Art doesn't appear out of nowhere. It grows and develops. This is the lifecycle of a painting.
The Beginning: Experience
Art is born from experience. This is what makes art different from simply drawing or painting.
You can draw to practice your skills, or paint…
I’m happy to share another meaningful milestone in my work. I am now represented by Ballard’s Fine Art Gallery in Sheridan, Wyoming, a gallery that has already played an important role in my recent exhibition history.
At the end of 2025, my pastel painting Elevated…
Two words: Exciting. Humbling.
Not too long ago I got an email with this subject line: "Winner Notification, 27th Annual Pastel 100."
I actually didn't open it right away. I had received similar emails before for Honorable Mention awards in past Pastel 100 competitions. I…
Scam messages targeting artists are increasing. Learn the warning signs and how to protect yourself with a free artist-focused guide.
Over the years, I’ve heard the same thing again and again from people who connect with my work. They love the paintings, but not everyone is in a place to collect original art right now. Some want something smaller. Some want something practical. Some just…
I’m excited to share some good news. My work is now represented by Cassens Fine Art Gallery in Hamilton, Montana.
This is one of those moments that feels both grounding and energizing at the same time. Grounding because Cassens Fine Art is deeply connected to…
Something special has been growing and developing, and we have now surpassed 800 members:
The Pastel Workshop Mentorship Community
This isn’t just another online course. It’s a place where art and purpose meet, where you can learn, create, and connect with others who share…
A new pastel set curated by Clint Howard in collaboration with J. Luda Colors
Some moments in an artist’s journey feel like quiet milestones, like pausing mid-trail to look back and see how far you’ve climbed. This is one of those moments for me. I’m…
I spend a lot of time standing on riverbanks. The water moves slow and steady, brushing past rocks and carrying with it the sounds of birds, wind, and sometimes nothing at all. In those quiet moments, I notice how my shoulders drop and my breathing…
There’s a moment when you stand in front of a pastel painting that feels a little different than standing in front of oil, acrylic, or watercolor. The colors seem to hum. The surface feels alive. And if you lean in close enough, you’ll see the…
When you stand in front of a mountain range, the world doesn’t come at you all at once. The foreground whispers first: the grass at your feet, the trees close enough to count the needles on. Beyond that, the foothills rise in steady rhythm, softer,…
