The Studio Journal

A collection of thoughtful writings for anyone interested in the art of looking.

Notes on Seeing
Essays on painting, perception, art history, and the quiet act of looking.
ARTICLES
Personal Insights
Letters from the easel, seasonal reflections, poems, and new work.
ARTICLES
The Collector's Library
Thoughtful guidance for collecting, living with, and caring for art.
ARTICLES
Field Notes
Museum visits, exhibitions, and conversations that continue long after leaving the gallery.
ARTICLES
In the Studio
Process notes, material lists, and techincal considerations for classical oil painters.
ARTICLES

1 / of 5

Field Notes

Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, Rembrandt, and More at the Mauritshuis

March 01, 2017

I’ll confess. I visited the Mauritshuis with one objective: to see Johannes Vermeer‘s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Following my visit to...

Field Notes

A Visit to Delft, Birthplace of Johannes Vermeer

August 02, 2016

A few weeks ago, I went to pick up my husband from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. As we passed the exit for Delft,...

In the Studio

How to Create a Wipe-Out Underpainting in Oil

September 23, 2019

When working with oil paint, a solid underpainting sets the stage for success. The wipe-out or bistre method of underpainting is one...

In the Studio

Oranges and Abstraction: Combining Realism with Abstract Oil Painting

April 01, 2017

This post is the tenth and final post in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie...

In the Studio

The Reader: Incorporating Music and Memory into Oil Painting

February 01, 2017

This post is the ninth in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

The Nutcracker Suite: Incorporating Music and Memory into Oil Painting

January 02, 2017

This post is the eighth in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Isabella, Overexposed: Sight Exercise for Oil Painting

December 01, 2016

This post is the seventh in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Magnolia, Overexposed: Sight Exercise for Oil Painting

November 01, 2016

This post is the sixth in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Deconstructed Portrait of a Woman: Oil Painting in the Style of Adrian Ghenie

October 01, 2016

This post is the fifth in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Portrait of Damiano: Oil Painting in the Style of Adrian Ghenie

September 15, 2016

This post is the fourth in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Selective Focus in the Style of Gerhard Richter: An Oil Painting Tutorial

August 05, 2016

This post is the second in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Porcelain Figure Oil Painting Tutorial

July 18, 2016

This post is the first in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Using Imprimatura in Oil Painting

July 08, 2016

Learn how to use imprimatura in oil painting with artist Robyn Palescandolo.

Personal Insights

Back of a Woman, Pencil Figure Drawing Study on Paper

June 28, 2016

Our times are populated by mass imagery, mostly intended to shock, challenge, push boundaries. The pictures are loud. They are confrontational. They...