Since the day the late Brock Linehan asked me "What do you know for sure?", and I had trouble answering, I've never stopped asking myself that question. Over the long haul some things keep repeating themselves and as I paint in my own studio or attempt to solve problems with my students, I realized that some things are always true. This list keeps growing but here are a few of those "for sure" things I've come to believe.

If there is anything you believe to be true every time, in other words, universal to every good painting, please post it in the comments section.

Dates: June 14-15, 2013

First class evening with art, food and wine.

For two days, the Swinton’s studios will be transformed into a salon style gallery full of paintings and drawings by our students and instructors. This creative feast for the eyes is a public function for celebrating artistic achievements.

On the menu: Art by some of the finest artists, students and upcoming superstars • Wine • Music • Fine Catering • Silent Auction (100% Proceeds going to charity) • People's Choice - Vote for your favorite artwork • And a whole lot more...

If you have your own advice, post it in the comments. We'd love to hear from you. 

Traveling with your art gear can be challenging, especially if you don't have experience. The normal tendency is to bring as much as possible but the right way to think about it is the exact oposite. Only bring the essentials. This list might help you eliminate a few things and also suggest a few ideas you may not have considered. 

Sometimes it seems impossible to begin painting. You may have no idea what to paint or where to begin. This may not be true for those that always paint the same subject in the same way, but for those that wish to create something unique, it can be a serious block.

I'm not going to pretend to know all the solutions, which tend to be as varied as art itself, I only want to present one easy way that has consistently worked for me in hopes that it may also work for you. Try it next time you are feeling uninspired and let me know how it turns out...

Red is the colour of blood, a ruby, and strawberries. Next to orange at the end of the visible spectrum of light, red is commonly associated with danger, sacrifice, passion, fire, beauty, blood and anger. In China and at Swinton's red is associated with happiness. Why?

Because everything RED is 25% Off!

(No, we are not communists)

Red is the color of sexuality and can stimulate deeper and more intimate passions in us, such as love and sex. It is often used to express love, as in Valentine’s Day, however it relates more to sexuality and lust, rather than love – love is expressed with pink. So don't forget to also pick up some white. :)