There was a time not so long ago when most anyone (especially girls) could do art. The only known portrait of Jane Austen was painted by her own sister, an artist of no great consequence, but an artist nonetheless. Now, because life is so busy, very...

I wish I could say this was from my mountain (I took it not far away though!) and it fits in spirit with the post. :D I love autumns on my mountain. I love the walks, scuffing among the leaves. I love the curled leaves all about the dying g...

I like to draw.       I like to play piano.       I like to write.       And I like to share that with people. A lot of times, this is what I hear: “You’re so good at it! I could never  do that.” I’ve heard this far too often, and usually, I just tak...

Well, it was a close race, but welcome, Elaine Beck! Readers have picked you for the interview! We're all so excited to have you on Shades of Art for — Heavens, yes! Thank you so much. You have no idea how excited I was when you dropped by and...

A bucket full of autumn questions... So many of the people I know enjoy both blog challenges, and the autumn! Why not...

Without a doubt, J. R. R. Tolkien, the famous author of The Lord of the Rings , was heavily influenced by Beowulf , the epic of the...

In an age where 'newer' is 'cooler,' updates are crucial and the newest styles have to be acknowledged as by far the best, it's easy to...

Over the past year, I have come to know and love a very dear family that resides in Virginia in a lovely place called Weeping Willow...

I know it was forever ago that I wrote the blog post When my Writing Exploded , but when I did, I promised that I would have a part two:...

I obviously missed most of summer, so pardon the suddenly summery-themed blog posts, while the weather is growing cooler, and everyone's...