shows is a practical thing to do at home, but maybe, you could rig up something similar in your backyard during summer that could be just as much crazy, painting fun.  In any case, this is a super fun video in which they get crazy with the pour painting art by suspending several bottles of paint from a rope to make some amazing designs.  

Golden paints describes what's happening in the video: "The viscosity and vibrancy of GOLDEN Color Pouring Medium (Matte & Gloss) are demonstrated on this three color pour from a swinging dispenser onto a surface coated with Pouring Medium for a wet-on-wet geometric painting."

It really is just a whole lot of crazy fun.  Should you need any pour painting acrylic art supplies, make a no-contact, curbside pickup order with us at this link.

We just learned that the Jorndon Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene, Oregon has started a grant program for artists who want to respond to the Black Lives Matter Movement. Submission deadline is September 30th, 2020.  Grantees will be notified by October 31st, 2020. 

​Unfortunately, this grant excludes artists living in Multnomah, Clackamas, Columbia, and Washington Counties, but we know that we serve artists from all over Oregon, so we know some of you could benefit from this great news.  We wish you the best of luck.  Please full info of this grant program at this link.

​As always, should you need great discount art supplies, please don't hesitate to place an art order with us at this link.

We're so happy that so many art festivals and organizations are adapting this year's annual events to COVID-19 environment.  One of those art events is the Oregon Coast Art Talks which includes artist talks, art discussion and studio visits via online. 

​It will stay online for 13 weeks from August 15th - November 15th, 2020. It is FREE, but they do appreciate donations to help all artists and their annual event.  You can get all the info of events and happenings at this link.

​Should any of these art talks or studio visits inspire you to create your own art, please make an art supply order with us at this link.

Artist Maggie Waulklyn is a professional illustrator and adjunct professor at PNCA who lives and works in SE Portland near our Foster-Powell art supply store location.  We're happy to have her as creative neighbor who loves bird watching, gardening and studying mushrooms, among other interesting things.  Her art practice embraces letting go of control and letting "happy accidents" happen.  She has painted murals and created art for some of our favorite magazines, including Illustoria Magazine, Bitch Magazine and Williamette Week.  We're excited to share her beautiful art and helpful tips with you today.

Website: simplykumquat.com
Instagram: @simplykumquat
Twitter:  @simplykumquat

The joy of this art journal book, "The Opposite Is Also True",  is that you don't have to decide between 2 opposing opinions about how to go about making art.  You get to try both ways and decide for yourself what works or doesn't.  No longer do you have to be puzzled over which art teacher was right; one said to have a plan of action before you started and another said just start anywhere and flow with it.  If you tried to figure out before you tried both ways, then you'll never know which is true for yourself.  You'll never know that one is true in certain situations and the other is true in other situations.  You could also go crazy with the conflicting messages.  Just as likely, you could also become a better artist.  See how we did that....we just gave you 2 opposing messages.  

The images that illustrate the different messages are charming and fun.  They really add another layer of play to a book that encourages artists to take a stab at something new and experiment with all the possibilities.

Should you need any art materials while working your ways through this playful art journal, you know you'll find the best art supplies with us.  Make a no-contact, curbside pick-up order at this link.   

Strathmore Paper makes some excellent video courses that go in depth on teaching you techniques on how best to use materials like a pro artist.  We are amazed that all the are available to you for free and are posted for at least a year from the time they're published on their site.

In this 4 part video course with pro artist Justin Mass, he teaches you how to create amazing portraits. He starts with the materials and basic techniques, next teaches you how to get your subject on the page, and finally takes you from start to finish with 2 portraits; 1 in monochrome on tan toned paper and 1 in full color on white bristol paper.  

He's relaxed, easy to follow and a joy to watch draw.  He says any level of artist could benefit from watching his portrait course from beginner to expert.  He believes his techniques, tips and tricks could help all artists who want to make pro portraits by revealing secrets that make it just a bit easier and in the best possible way.  

Should you need any drawing supplies for his free video course, you can always count on us to provide you with high-quality, discount art supplies that fit any budget.  Make your no-contact, curbside order at this link.

The stores might be closing down, but the murals across Portland Oregon are going up.  Many empty stores are allowing mural artists to paint their empty store fronts with messages of hope, solidarity and courage in the face of the corona virus and the Black Lives Matter movement.  Below is just one of the mural projects that are happening around our city.  We're proud that there are quite a few that are near our location in Southeast on Fosters.  Check out the links below to see more inspiring murals that speak louder than words.  If you want to join this movement with your wall sized art, we have lots of spray paint that you can order at this link.

Do you ever get overwhelmed by all the amazing art​ supplies we have, but you know you need everything to make a painting with $20 or less?  Do you ever just need something, super, special for an art party for a bunch of 11 year olds?  Are you teaching an art class and need specific supplies for your students?  Well, we can help with all of these things.  Whatever the occasion, whatever the age, whatever the budget, we can make you an art kit that's perfect for whatever you need and desire!

Over the years, we've become known for our wonderful, wacky, and weird art kits that have gone where no other art kit has ever gone before.  We dare you to come up with the craziest thing you can think up and we are sure to be able to fill that very, special, custom order for you.  Don't believe us?  See some of the amazing art kits that we've made before in the image below.  The limit is your imagination.  

Just give us your budget, theme, occasion and the ages and we take care of the rest.  Teachers and instructors we work with to make exactly whatever they want in their kit in whatever quantity they need.  Click on the button below to make your custom art kit order today! 

​In our 6th post in our "Oregon Artists Sharing Tips & Technique" series, we visit the whimsical animal and nature art of Christa Paolucci, a Portland, Oregon LGBT artist whose biggest tip is to play and don't be afraid to make ugly art.  Her love of nature and fantasy meld together in a beautiful new world in her art.  She also loves melding together traditional mediums and digital medium in the artwork that she loves to do.  She has an online shop where she sells her art and she also has a Patreon account where her patrons get to see her work in progress, among other great benefits such as discounts, stickers and art prints.  To celebrate her 4K followers, she just started a "Draw This In Your Style" (#DTIYS) art challenge on Instagram.  It will last until the end of August 2020, if you want to join in the fun.

website:  www.ChristiaPaolucci.com
​Instagram: @paolucci.art
Patreon:  patreon.com/paolucci_art

​Remember to play. Making personal art should be enjoyable, it should be a door you open into new worlds where you learn more about yourself and your work. I am in full support of taking classes and using references to develop your skills, but at the end of the day, don't be afraid to make a mess, play with your art, and as a mentor once told me: Make Ugly Art. It's impossible to always churn out beautiful work. By all means, fill a sketchbook with ugly doodles and enjoy the learning process. Your art doesn't always have to be for show!

Make sure you check out more of Christa's art on her website and her Instagram account.  If you'd like to see more of her process, be sure to join her Patreon account, so you can get the in-depth scoop on how she creates such lovely and fun artwork, plus lots of other great benefits.  

Portland artist, Johnny Luczycki had been doing plein air painting for a long time, so when the Black Live Matters protest went to downtown Portland, near the courthouse, Johnny went too with his easel and paints.  He was doing this live art alone for a while and then more and more artists came with him to make a wall of artists. 

It was such an amazing way to protest that what they're doing got noticed and made news in Europe, Euronews website and on Hyperallergic website, a leading voice in contemporary art and culture.  We definitely are proud that Oregon artists are making such a great contribution to such an important movement.  

They now are doing this regularly as a way to peacefully protest the atrocities happening and to bear witness of all the protests.  If you'd like to be part of the Easels Against Evils, please DM Johnny on his Instagram account to see when the next one will happen.  

We love you Portland artists!  We are so grateful for your support and we are thrilled that we can keep helping you do art during the pandemic.  You make us smile everyday, so we wanted to return the smile by giving you a free art and craft project with every curbside order that you make with us.

Once you create your masterpiece with the materials we give you, share it with us and we'll post it either here on the blog and/or on our Instagram account.  Afterward, we suggest sharing your awesome art by hiding it somewhere, so someone else can discover it.  Then you'll bring smiles to their faces too!  It would be like a scavenger hunt!  How fun!  

You've got us figured out, yep, you see our anterior motive.  We want to keep those art smiles going round and round.  Help us spread the art love to everyone!

We've featured a few great artists on our I've Been Framed Blog for the last month.  We've enjoyed their art, and learned so much from them.  Now,  we need a lot more artists to share what makes them special and to show their awesome art to the world. 

Are you an Oregon Artist?  Do you have techniques and tips you could share with us and our artist community?  If you have work in progress photos, a video tutorial or a time, lapse video of art you're creating, we'd love to feature you and your art on our blog. 

We're flexible, inclusive and open to other ways of sharing your techniques too.  Let us know by filling out the form at the button below.  Thanks so much! 

Since there are so many, many acrylic brushes to choose from, we know it can get overwhelming.  In this short video by Winsor Newton, they explore what different acrylic brushes do.  They show you what kind of marks each makes with paint.  They show you how each can blend and when you might use a certain shape.  If you're unsure of what to choose, this video might be just the thing to help you out.  Click on this link to watch it.

Should you need any acrylic brushes, we have all that you could need.  Please make a no-contact, curbside order at this link.

​In our 5th post in our "Oregon Artists Sharing Tips & Technique" series, we catch up with artist and business woman, Katrina Zarate.  She is a woman of color who lives in North Portland, actively showing and selling her art at the Alberta Street Gallery, Saturday Market. Plus, she is a tattoo artist.  She advises to get your hustle on to make it as an artist which she is definitely doing here in Portland, Oregon.  Her specialities are doing portrait commissions of people and animals and capturing the uniqueness of Portland.  Since quarantine, she's set up her living room as a disco roller rink. 

Make sure you check out more of Katrina's artwork on her website and follow him on Instagram or Facebook where you can see her roller skating in her living room, her painting techniques in time lapse videos and her tattoo art on her clients.  Thank you for sharing your unique and intimate artwork with us.  We love how skilled it is, plus how it really represents the variety and flavor of Portland.

If you do oil painting, you might already know the 3 rules. You might be doing them already without knowing it.  They aren't meant to be scary or shame you.  They are there so you can make oil paintings that don't crack or warp as you build up the paint on your canvas or board.  They are:

1. Fat over lean
2. Thick over thin
3. Slow drying over fast drying

Over at the Winsor and Newton website, they explain why these 3 rules are so important, why knowing them will help you make the painting you intended to paint, and how they will impact the way your painting looks at the end.  We know that painting with Bob Ross on his TV series, he did these all the time, but didn't really call attention to them.  Now, you'll understand the ins and outs after reading the article.  Click on the link above to read it.  

Should you need any oil painting supplies, please don't hesitate to make a no-contact, curbside pick up order from us at this link.