By Andrea Steinbauer While visiting an exhibition on storytelling in Old German and Old Dutch art, I noticed most of the paintings on display had one thing in common: the use of the color blue. This realization inspired me to dig deeper into why this primary color is so special.   In color psychology, blue stands for harmony and happiness. According to scientific studies, it has a calming effect on the human nervous system and can help to reduce stress. In rooms, blue creates

by Eddy Greenwood I was thrilled to get the news from the Portrait Society of America that my painting, Life’s a Show , had been awarded a Certificate of Excellence in last year's International Portrait Competition. With the prize came an invitation to collect the award during the Art of the Portrait Conference in Washington, DC. Eddy with his oil painting “Life’s a Show” which was awarded with a Certificate of Excellence in The International Portrait Competition I flew from

Because the deadline for the 2025 Members Only Competition is coming soon, let's look back at the winners from the 2024 competition. Each first place winner shared their inspiration behind their winning work as well as their design and composition process. We hope their responses inspire you to enter this year's competition. 1st Place Commissioned Portrait - David Pagani David Pagani, Marvin Curl , 18x24", oil Inspiration Inspiration is a multi-layered thing. In portraiture,

By Marianne Rice Ask any teaching artist and they will tell you, the best way to advance your skill is to work from life. Painting from...

By Timothy Rees   Human beings are very complex animals. In our everyday lives, as well as the arts (painting, music, literature, etc.),...

By Marianne Rice Photos by Robin Damore and Peggy Kinstler For centuries, artists have come together through academic institutions,...

By R.R. Christensen When it comes to oil painting, the materials you choose have a profound effect on the outcome of your work—not just...