Don’t Paint Whale — Paint Whaleness!

Don’t Paint Whale — Paint Whaleness!

Recently, Lisa Pedersen reminded us of this brief and very lively excerpt from a talk that Stewart gave at a workshop in Southern California. In the following conversation with a workshop participant, Stewart brings to life that moment when we are asked to take a courageous leap by painting something we think we can't. In other [...]
Following the Thread

Following the Thread

The Way It Is There is a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn’t change. People wonder what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread. But it is hard for others to see. While you hold it you can’t get lost. Tragedies happen; people get hurt or [...]
How to Make a Cardboard Tripod Easel

How to Make a Cardboard Tripod Easel

Many painters and teachers ask us about the construction of The Painting Experience's cardboard tripod easels. These big, sturdy tripods have many advantages: They're easy to set up; they collapse for easy storage; and when their lives are over, they can be recycled. We have cardboard stored all over the country -- thanks to the [...]
At Ease: Reflections on Moloka’i

At Ease: Reflections on Moloka’i

I’ve just returned from my annual retreat at Hui Ho’olana Retreat Center on the Island of Moloka’i. The ten days we spend painting at the Hui mark my longest painting retreat each year, and they always yield fresh insights and new realizations. This year, one of the recurring themes was safety. As we settled into [...]
Process Painting in the Classroom

Process Painting in the Classroom

This way of painting is about taking risks, having an adventure, being free to explore and try new things. It’s an honor and a privilege for me to facilitate process painting in classrooms: To watch as a child faces the fresh white sheet of paper with a sense of excitement and suspense is to watch [...]