Never Say Never

How many times have your words come back to haunt you?

Several years ago I attended a palette knife workshop. I absolutely hated it. I did not like the picture we painted, and using the palette knife was very awkward for me. The words "I will never paint with a knife again" came out of my mouth.

A few years later a teacher introduced our class to Holbein series 1066 painting knives. These palette knives have hand forged steel blades. They are very light, flexible and a bit pricey but well worth it. I challenged myself to try painting with the knife again. So for a whole year I put down the brushes and used my knives exclusively. It actually became a running joke with some of my painting buddies that were in the original workshop.

Now I enjoy painting with my knives, it helps to loosen me up and I absolutely love the texture. So what have you said I will never to? Maybe trying oils, acrylics, pastels, a brand of brushes, a certain color of paint. My challenge to you is give it another chance. You never know, you might fall in love with it the second time around!

Happy Creating!

Sheila Hibbert

Holbein- Series 1066 can be found at Black Horse Fine Art Supply http://www.black-horse.com I recommend using these with oil paints.

International Artist

There are several periodicals on the market today for the art world. I have subscribed to several in the past.My all time favorite is definitely "International Artist"   . Every  issue has an art prize challenge series based on a theme landscape, floral, still life etc. The entries can be in a variety of mediums oil, acrylics, pastels etc. The winners share their design strategy in creating their art work including techniques and materials. It also includes articles on different mediums sharing the artist's step by step process. It has great variety and a wealth of information. So the next time you are at a book store I encourage you to pick up a copy.

Happy Creating!!

Sheila Hibbert

Add A Little Sparkle

I recently finished an oil painting of a "Peacock". In the planning stages of this painting I was looking for some paints that would help give my work that extra touch of color. In nature, as a bird turns, the sunlight reflects and you see different colors from different angles.

I was introduced to Daniel Smith Luminescent Oil Colors www.danielsmith.com.  These paints are awesome. There are several iridescent and pearlescent colors in the Luminescent line of oil paints. These oils have the ability to reflect light and add some dramatic color- shifting effects. I am so glad I found them and feel like they added the extra touch I was looking for. They also offer these in their acrylic line. So if you are looking for something to give your painting that extra sparkle give these a try!!

"Peacock"

18 x 18 Oil on Canvas

Happy Creating!!

Sheila

Art Therapy

I am currently teaching an acrylic painting class twice a month.  

I have a wonderful group of students that are a joy to teach. Teaching others what you have learned over the years is quite a honor. Each student is unique in so many areas age, likes, dislikes, exposure to and experience with painting. To me art is therapy when I allow my brain to connect over to the right side and flow what a wonderful experience. One of the best feeling as a teacher is when you witness as a student shifts over to the right side and things start clicking. It is hard to explain but very rewarding. I would like to challenge you to find at least 15 minutes in your day to pick up a pencil and doddle a bit or a brush and paint a few strokes.... get in some Art Therapy!!!

Every Child is an Artist

Hi, I am artist Sheila Hibbert. Welcome to my blog. I am also a wife and a mother of two

beautiful daughters. I love Art... creating it, exploring new techniques , trying new colors and tools.

As I read new articles, try out new colors, discover new techniques or test a new brush or palette

knife my goal is to the share that with you. 

I remember as a child loving to color, oh the smell of a new box 64 count crayolas.  My favorite 

was magenta, I held off on using it as long as possible because I didn't want it to break.  Next 

came paint by numbers!!  So this is how my art journey began. I truly believe inside everyone

there is an artist and as Picasso so wonderfully stated "The problem is how to remain an artist once 

he grows up." So as we journey down this road together I hope to inspire you and that inner child to 

create, explore and have fun, and who know what talents you may uncover!

 Happy Creating!!

Sheila