Grow Your Skills. Become a More Complete Artist.
Welcome! I’m Elisabeth Larson Koehler and the I am the founding instructor of Art Studio Life. This space is to help you discover/grow deeper in the art of painting and drawing. Sign up to get updates on all of my essential tips and artist resources sent to your inbox weekly. PLUS as a new subscriber you will also receive, my FREE Color Mixing Artist’s Guide as a special welcome!
Get started with one of my recent articles below, or explore the full collection of art articles available! You’ll find various techniques, painting and drawing tutorial guides, as well as master painting breakdowns to help you grow where you’re at. You will also find art articles that delve into the exploration of how to use artistic mediums such as; oil painting, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, charcoal drawing, pencil drawing, silverpoint and more.
Why Curiosity in Art Matters More Than You Think
One of the most powerful (and often overlooked) tools in a painter’s development isn’t a brush, medium, or a technique. It’s curiosity. We tend to
How to Paint Loose: Let Go of Detail and Capture the Big Picture
Painting loosely can be one of the most freeing and invigorating ways to approach your work. But what does it really mean to “paint loose”?
How to Use a Palette Knife for Scraping, Drawing, Edges & More
When most artists hear “palette knife painting,” they think of applying thick, textured strokes directly onto a canvas. While that is an approach that some
5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Finishing a Painting
How do you know if a painting is “finished”? This can be a big looming question for artists, as it can often be difficult to
Vermeer’s Painting Techniques: A Masterclass in Light, Color and Stillness
Johannes Vermeer, who’s now celebrated for his masterful paintings and meticulous techniques—lived a life of rather quiet obscurity during the Dutch Golden Age. In fact,
Oil Paint Drying Times: How to Make Oil Paints Dry Faster
One of the greatest strengths of oil painting is also its biggest frustration—oil paints dry slowly. Though this does allow for beautiful blending and extended
Why Portrait Paintings Still Matter Today
Today, anyone with a smartphone can snap a portrait in seconds, why does portrait painting still matter? What can a painting capture that a photograph
Chiaroscuro in Painting: What it is and How to Paint Your Own
Chiaroscuro in painting, is the use of use of strong contrasts between light and dark. The term is often used by Artists and art historians
See more in-depth learning materials by clicking the button below. Where you will find articles that include; artist tips, painting tutorials, drawing tips/tutorials, as well as lessons tailored to different artist’s skill levels.
Hello! I'm Elisabeth Larson Koehler
Art Studio Life is here to help you achieve the next step in your artistic growth (no matter what level you're currently at).