There are millions of people on this planet and more than a few of them are artists. This includes everything from painters, musicians, and novelists to filmmakers, actors, and photographers. With so many artists in the world, there are bound to be some that share the same name. Which brings us to the question: Can…
To sign or not to sign? That is the question many artists ponder before finishing a piece. If you’re wondering why artists sign their work, there are actually multiple reasons. Artists sign their work as evidence of authorship. Additionally, by signing their pieces, an artist can carry on with artistic tradition and increase the value…
Art, as we know it, comes in dozens of different forms. Essentially, art is everywhere – from the pictures you take on your smartphone or the billboard outside your office to Broadway shows and fine art galleries. But what is the purpose of art? The purpose of art is to allow people, both individually and…
Using the terms portrait and portraiture correctly has always been so confusing to me. Everyone seems to use these words differently. But now, knowing the real difference between portrait and portraiture, everything has become crystal clear. A portrait is the end product of an artistic rendering of an individual where the person’s likeness, mood, or…
Throughout the ages, artists have been known by nicknames, aliases, or stage names. Artists often use different names to make themselves sound more exotic or marketable – “Prince” sounds a lot more interesting than Prince Rogers Nelson. But does this apply in the world of fine art? Can an artist have two names? An artist can…
Art plays such a critical role in shaping our culture and the way that society operates. But, if it is essential for free expression and reflecting our values, emotions, and politics, do artists have a responsibility to the community at large? Yes, artists have a responsibility to society. Without art, we would not have voices…
Artistry is a journey in which the artist seeks to enhance their creative expression and gain new perspectives about the world around them. To help them on this journey, an artist’s best friend can be a simple sketchbook. But why do artists keep sketchbooks and how does it help them? Artists keep or carry sketchbooks…
Have you ever noticed an artist holding a paintbrush, or a pencil or their thumb in front of them, with one eye closed and the other squinting? Almost as if they are giving a thumbs up and a wink at the same time? Their body tenses up, and they go into a stance that is…
The tortured artist is a timeless stereotype; if you see an artist in media, you can be sure they would have mental health issues. Similarly, those characterized as having mood disorders are described as creatives—whether it be a writer, painter, or musician. Are artists depressed, and if so why? There is a link between creativity…