Architecture is all about shapes and their relationship to the surrounding environment. Planes, negative space and the golden ratio — geometry plus art equals architecture. When working on designs, knowing a few architectural basics can add dimension to your work. In architecture, every line you draw is really a two-dimensional Read more…
An artist usually creates for self-expression. Sometimes, the work pours out of us without requiring much thought. The greater the need to express oneself, the more prolific the artist becomes. I recently read a very moving account by Deb Haugen, who worked every day in the hospital after recovering from Read more…
For those of us who go to the coast, Memorial Day is also known as Opening Day! First the purge — cleaning away the winter detritus inside and out, then changing one’s diet and wardrobe. Second the friends and family — hello to everyone in the community and all one’s Read more…
An often underplayed card in design is a good use of texture. Texture adds depth of field through layering, variation, and shadow. Imagine for a minute that you have in front of you a ball of red string. It’s not really a solid color because there is endless variety as Read more…
Thanks to everyone for visiting me at Surtex! I particularly loved meeting all of you new artists out there — I will keep you in mind as I write some of these posts. Hello to all my Surtex neighbors! You were all so great, that I want to mention you Read more…
I guess it all started with those English nursery rhymes, which say owls are wise because they listen and don’t speak. This owl keeps his eyes closed, the better to listen, so he must be pretty wise indeed. I often think boys don’t have enough friends in their decor. There Read more…