When I was asked to provide insight into what compels me to create art I struggled a bit with what I can possibly write that can briefly describe my philosophy. In short, as far back as I can remember, I have always been a creative person. Constantly challenging myself to see what I can accomplish then pushing still further to perfect it. In my youth, I was continuously exploring. Be it applying graphite to paper, India ink to canvas board, or out hiking the trail, I was always searching, aching to discover what lies around the next turn. I remember the excitement [...]

We'll complete the painting in this part of the demo. STEP 10: Add distant shoreline and details. Mix a touch of burnt umber to the color used in step #9. Using a #6 bristle brush paint in the shoreline below the trees and shrubs. Make sure you fade this color into the base of the foliage. Add a touch of white to lighten the mixture and, using a #2 round sable brush, suggest the main trunks and limbs of the trees, skipping here and there as to not make them solid. Switch to a #4 flat sable and add the rocks to the shoreline. Be sure to vary [...]