From the Hollow

Welcome to the Cabinet of Curiosities—a collection of gothic history, strange traditions, haunted places, forgotten folklore, dark symbolism, and the stories hidden behind art and books.

Here you’ll find ancient festivals, eerie legends, Victorian oddities, supernatural inspiration, book reviews, collector features, and the beautifully strange details that shape my worlds. From haunted Pittsburgh to poisonous gardens, from ravens and roses to old rituals and whispered ghost stories, this is where mystery, history, and art meet.

If you love gothic atmosphere, dark fiction, and the allure of the unusual, you’re in the right place.

Color Psychology: How Red and Black Convey Love and Fear

Color isn’t just something we see—it’s something we feel. Every hue stirs emotion, memory, and meaning. In the world of art and...

Apr 17, 20253 min read

The Psychology of Color in Portrait Art: What Green and Gold Say

Happy March, everyone! 🍀 With spring around the corner and the world slowly waking up from winter’s chill, it feels like the perfect...

Mar 20, 20252 min read

Portraits and Power: How Greed Shapes Artistic Expression

Throughout history, art has been both a mirror and a battleground for power. The hands that hold the brush often answer to the hands that...

Mar 13, 20253 min read

Exploring Symbolism in Color for Portrait Artists

Hello, dear patrons! As a portrait artist, one of the most powerful tools at our disposal is color. Beyond creating a visually stunning...

Feb 20, 20253 min read

The Evolution of Portraiture: Insights & Inspiration

Welcome to this month’s exclusive post for Brush Fund patrons! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of portraiture—the art form...

Feb 13, 20253 min read

Behind the Palette: Exploring the Journey of a Portrait Artist

For long time followers, today's post may have you rolling your eyes and scrolling right past. I'm sure I have written about my journey...

Feb 3, 20251 min read

Rebirth & Renaissance: How Artists Represented New Beginnings

As the new year begins, I find myself reflecting on the concept of rebirth—not just in life, but in art. Rebirth is not a single act;...

Jan 2, 20252 min read

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

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