Artist Strong Blog

Enjoy interviews and articles about creative process and our inherent creative spirit.
Defining style for an artist: the 6 qualities of style

Defining style for an artist: the 6 qualities of style

What does it mean to have a unique style as an artist? Perhaps your work doesn’t feel cohesive even though other people can see connections in your art. It’s really important to you and secretly you think, “are they just being nice to me?“ Let’s discuss the qualities...

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3 Phases of Artistic Expression

3 Phases of Artistic Expression

Understanding what the 3 phases of artistic expression are and which phase you are in will help you dramatically improve the quality of your art. My name is Carrie and I created Artist Strong to help self-taught artists build their skill and develop their unique...

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How to Be an Artist: Shae Irving

How to Be an Artist: Shae Irving

Shae Irving is a self-taught mixed-media artist who likes to draw. She's been rescuing lost and injured domestic pigeons for three decades and celebrates their images and stories through her artwork. Shae lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their...

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Crafting artistic legacy: Reclaiming your time for art

Crafting artistic legacy: Reclaiming your time for art

Finding Freedom Through Art: A Post-Surgery Perspective I sat on a gray carpet in the cool, windowless basement. I was in my sister’s house, looking at the pre-op papers scattered across the floor, on top of and underneath assorted tubes of oil paint, pastels, and my...

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The Role of Space in An Artist’s Life

The Role of Space in An Artist’s Life

Art and Life Choices: Finding Your Space as an Artist I've always made physical space for my art. It all began in high school when I set up a drafting table and easel in my bedroom after we moved to Long Island. During my college years, I made art wherever I could...

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