Artists are an amazing group of people.We are trained to see things that others, without the same training, don't see. On a recent trip to Florida I was looking at boats in the harbor. I saw the shapes that the light makes on the highlights and the shape and color of the shadows on the opposite side of the boat. I tend to see almost everything in terms of shapes, values and colors. My wife sees a boat. And most others with no artistic training just see a boat. Hey, nice boat!

When I travel to teach abstract painting workshops across the US, I cannot lug around a bunch of canvases to do my painting demonstrations on. I carry with me gesso covered watercolor paper instead because it is lighter and takes up less space in my portfolio case. Consequently, I have some paintings that I don't sell in my studio. To put these paintings in exhibitions, I have two options for presentation: 1. I can frame the paintings or 2. I can mount the paintings on wood panels.

The title of this post is taken from a Miles Davis quote that reads, "Don't play what you see, play what you don't see." I modified it for my own use as a painter. I was recently reminded of this quote while I watched a 12 phenom play jazz piano. His name is Joey Alexander. He is one of the most talented jazz musicians in the world and he is only 12 years old. As I watched him play I thought, he is playing what he doesn't see - there was no music in front of him. His eyes were closed as he improvised the notes and chords; I was spellbound. 

As painters we sometimes analyze what we do while we are painting. This approach for me is detrimental to my results. I prefer to empty everything out onto the canvas and then analyze and edit it later. This is directly related to my "Paint First, Then Think" philosophy, whereby you paint everything first with no analyzation of the results (Paint First-right brain). Once I feel I am finished, I retreat to my thinking chair to analyze the results (Then Think-left brain). I use both sides of my brain, but at separate times during the process.

The #1 mindset (mental block) that keeps artists starving is their inability to understand that their "art" is a product that gets traded for money. Art school students are told not to "sell out" and are never, ever taught how to make money as an artist when they leave school. This idea of art for art's sake is art school BS!

What will you do in this New Year?

• Will you finally decide to leave that job you hate at the cube farm and strike out on your own, opting for freedom and independence over limitation and dependence?
• Will you decide to find and live out your purpose in life?
• Will you learn something new?
• Will you take that trip you have always wanted to take?
• Will you learn to paint?
• Will you decide to make a difference in your life and the lives of others?
• Will you decide for the first time to just be YOU?

For about the last 15 years I have been making custom note cards to send as thank you notes to those who purchase my paintings. I buy standard white note cards that measure 5-1/2"x4-1/4" with matching envelopes at a big box art supply store. The custom part is cutting up old paintings into abstract compositions and adding that original art to the cover of each card. I also hand write a thank you note inside the card and hand address it on the outside. Each collector then receives a completely personalized, one of a kind card. And here is how you can do the same.

I received a question recently from a young artist trying to get her work out into the world, "How do I begin to sell my art?" This is a question I receive very often in workshops and one that we address when it arises. Let me try to steer you in the right direction when you are just beginning to get your work out into the world.

One of the most common questions I receive from artists interested in selling their work for the first time is, "How do I price my art?" This is a great question and one that usually elicits confusion from artists beginning their journey.

Dear Friends,
We all need assistance from time to time no matter what field of work (or play) that we pursue (I know I needs lots of help!). So I turn to folks that are experts in their fields to help with art, marketing, business and sales. Without these resources I would not have been this successful as an artist or a businessman.