Art Tips & Techniques | Janice Tanton :: Full Time Human Being

Artful Techie Tuesdays – Video Tips and Tools for Artists

Post author:Janice Tanton
Post published:January 30, 2012
Post category:Art Tips & Techniques
Post comments:2 Comments

I'll be the first to admit it - the last thing I think about as I'm about to start a painting is to set up the video camera and hit record. In my rush to create, it's not a habit that I've gotten into, and yet it's one of the best ways to share technique, information and tips with other artists. After all...isn't that what it's all about? Getting better and being the best we can be?Here's some tips, resources and equipment that will get you started.

“X” Marks The Habit – 365 Days of Painting

Post author:Janice Tanton
Post published:January 5, 2012
Post category:Art Tips & Techniques
Post comments:1 Comment

Yesterday, a very cool email came out from The Writer's Store with a newsletter tip on how Jerry Seinfeld worked his craft. He had a very simple system to mark off X's on a 365 day, one-pager calendar. The mantra is... "Don't Break The String". Thinking about that simple system yesterday pushed me back to the easel. Instead of fiddle-farting away at admin work in the office, I thought...heck, I need to get my red X on that sheet. Without that reminder, I'm not sure that I would have gotten off the computer and into the paints, but I did!

4 Kind Steps To Green Your Packaging When Shipping Your Artwork

Post author:Janice Tanton
Post published:September 8, 2011
Post category:Art Tips & Techniques
Post comments:4 Comments

Use old, discarded clothes instead of bubble-wrap or styrofoam peanuts, etc. (ICK for the environment either way you look at it.) If you don't have any, go to your local Thrift Store and get a box. Sometimes, there are even old blankets or comforters people have discarded. Explain to them what you are doing (they may even give you a discount). Create a small tag/note to include in the purchase to your collectors and explain to them what you have done and why. Ask them to take your "recycled clothing packaging" to a Thrift Store near them, donate it and spread the word. Simple. Effective. Human....and kind on so many levels.

True Confessions of An Artist :: Excuses, Diversions & Remedies for Artist’s Block

Post author:Janice Tanton
Post published:September 4, 2011
Post category:Art Tips & Techniques
Post comments:9 Comments

I don't feel like I'm prolific or productive. I am afflicted with the dreaded BCS (Blank Canvas Syndrome) every single time I look at that big white space on the other end of my brush. Even worse, I have a nasty recurrent case of ABD (Artist's Block Disease) that prevents me from even entering the studio. Here are my excuses, diversions and remedies.

“Here To Stay” – Is Now Off The Easel!

Post author:Janice Tanton
Post published:August 12, 2011
Post category:Art Art Tips & Techniques Blog In The Galleries Paintings
Post comments:1 Comment

It's very difficult if not impossible to capture the real jewel-like quality in a oil painting on linen with a camera. The many glazes in this work all weave together to give an amazing optical effect in person, so I urge you to visit Elevation Gallery to view the work....before it's gone!

The Magic Touch :: Married To My Favourite Oil Painting Brushes

Post author:Janice Tanton
Post published:August 2, 2011
Post category:Art Tips & Techniques In The Studio
Post comments:0 Comments

I'm often asked interesting questions by students and collectors. The questions range from, "Do you have a magic brush?" to.... "Are you married?" The answer to the first is, "No, not really..." and the answer to the second is, "Yes, most definitely!" While I don't possess a magic brush, or even a special group of visiting elves that do my work for me while I sleep (I wish!), I do have some favourite brands of brushes that seem to work well for me.

Glazes & Grounds Oil Painting Workshop with Janice Tanton : ACAD – May 4 – June 22

Post author:Janice Tanton
Post published:April 14, 2011
Post category:Art Tips & Techniques Blog Workshops
Post comments:0 Comments

Join me for a wonderful in-depth, weeknight workshop series at Alberta College of Art and Design, July 25 - 29, 2011 as part of the extended studies offered at ACAD. Working from still life, you will learn how to focus on values, create a grisaille, define light and complete a painting. You will also learn how to stretch and finish a fine Belgian linen canvas.

Art Tip of The Day – Allergic to Oils? Go Nuts!

Post author:Janice Tanton
Post published:April 12, 2011
Post category:Art Tips & Techniques Blog In The Studio
Post comments:12 Comments

For years, one of the things that kept me back from painting with oils, was an allergy to them. The solution that I found was in M.Graham oils. Based with walnut oils, this did the trick for me! The medium is wonderful, silky smooth and the pigment quality is excellent.

PLAY! – 8 Cool Ideas For Exercising Your Family Creativity Muscles

Post author:Janice Tanton
Post published:April 7, 2011
Post category:Art Tips & Techniques Blog Home In The Studio
Post comments:1 Comment

Creating time and space in a busy family life for creativity is important, given all the arts funding cutbacks in education and government. Here are eight cool ideas for stretching your creativity muscles with your family!