Still life paintings are yesterday's Foodie Instagram
Still life paintings are yesterday's Foodie Instagram
What Art Supplies to Gift for the Holidays 2020
Best Holiday Art Supply Gift Ideas for 2020
Looking for the perfect art supplies to gift this holiday season? From digital tools like the iPad Air and Apple Pen to traditional essentials like watercolor sets, linocut kits, and professional-grade pencils, this curated guide has it all. Perfect for budding artists, quarantine crafters, or seasoned creators, these thoughtful gifts offer the joy of creativity that lasts well beyond the holidays. Discover top picks like Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Stonehenge Paper, and ergonomic table easels—all with links to affordable, reliable suppliers. Shop smart, support a small business, and spark artistic inspiration today!
On Being and Making Artwork
Our Bodies Hold the Space for Our Experiences
Of the most valuable things I’ve learned, is that artwork is physical and it manifests from the body. It simply does not exist without being informed by our bodies. And our bodies hold the space for all of our experiences. The way our body is shaped and perceived by others informs our worldview.
One of the main essences I am tasked with as a teacher is to hold space for each student – and this is a part of why I prefer private lessons to group classes- so that their body can be present in the lesson and perform the skill I am asking of them. This means addressing the whole person. Sometimes that means the skill acquisition is less important in that moment if a stressor/incident/trauma/concern is present. Often times when that is given space and due attention, it dissipates, and skill acquisition can resume. Sometimes it needs our attention for longer.
The Energy of Drawing
"Feeling overwhelmed by the hustle of the season? Discover the meditative power of drawing. Slow down, calm your mind, and reconnect with the present moment through simple, peaceful creativity. Learn how to overcome distractions and embrace stillness in your drawing practice, even during the busiest times of the year."
"Tweaking Is Essential to the Drawing Process" (If Steve Jobs Did It, Why Won't You?)
A form of "analysis paralysis" I see my adult drawing students commonly put themselves through is the idea that they have to get something drawn correctly the first time they draw it. This drive for perfection straight out of the gate is horrible for our self-esteem, especially when we're faced with a task we have not yet mastered! I often remind students that they don't know how to imagine the perfect drawing in their head because they have to use their fine motor skills to actually execute the drawing. Fine motor skills are a factor within their control, but more often than not those skills are underdeveloped in adulthood. Because of that, the moving of the hand is a game changer- you can't just "picture it" and be done! And if you're like most of us, you need to be prepared for making adjustments.
In Honor of Veterans Day, LZM Studio and Small Victories Foundation Offer Drawing Lessons for Veterans
This Veterans Day, help spread the word about an incredible scholarship opportunity for veterans! Through my partnership with Small Victories, I’m offering drawing lessons to students recovering from traumatic brain injuries. Small Victories, founded by Derrick and Cindy Wright, is an inspiring organization that empowers individuals like Derrick, a veteran who sustained a brain injury while serving in Iraq, to find healing and purpose through art.
Art can be a powerful tool for recovery, fostering community, and achieving meaningful milestones. I’m honored to contribute to this mission and invite you to join us in supporting their work. Learn more about Derrick’s journey, explore the scholarship opportunities at LZM Studio, and consider donating to help veterans rediscover hope and purpose through creativity.
Share this with the veterans in your life and thank them for their service!
Building Patience: Quality Drawings Take Time
Drawing, much like constructing a house, is a layered process that requires time, patience, and dedication. Quality artwork isn't about instant gratification—it’s about embracing the journey. Masterpieces, such as Karmel Timmons' and Larassa Kabel's intricate horse drawings, can take weeks or even months to complete.
Drawing is an ancient craft—a hands-on practice that rewards perseverance. Like Tim Jenison's painstaking recreation in Tim's Vermeer, which took 180 days, true artistry demands commitment.
Through deliberate practice, students like Bern and Ananda have transformed their skills, one layer at a time. Celebrate the small steps, because every effort builds toward a masterpiece. Discover how patience in drawing can yield lasting rewards.
Small Victories: Drawing to Heal Traumatic Brain Injuries
I am deeply honored to partner with Small Victories in offering drawing lessons for students recovering from traumatic brain injuries. Founded by Cindy and Derrick Wright, Small Victories provides invaluable support to those on their healing journey. Derrick, a veteran who sustained a traumatic brain injury while serving in Iraq, found new purpose and healing through art. His journey, along with Cindy’s unwavering positivity, inspired the creation of Small Victories to help others find purpose through creativity.
By offering drawing lessons, I’m excited to work alongside this incredible organization and assist clients in their recovery process. Learn more about the impact of Small Victories and join us in supporting this cause by donating to help others discover the power of art in healing