Artist Strong

Hey Reader, Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “Real artists don’t use references”? You’re not alone: I’ve heard this myth everywhere from Dubai to Houston to Ottawa. I’m sure I’ll hear it here in Calgary, too. It’s one of those ideas that gets passed around so often, we stop questioning it. But here’s the truth: Every great artist in history — from Leonardo da Vinci to Frida Kahlo to Amy Sherald — used references. What’s wild is how much shame still surrounds it.Self-taught artists...

Hi Reader, For years I daydreamed about having a patron. And I used Patreon for years because I love the premise of being supported by others to make my art. (I'd argue you are my patron by choosing to read this email.) Once upon a time, the greatest artists in the world: Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, all had one thing in common: they were funded by powerful patrons. Today, a new kind of patronage is here. Instead of popes or princes, artists are working with brands; not to compromise...

Hi Reader, I'm currently surrounded by boxes, directing movers to carry stuff throughout my new home. (Literally, right now.) And while I can't make art in this moment, I'm always thinking about it. That's part of why I created this special Style Study series. This time, let's look at Turner (per community request). What makes J.M.W. Turner’s paintings so unforgettable? Was it the way he captured storms at sea? His glowing skies? Or is it something else? In my newest Style Study Session, we...

Hi Reader, If you’ve ever felt frustrated with your drawings: like your hand can’t keep up with your imagination, you’re not alone. Here’s the wild part: improving your drawing isn’t about mastering one “magic” subject. (Sorry, drawing a thousand cat-tutorials won’t do it. 🐱) 👉 But before I share the 5 steps that actually will improve your drawing, let me tell you the mistake I made for years… I kept copying tutorials and random objects, hoping repetition alone would make me better. And while...

Hi Reader, Which of these lies is still holding you back? Lie #1? You need a degree. The truth? Grandma Moses started painting in her 70s, no diploma required. Lie #3? You must draw every day. The truth? Frida Kahlo painted when her body allowed. Consistency doesn’t have to be cruel. Lie #5? You can’t build a portfolio until you’ve found your style. The truth? Hilma af Klint painted hundreds of experiments before her ‘style’ revealed itself. The part that angers me most is that these lies...

Hi Reader, Lately, it feels like the world is burning, between global crises, personal struggles, and the relentless pace of modern life. And as artists, we often wonder: does making art even matter right now? The truth? It matters more than ever. In my latest video, I explore how creativity can either add fuel to the fire, or help dampen it. You’ll discover: ✨ Research on creativity and mental health✨ Tricia Hersey’s vision of rest as resistance✨ Artists like Ekow Nimako, who use art to...

Hi Reader, Do you have a digital graveyard of half-finished art courses sitting on your computer? If so, welcome to the club. Many artists I work with feel a mix of excitement, guilt, and even shame about all the workshops they’ve bought but never “completed.” But, what if unfinished courses aren’t evidence you should give up? Instead, they’re actually evidence you care enough about your art to keep seeking growth. In my latest article, I share: Why perfectionism hides behind “just one more...

Hi Reader, I was covered in bright orange and blue paint in the midst of multiple acrylic paintings of Arabic lanterns. In this moment I realized, I use batching as part of my process. In my latest article, I walk you through a simple starter kit for batching: how to prep your materials, plan your studies, and organize your production. I also share examples from my own studio practice and offer reflection prompts to help you find your overarching theme. Batching is a great way to create more...

Hi Reader, How many times have you heard: “You can’t paint until you know how to draw,”“Using a projector is cheating,” or“You have to master the rules before you break them.” These kinds of messages swirl around the art world, and while they may come from a well-meaning place, they often do more harm than good. That’s why I’ve put together a new blog post (and video) that tackles 5 popular art beliefs that (mostly) deserve to be ignored. Whether you've ever second-guessed using a reference...