Rufus is a LIAR

One of the most important lessons in learning to paint is a willingness to #dothework. But all work and no play isn’t good!

Rufus knows that he can sabotage you by occupying you with lessons and making you feel like they are the only thing you should focus on.

“You must only paint your lessons.“

“Don’t deviate from the lessons.”

“The lessons are the most important thing.“

Rufus loves to employ this tactic to crush your artistic aspirations.

Believe me — I want you to #dothework. This is how you learn. But do not paint your lessons simply out of duty. The lessons are there to guide you in a logical path through the work, so you can become the best artist possible.

However, if you only paint the lessons, it becomes like reading a dull but recommended book. Before you know it, you’re avoiding the lessons because you dread what you should do because it’s not what you want to do.

Don’t fall into this trap!

Instead, take a break from time to time. Paint what intrigues you. Explore a style that interests you. Experiment with color.

Take time to explore the mystery without worrying about the mastery.

The mystery will draw you in, lead you on, and keep you progressing with your Photoshop painting skills.

Forcing yourself to continue only painting lessons out of duty for an extended time will numb you out and turn you off to the entire process.

Rufus knows this.

Rufus wants this.

Don’t let Rufus convince you not to have balance in your painting endeavors. Both mystery and mastery are equally important!

Bekkie Harper

Bekkie detected the whisperings from the dog’s facial expressions to her heart. After seeing the photo, she knew she wanted to create a keepsake for the owner, especially since the sweet pup is now senior in years. Those early years will captured forever in this cherished painting.

Nancy Jones

Nancy’s grandson loves to come and help on the farm, so she brought what she loves together in her first-ever composition. She found a photo with his hand out and added the “Heartstrings” quote. Using Brushy Goodness with a hint of Brayer, she relished in creating the final piece.

Melinda turned this personal project into a masterpiece. The reference photo was less than print-worthy, but she enjoyed the process of using the skills she’s learned and the brushes she’s collected. Making the best of what she had to work with, she created a final piece worthy of display.

Melinda Farrington

Chelly captured a picture of this raven out in the wild. Her profound feelings toward it attached the sentiment of survival. She dedicated the painting to perseverance, enduring against all odds to the best of your ability. The purple background posited the mood, and Brushy Goodness polished the painting off.

THE POWER OF REPETITION

BY STEPHANIE DALMAN

AFTER JOINING BEYOND THE BRUSHES, I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE MEDIUM. I MADE IT MY FULL-TIME JOB, SOAKING UP THE TUTORIALS AND EXTRA VIDEOS, COMPLETING EVERY LESSON AND PRACTICE IMAGE, AND BECOMING AS IMMERSED AS POSSIBLE. 8 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK! CRAZY RIGHT?!

However, as I moved through the lessons, I struggled to see “progress.” I am sure you are wondering, “How can she feel that way when clearly she is progressing through the lesson? How can you not see progress?!” I know, another crazy thing right?! Regardless, I didn’t feel like I was seeing progress or the formation of a style. I struggled to see how I was adding to each layer of knowledge. So, I chose to pick one image I wouldn’t mind repainting over and over again.

My boxer, Bane, is the inspiration for my business. He is this handsome, brindle boxer with dark brindling and lovely gold undertones, which is why my business colors are black and gold! He is literally everywhere in my business and in my life! So, I figured this would be the perfect image to obsess over. I mean, are you even a “real” artist if you don’t become crazy obsessed? Just me?

The first iteration was before I finished the first no hair portrait and before I took the pet fur course. It’s funny because I remember sharing this with the community, thinking it was pretty good. You know, for the first attempt and still only having the Greasy Blender and no fur brushes. In the next iteration, I had taken the fur course, went through all of the in-between critiques, and incorporated the suggestions and corrections. The third iteration was at the end of Budding Artisan, and I loved it! I loved the colors and my brushwork and thought this was where I wanted my art to lead. I could see such progress between the first version and the last. But as I progressed in

Apprentice Artisan, gaining more tools and knowledge, my eye was slowly changing. Near the end of the stage, I once again pulled out the image of Bane and restarted from the base image.

When I finished, it was like looking at a completely different painter! Technically, it was! I was no longer the pure pixel musher. I could SEE my style, see my take on the image, and it was eye-opening! Visualizing how my work changed and progressed on this one image was not only humbling but gave me the proof I needed that I was growing as an artist.

STEPHANIE’S WORK CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT WWW.BOXERSANDBEER.COM

Patti Struchynski

Patti paints for personal pleasure and finds her inspiration scrolling through free stock images. Rather than choosing an image, the image usually chooses her. This particular one screamed, “Paint me!” She answered the call with a vision in mind of what it had the potential to become.

Kelly O’Keefe www.kellyokeefephotography.com

Kelly knew when she started playing with the flowers that the image would make a beautiful painting. While creating it, she primarily used Brushy Goodness but added dimension with the History Brush Tool. She plans on showing the print to the father and suggesting it as a Mother’s Day gift.