Short Answer: Yes! There are numerous benefits to coloring- both art benefits and non-art benefits and I want to tell you about some of the most important ones. Some of these benefits are similar to the benefits of tracing, but there a few unique ones too. Before we jump in, I feel compelled to point…
Our family has been using the Classical Conversations curriculum since 2012, but this fall (2020) will be our first year in the Challenge level! As my oldest moves into 7th grade, I find myself having to re-work the way I approach school with my son. Among the many exciting changes is the introduction of a…
We’re working on an audio copy of my book, Anyone Can Teach Art. My first try at recording the first few chapters is now available here for you! OR, Listen on: iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher Help! I’m not sure how to listen to a podcast! Buy ebook on Amazon Buy a Print Copy Straight from Julie Abels (on Etsy) “Me?…
I love the spirit of generosity I’m seeing among so many online businesses right now. Knowing that there are a bunch of people stuck at home, feeling a little confused on how to act, and maybe a little anxious, many businesses have made extra resources free for you while we all weather this ‘storm’ of…
Whether you’re buying yourself art supplies, picking out supplies for your classroom, or purchasing a gift for a fellow artist, here are some tips on how to pick which art supplies to purchase. Here are some of our favorite art supplies. A Method to the Madness Having a methodology for selecting art supplies will help…
We’re talking about fun art projects you can create as gifts for others. Tile Coasters Blog post about coasters: How to Make a Custom Coaster in 30 Minutes Blog post about Tracing: Tracing Is Amazing! I have A LOT to say about tracing. If you’re specifically looking instructions on how to trace using carbon paper…
Vincent van Gogh is one of the best-known artists of all time. He’s known for his unique style and strangely beautiful works and art, but also for his short, tragic life. Today we’re talking about van Gogh and what we love about his art. OR, Listen on: iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher Help! I’m not sure how to listen to…
Today we’re talking about one of the most famous female Impressionists: Berthe Morisot. Initially, she gave up on getting married and having kids so she could pursue her career as an artist. However, she later met a fellow artist who helped her keep painting while she married him and had a daughter. OR, Listen on: iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher …
Monet is probably the most famous Impressionist and he’s known for his beautiful depictions nature, particularly waterlilies. Join us as we chat about his life and his works of art. What Can We Learn from Monet? Practice, practice, practice! Monet painted the same subject over and over! Try plein-air painting! Be persistent in your craft….
This unusual Impressionist didn’t enjoy plein-air painting (painting outside) or the airy natural light. Instead, he sketched and then returned to his studio to paint. He’s most famous for his paintings of ballet dancers, but he also painted everyday people in the city and action scenes from polo games! In fact, he was incredibly skilled…
Thomas Gainsborough ( 1727-1788) was a life-long painter who loved creating magnificent landscapes but found they didn’t sell well. Instead, he paid the bills with portraits until he started combining the two into unique portraits with idealistic landscapes in the background. This made him England’s most famous portrait painter and the King and Queen’s favorite…
Rembrandt (1606-1669) was a famous Baroque artist from the Dutch Golden Age. He is most famous for painting portraits in the 1600s, but of course, his story goes much deeper than that! Early in life he hit it big and became the most popular portrait painter in that time and region. However, he then experienced…
We love telling all about our own personal renaissance activities each episode (the things we’re learning and creating)- But how can we foster this mindset of a lifelong love of learning in ourselves and in our children? We’ve thought up a few keys and wanted to share them with you! Elements of A Personal Renaissance…
Texture is one of the 7 Elements of Art and learning how to create it can really increase the sophistication level of your artwork! Join us as we discuss how to create texture and how this integrates with the science of tree identification! Why Learn about Texture? Texture is one of the 7 Elements of…
Learn about how the science of light creates aerial perspective, one of the Methods of Perspective Things We Mention Aerial Perspective and the Science of Light- Art Lesson Plan #34 Drawing Depth- Perspective in Art part 1 #35 Drawing Depth- Perspective in Art part 2 #47 Museum Visits Austin Kleon’s new book, Keep Going Lee…
