Search


When exploring nature, it’s helpful to take a map
Painting requires us to embrace thinking & problem solving. Landscape painting outside while immersed in nature intensifies this...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 31, 20242 min read


We Are Operating in Abstractions - Always
We are operating in abstraction as artists. This is a grood thing because it brings us protection and responsibility. Both are good...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 30, 20243 min read


Awe
“The highest point a man can obtain is not Knowledge, or Virtue, or Goodness, or Victory, but something even greater, more heroic, and...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 29, 20241 min read


Every painting can be your teacher
Every painting can be your teacher. Whether your own or someone else's. A masterpiece or a total disaster of a painting. No matter the...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 28, 20242 min read


Baby Oak Tree
Today we had a busy little Saturday, which included some among other things, chores around the house, a trip to the Department of Motor...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 27, 20241 min read


Nature is our greatest teacher even in the mundane…
"Of all the great works that we can experience, nature is the most absolute and enduring. We can witness it change through the seasons....

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 26, 20242 min read


Winslow Homer
Lately, I've been spending some time looking at the great Winslow Homer's paintings. Often times I'm reminded of the strong impression...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 25, 20241 min read


In Support of “The Canon”
Great works abound. Some of them are extraordinary helpful in supporting and fortifying so we go back to them frequently. Some works may...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 24, 20242 min read


The “Canon”
Canon is a term that we often associate with religious scripture. The same process can be used to help us develop as artists and in other...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 23, 20243 min read


The Why Paradox
Motivational gurus will tell us things like if you have your why, the how part is irrelevant. There's one big problem, perhaps among many...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 22, 20241 min read


Cold Winter Watercolor
Watercolor is an enigma rolled up in a mystery to me. Add some difficult, cold, winter weather and it's an even bigger challenge....

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 21, 20241 min read


You may be right…
This morning we woke up to some cold temperatures and some snow. I drove my wife Janine into work, dropped her off, filled up the gas...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 19, 20241 min read


Recap - Wednesday Walkthrough 2: Charles Warren Eaton: An American Tonalist Rediscovered and more...
Recently walked through a great book called Charles Warren Eaton: An American Tonalist Rediscovered and more during a live session on my...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 18, 20241 min read


A Prayer to the Muse
"O Divine Poesy, goddess, daughter of Zeus, sustain for me this song of the various-minded man who, after he had plundered the innermost...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 17, 20243 min read


Letter to my former self …from earlier this morning
Focus on what you can do. You want to wander out into the woods, explore and paint the best scenery you can find on this snowy, winter...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 16, 20241 min read


Charles Warren Eaton
Charles Warren Eaton is considered by many to be one of Americas foremost Tonalist painters. Those who are not familiar with Tonalism or...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 15, 20241 min read


The Art of Being… thrifty
Most artists want to be thrifty. In reality, we need to be thrifty. Thriftiness is an art in and of itself. It can be very motivating...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 14, 20241 min read


In its truest form…
"If we can tune into the idea of making things and sharing them without being attached to the outcome, the work is more likely to arrive...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 13, 20242 min read


Discipline and Freedom…
"Discipline and freedom seem like opposites. In reality, they are partners. Discipline is not a lack of freedom, it is a harmonious...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 12, 20241 min read


Unique Advantages of Pastels
Soft pastels contain more pigment and less binder compared to most other mediums. This means the colors will be more vibrant. Sunrise...

tmichaelniemanart
Jan 11, 20241 min read