This is the third creative stimulus I’ve found, and perhaps the best of all. Its name is “What’s on Your Easel?” The interaction between artists who are working daily on improving their skills is a delightful invitation to show my work as it develops, and ask for “comment and critique” if I want it.

It’s a forum on a website called “Wet Canvas,” which is a whole world of practicing artists of all levels of development, inspiring each other to greater accomplishments. It ranges from art students to professionals, and from those dipping toes in many areas to those who have settled on one subject or style for artistic development. The membership consists of the entire world of artists. One accomplished Russian painter showed us her techniques for reproducing classical art for her clients through each stage of the painting’s creation. Others from Germany, India, the British Isles, Canada and South America are also helping each other. Membership is free, but the language is English — there are not many artists from other countries represented.

“What’s on Your Easel?” is under the media designation “Oils.” This is where I get needed input from other artists while I’m still working on projects in my home studio. And seeing their skills and creative effort merge into distinctive works over the course of a month pushed me into spending a lot more time at the easel than I had been doing. I even painted a self-portrait (something I had intended to do before I got this old!), above. It’s like having artists at your side, working. But only when you want them there.

Contact them for a tour, at http://www.wetcanvas.com   I think you’ll be as delighted as I was!

Keep your brushes wet!
Nancy