by Fiona Valentine

​If you’ve been wondering how to use graphite transfer paper – this blog post is for you.  If you are thinking “Transfer paper?  What’s that?”  it’s paper that has a layer of graphite on one side.  It works like carbon paper to make a copy.  If “why should I care?” is your next question – here are four great reasons you are going to love transfer paper. 

by Fiona Valentine

​​Has learning how to paint in oil ever seemed too complicated?  Intimidating, maybe?  Me, too.  I had oil painting in my “too hard” basket for years.  Once I tried it, though,  I LOVED IT! Now, I suggest my students START with oil because it is so forgiving and they can get amazing results quickly.

by Fiona Valentine

​Interested in learning how to watercolour?  Have you wondered if it’s the right medium for you?  Maybe you just want some simple watercolour how to tips?   This blog post has my top tips on some super easy basics to keep it simple.

by Fiona Valentine

This blog post is a painting how to with a difference. Before I dive in to why I think choosing one medium is the secret to painting success, let me say that I love that there are SO many options for painting.  Each medium offers a unique set of skills to learn, characteristics to explore and story telling possibilities.  Painting just never gets old!  The more how to paint techniques we learn, the more we realize we need to learn, keeping us challenged and interested.

There is always a new artist to discover and get to know who opens our eyes to the possibilities of painting in a fresh and exciting way. And don’t get me started on the excitement of buying new brushes and paint!

by Fiona Valentine

Want to know the best way to find your unique artistic style as an artist?  Be yourself.  I know. Rocket science, right? Sometimes, we forget to pay attention to the obvious.  In this blog post I’ll show you how to look for simple clues on YOUR unique style.

Getting to really know ourselves is a life long journey.  It can be really meaningful  to take some time out and take a good look at where you’ve been, who you are and how that contributes to the art you want to make.  So, let’s have some fun with this!

You might need a cup of tea and a notebook.   This article isn't that long, but be warned, you may find yourself staring out the window lost in thought.  Are you ready?

by Fiona Valentine

​You are super busy, I get it.  Want to learn how to paint MORE in the midst of all that busy and shorten your learning curve?  I have a simple solution! Learn to Love Your Limits.  It works equally well if you want to learn to draw.  What do I mean?  Read on friend and you’ll breathe a sigh of relief at the simplicity here.

by Fiona Valentine

Want to live a more creative life? Here are my Top Reasons for Making Creative Space so you can cultivate creative inspiration and start living the creative life you’ve dreamed of.

If you ever feel  you are too busy for creativity  or that  there is something self indulgent about making time to be creative, here are some excellent reasons WHY your creativity really matters.

by Fiona Valentine

The Artist's Creative Process was a mystery to me when I first began painting.  Once the pieces fell into place, I felt empowered to bring my ideas to life!  In this blog post, I outline some important pieces to build a process you love that really works.  

Painting begins long before you pick up a brush.  Taking time to cultivate inspiration, gather references  and  design a strong composition  are essential  and enjoyable parts of the process.

I’m confident  all of us have enough creativity and talent.  What we need are good training, practice and a creative process we enjoy.

So, let's dive in!

by Fiona Valentine 

​If you want to make great art, then getting a handle on design & composition is essential!  In this blog post I"m sharing three secrets to better design and composition.  ​You might be surprised - it's not what you think.