I’ve always thought of a painter’s drawings as his or her diary. A finished painting is the confident, public face shown to the world, but drawings read like journal entries, where you can see an artist’s preoccupations, struggles, moments of exploration, and sense of play.

A still life changed my life?! It sounds corny, but it’s a little bit true! It was Francisco de Zurbarán’s Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose. He was a Spanish Baroque painter and I was a freshman searching for a major. Bliss and art history degrees followed.

Good morning, Artists!

I'm so glad to be here! I've been behind the scenes for a few weeks, getting to know the ins and outs of Artist Daily and getting to know you (and your work!) through the forums and galleries. And while I may be a newcomer, I’m no fool! It didn’t take me any time at all to realize that we’ve got a great thing going here! Artist Daily is the place to be if you are into art, a growing community that is creative, savvy, and supportive.

On the Cover: Turquoise Eyes (detail) by Kenneth Cadwallader, 2009, oil on linen, 18 x 24. Collection the artist. Maintain a Beginner’s Sense of Adventure DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Note What’s New at ArtistDaily.com Art Mart Quick Sketches...

It’s often said that artists don’t find their personal style—it finds them. Although I agree with this statement, I found in my experience that individual style develops only after a number of other tasks are accomplished. All professional...

Hillside of Poppies 2008, oil, 24 x 30. I have a few suggestions to offer for this painting. The artist may want to consider showing some cast shadows across the path. These shadows would have the same direction as the shadows of the trees, bushes, and...

They always say that two heads are better than one. But as an only child, I tended to stick to myself, and I hated group projects and asking for help. Luckily, as I got older, I became more comfortable working with others and recognizing when I needed...

On the Cover: John Morra teaching still life painting in New York City. Photo by Nathan Kraxberger Michelle Dunaway: Painting From the Center FEATURES Paul DeLorenzo: Learn the Basics of Academic Figure Painting by M. Stephen Doherty Having been trained...