Posts by Nicholas Wilton

Although my work is more intuitive and personal, I’m always attracted to artists who clearly communicate a strong, meaningful message. Stephen Mangum is one such artist. He grew up in the south in the 50s and 60s and witnessed firsthand disturbing events during the civil rights movement. However, only a child, the horrific scenes of…

Last week I showed you a way to make dark lines by covering up shapes and leaving remnants of color. Today I want to show you how to create light lines in a similar but different way. Check this out… Leaving light hairlines where shapes of similar values meet is a beautiful way to activate…

I love working with lines in my art. Usually, I use a tool like a pencil to make lines. But today, I thought I would share a different way to create lines and add richness to your work. Have a look here. I have found surprisingly beautiful and different lines by exposing the edges of…

I’m often asked how I come up with all the shapes in my art. It turns out, shapes are found everywhere. So, by paying attention as you go through your day, you can discover shapes to bring into your art. Another way I find shapes is by working with ones I already love and changing…

I am super excited that our annual SPARK Program starts this coming week! It is a 21-day program designed to start or re-energize your art-making. In the program, everyone makes their own SparkBook, so today, I thought I would share mine with you, along with a very cool idea about art-making. I think you might…

Here is a quick way to get paint down on paper, or even canvas. I love starting this way when I don’t have much time and want something to be bold and full of juice. It has everything to do with the way you apply the paint. Let me show you… Starting boldly or using…