In this episode of the Tuesday Art Chat podcast, Kerri Dixon introduces Soft Pastel Week, a free five-day challenge designed to inspire both new and experienced artists. She discusses the structure of the challenge, the importance of community support, and how to overcome common obstacles in art. Kerri emphasizes the forgiving nature of pastels and encourages participants to engage actively in the creative process, highlighting the benefits of joining a supportive art community. Register for Soft Pastel Week herehttps://www.thecreativebarnmembership.com/fp/soft-pastel-weekSoft Pastel Week is a free 5-day challenge.The challenge includes daily tutorials and a supportive community.Pastels are forgiving and great for beginners.You don't need to know how to draw to participate.The right tools, especially paper, can change your experience.Engagement in the community enhances learning and motivation.Challenges provide a structured way to get back into art.Participants can win prizes for sharing their progress.Art is about showing up and enjoying the process.You don't need fancy tools to create beautiful art.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Creative Barn Podcast01:39 The Importance of the Right Tools03:06 Community and Support in Art05:03 Beginner-Friendly Techniques and Tips06:26 Engagement and Commitment in Art Challenges07:13 The Benefits of Joining Art Challenges08:54 Introduction to Wildlife Art and The Creative Barn
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Preparing for an Art Exhibition
In this episode of the Tuesday Art Chat podcast, Kerri Dixon discusses the essential steps for preparing for an art exhibition. From selecting the right gallery and creating a cohesive theme to framing artwork, pricing, promoting the exhibition, and managing logistics, Kerri provides valuable insights and practical tips for artists at all levels. She emphasizes the importance of starting small, being organized, and enjoying the process of sharing one's art with the community.TakeawaysStart small and local when choosing a gallery.Build relationships with local artists and galleries.Create a cohesive theme for your exhibition.Framing should enhance, not overshadow, your artwork.Consider time and materials when pricing your art.Promote your exhibition actively on social media.Be present and share stories during the opening night.Stay organized with logistics and delivery details.Your work deserves to be seen by the public.Enjoy the process and learn from the experience.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Art Exhibitions01:07 Choosing the Right Gallery03:04 Creating a Theme for Your Exhibition05:39 Framing and Presentation of Artwork08:27 Pricing Your Artwork11:10 Promoting Your Exhibition12:56 Logistics and Delivery for Exhibitions14:41 Conclusion and Encouragement
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Book Review - Color & Light by James Gurney
In this episode of the Tuesday Art Chat podcast, host Kerri Dixon discusses the transformative art book 'Color and Light' by James Gurney. She emphasizes the importance of understanding light and color for realistic painting, exploring various types of light, and how they affect perception. Kerri highlights Gurney's unique approach to teaching these concepts, making the book a vital resource for artists. She also shares practical takeaways for artists to enhance their skills and creativity.Purchase on Amazon HereTakeawaysColor and Light is essential for realistic painting.Understanding light is foundational for artists.James Gurney's work is influential in the art world.The book is a comprehensive guide to light and color.Different types of light affect perception in unique ways.Light wraps around form, crucial for realism.Edges in painting create depth and mood.Color temperature impacts emotional response.Reference photos should be a starting point, not a limit.The book is a lifelong companion for artists.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Color and Light01:17 The Importance of Understanding Light02:09 Who is James Gurney?03:42 Exploring Different Types of Light06:19 Light and Form: A Realist's Secret Weapon07:51 Edges, Mood, and Visual Hierarchy08:47 Color Temperature and Emotional Impact09:03 Practical Takeaways for Artists
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11:11
Using Technology to support your art practice
In this episode, Kerri Dixon discusses how traditional artists can leverage technology to enhance their art practice without losing the tactile experience of traditional mediums. She emphasizes that using tech tools is not cheating but rather a way to improve efficiency and creativity. Kerri shares practical tips on using Procreate for line art, utilizing smartphone features for composition, and exploring various digital tools to enhance artwork. The conversation highlights the importance of blending traditional techniques with modern technology to overcome creative roadblocks and inspire new ideas.Follow this link if you'd like to learn more about the Creative Barn Membership . https://www.thecreativebarnmembership.comTakeawaysUsing technology can enhance your traditional art practice.Procreate is a powerful tool for creating line art.Your smartphone has features that can aid in composition.Posterizing images helps clarify values in artwork.Canva is useful for layout planning and mood boards.The eyedropper tool aids in color matching with pastels.Pinterest can be a source of inspiration for new ideas.AI tools can assist in brainstorming creative concepts.Technology should complement, not replace, traditional methods.Every artist can embrace technology to improve their craft.00:00 Embracing Technology in Traditional Art02:45 Procreate: A Game Changer for Artists05:36 Maximizing Your Phone's Camera for Art08:29 Enhancing Art with Digital Tools11:20 Final Thoughts on Technology and Art11:37 Introduction to Wildlife Art and The Creative Barn
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Composition Basics for Artists
In this episode of the Tuesday Art Chat podcast, Kerri Dixon delves into the essential yet often overlooked aspect of art: composition. She explains how composition serves as the blueprint for artwork, guiding the viewer's eye and enhancing the overall impact of the piece. Kerri shares various techniques, from the rule of thirds to advanced strategies like the golden mean, and emphasizes the importance of balance, negative space, and visual flow. The conversation is rich with practical tips for artists looking to elevate their work and create compelling compositions.TakeawaysComposition is the blueprint that guides the viewer's eye.The rule of thirds is a foundational tool for artists.Leading lines subtly guide the viewer's attention.Value contrast creates focus and interest in artwork.Complementary colors enhance visual impact.Negative space gives breathing room to the subject.Balance in composition is about harmony, not symmetry.Trust your instincts when something feels off in your composition.Thumbnail sketches help plan out compositions effectively.Every artist has the right to create, regardless of formal training.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Composition in Art01:19 Fundamental Composition Techniques03:05 Advanced Composition Strategies05:42 Practical Application of Composition09:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement10:38 Introduction to Wildlife Art and The Creative BarnClick Here to learn more about The Creative Barn Membership
Join artist Kerri Dixon each week for a down-to-earth, inspiring chat about all things art—from creative confidence and pastel tips to studio routines, selling your work, and finding inspiration in everyday life. Whether you're a hobby artist or dreaming of going pro, grab a cuppa and tune in for practical advice, real talk, and a supportive creative boost every Tuesday!