Hello Everyone! 

There are tutorials on this techniques blog. I also have several tutorials on YouTube at MarcyFine Art. 
If you simply google YouTube MarcyFineArt,  or paste this link in your browser,
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRPWZ0gafpY8yu5e6qc-Nuw
you will come up with my channel. 

Some of these are on Basic Drawing, others are specifically about using markers or using markers with mixed media, pen and pencil.

My reason for including both sets of topics is that, as an artist, I feel the grasp of values, even more than the grasp of drawing or painting skills is an essential tool for making a strong work. 

Values are the darks and lights. LIke in life, they move your eye from one place to the next. Although we "see" things in color, the patterns we see with our eyes is guided primarily by the light and dark areas, how light falls on objects.

To grasp this, simply squint. You will be leaving out details and color information and " see" dark and light shapes.

For a strong composition, these patterns assist in every work of art. 

So head on over to YouTube to view how I use these principles. 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRPWZ0gafpY8yu5e6qc-Nuw )  or click  MarcyFineArtYouTube

Hello All! 

I've started the 100 Day Project. With this art challenge, I will create  new work on a daily basis for 100 days. Every few days I’ll be updating my blog to show you. I'll post pices and let you know what I’ve learned with each piece I created. 

So, you say, what's in a daily art challenge for you? Won't this just encourage making a lot of bad art? I'll admit I've have had that thought. 
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Let's review why  creating art each day can improve your art, whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner.

1. You will be practicing daily. Although it may take much longer to create a larger piece, an art challenge means you will be practicing daily - hopefully -  without fail. It's easy to skip a day on those large pieces.
2. You will learn to stop overworking. If you only have one day, you must start AND finish. Overworking a piece is a sure way to waste time, effort and materials. BTW, I have so much experience in overworking...ugh.
3. Mastery. The more you use your materials, the more familiar you become with them. Instead of fighting them, they will assist you.

I encourage all of you to try a challenge if you are interested in improving your work. Like any other skill, you get more skilled at art by doing it! 

Without further ado, here are pieces #1, #2, and #3. 
I have THREE pieces of art I actually like in only three days! I'm very excited.

WHAT HELPS ME MOVE FAST and LEARN

As you see these are all quite different pieces.

The first is acrylic marker, graphite and pastel. The second is a digitally over painted version of the first. The last one is acrylic marker, pen and pastel. All are 8x10"
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In one of my posts, I talk about using the old Master’s paintings as references. Everything you need to know, they have demonstrated again and again. Find those you like and study their palette, their compositions, their materials. COPY their work if you like. That is a tried and true way to learn. Chances are you will make it your own some way.

Consider their work a treasure trove of genius and use them AS YOU CREATE.  Did you lose your colors somehow? Open up some pics of your favorite masterworks and see how you strayed. Is your composition weak? Google composition with your favorite artist’s name.

Have you done a challenge? What did you learn? How did you decide every day what to draw, paint or create? 


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