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From the Hollow
Where the work begins before it becomes finished.
This blog is an ongoing record of the ideas, rituals, and obsessions that shape my art and writing — from ancient festivals and folklore to private process notes and unfinished thoughts.
Public posts mark the surface.
Members-only entries descend deeper into The Hollow where the raw, unpolished work lives.
Read as much or as little as you like. Not everything here is meant to be seen all at once.
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Religious Holiday Themes in Renaissance Portraits
The Renaissance, spanning roughly the 14th to the 17th centuries, was a period of profound cultural, intellectual, and artistic...
Dec 20, 20243 min read
How to Paint Snowy Landscapes in Portraits: Tips for Oil, Acrylic, and Watercolor Artists
Snowy landscapes hold a magical allure, offering an excellent opportunity for artists to experiment with light, texture, and color....
Dec 16, 20243 min read
How to Add Festive Details to Portraits: A Creative Guide
Portrait art allows for endless creativity, and incorporating festive details can elevate a piece, making it not only visually striking...
Dec 12, 20243 min read
Art History 101: The First Discovery of Cave Paintings
Continuing with my series...Here is the next installment of my Art History 101 . Previously published on Amazon's Kindle Vella . Here's...
Dec 12, 20245 min read
Tips for Creating Stunning Nordic Winter Landscapes in Portrait Art
Creating Nordic winter landscapes in portrait art is a rewarding way to bring the beauty and mystique of the northern regions to life....
Dec 2, 20243 min read
Creative Monday: Fall Photo Prompts for Portrait Inspiration
Hello, creative souls! 🍂 As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the world turns into a beautiful canvas of warm hues, it’s the perfect...
Nov 25, 20243 min read
Creative Monday: Try a 5-Minute Sketch Challenge - Focus on the Human Mouth
Hello, art enthusiasts and creative souls! Welcome to another Creative Monday. This week, we’re diving into an exercise that can push...
Nov 18, 20242 min read
Creative Techniques: Capturing Seasonal Textures in Paint – Paint Level Subscribers
Hello, wonderful artists and paint enthusiasts! This week, we dive into a delightful exploration of seasonal textures to elevate your...
Nov 15, 20243 min read
Creative Techniques: Layering Warm Autumnal Colors in Portrait Art
Hello artists! Today, we’re diving into the rich world of autumnal colors and exploring how layering can create warmth and depth in your...
Nov 7, 20243 min read
Creative Monday: 5-Minute Sketch Challenge - The Human Eye
Happy Creative Monday, everyone! Today, we’re kicking off our first 5-Minute Sketch Challenge, and what better way to start than by...
Nov 4, 20243 min read
Mastering Portrait Techniques to Capture Fear and Anxiety: A Guide for Artists
Portraits have long been used to convey human emotions, from joy and triumph to sadness and despair. Among the most challenging emotions...
Oct 28, 20245 min read
Painting Haunted Landscapes into Your Portrait Paintings: Adding an Eerie Element to Traditional Art
In the world of fine art, portrait painting has long been a way to capture not just the likeness of a subject but their essence, emotion,...
Oct 21, 20244 min read
Symbolism in Dark Romanticism: Exploring Art Through Shadows and Emotions
Dark Romanticism, a subset of the larger Romantic movement that flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, is a fascinating genre of...
Oct 17, 20245 min read
Crafting a Spooky Atmosphere in Portraits Through Color and Texture
Creating a spooky atmosphere in portrait art is all about tapping into the emotional depth of the viewer, evoking feelings of unease,...
Oct 14, 20244 min read
Mastering Dark Shadows and Lighting for Halloween-Themed Portraits
Halloween presents the perfect opportunity for photographers and artists to experiment with moody, dramatic lighting techniques that...
Oct 7, 20244 min read
Portrait Painting for the Changing Seasons: Capturing Fall Ambience
Portrait painting is an art form that allows us to freeze a moment in time, capturing the essence of a person’s expression, mood, and...
Sep 30, 20244 min read
Expressing Mood Through Background Elements in Portraits
When creating a portrait, the subject’s face often takes center stage. However, the background elements of a portrait can play an equally...
Sep 23, 20244 min read
Adding Layers of Emotion in Portrait Painting: A Guide to Capturing Depth Beyond the Surface
Portrait painting is more than simply replicating someone's physical appearance; it’s about capturing the inner essence, emotion, and...
Sep 16, 20245 min read
Exploring Texture in Portrait Painting: A Journey Through Surface and Sensation
Portrait painting is a captivating art form that transcends mere likeness, delving into the essence of the subject's character and...
Sep 10, 20243 min read
Exploring Autumnal Tones: A Comparative Study of Mediums in Traditional Portrait Painting
Autumn, with its vibrant colors, provides plenty of inspiration for artists with its rich hues. As traditional portrait painters,...
Sep 2, 20242 min read
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