Caution:Artist at Play-Artwork by Shana Rowe Jackson

   I have to say one of my favorite things about being an artist is learning new techniques. The possibilities are endless, and there is always something new to learn, no matter how seasoned of an artist you are. I love the feeling I get when I read something or see something that I didn't know before, especially when it comes to a classic medium. Artists as a whole are innovative, we love to push the limits, experiment and see where things go. Because of this, on the internet and in books, you will find so much information just waiting to be learned, put there by generous artists who want to share their hard learned treasures with the rest of the world. No man is an island. This is especially true for fine artists, and a surprising reality for the self taught. Being self taught does not mean you do not learn from others, it's that you go and seek the information out for yourself instead of having it thrown at you in a classroom setting.    Recently I have been playing around

  Wow!! It has been a long time since I have written!! So sorry I haven't been around much! I have been quite busy lately, and was having a few computer problems for a while, but now I am back online! Unfortunately I have been working a lot at my day job so I haven't had a whole lot of time to create :( but have managed to get caught up on some reading so I can learn new techniques, and also bought some new art supplies to try out, can't wait to get the time!! Now that spring is here I am so full of inspiration I don't know what to do with myself and can't wait to try some new things and share them with the world!!  I have been able to get a few things done since the last time I posted, including a new addition to my "Life in the 'Dale" series, some more from my "Freedom Fairies" Collection and a commission! Here they are! "Free as St. Patrick's Luck" 11"x14" acrylic © Shana L Rowe Jackson 2014(Click for prints)

  It has been a little bit since my last post so I figured I'd check in with what has been going on in my world. It has been a busy 2014 so far between commissions, series work, advertising and my day job. I have added more to my "Life in the 'Dale" series, and have added a new series to my freedom fairies collection called "Free as Celebration" where each fairy represents a holiday! I have started exploring pastels again and been trying new pastel supports with much personal success. I have been updating my print site as well, taking new photos of my work for better clarity, adding older artworks, and promoting like crazy!! Here is a glimpse at what I have been up to while I've been away from my blog!! Commissions- "Breelynn" 16"x20" Acrylic © Shana L Rowe Jackson 2014 "Shaggy Dog" 11"x14" acrylic © Shana L Rowe Jackson 2014 "Mount Washington" 12"x14" Acrylic © Shana L Rowe

10 Reasons Why We Need Art "Before the Music Died" © Shana L Rowe Jackson 2012   History . Since the dawn of time art has served as a pictorial guide to where we originate from.   From the earliest cave drawings, to religious paintings and everything in between it has served as a way to look back in time and see how different cultures lived, what they went through and how we have grown as a species.        Cultural and political expression . Art serves as a very important purpose when it comes to getting a certain message out. If you look at art from specific cultures you can learn a lot about that culture and the way they live. From longstanding traditions to political views, if it is important to said culture chances are it has been depicted in their art. Street art is a good example of this, as it often expresses the needs of the community in which it originates.       Therapy. Art is proven to be therapeutic, both in the creation of it and in be

"The Big Countdown" First Painting of 2014!! "Free as a New Years Resolution"  Well, another year has passed! 2013 was an interesting year for me with a lot of ups and downs personally and financially but overall I had a lot to be grateful for, especially with my art. I participated in my first gallery show in 2013, and was a part of three in all. I have my work displayed at the Maine State Capital building in their Senate Republican office and at a local restaurant, also firsts for me. I believe I reached new heights as far as technique goes, I was able to explore more in oils, which has been a wonderful experience, and have grown in realism technique. I started two new series', My "Summer Flight" series and my "Revival" project. I added multiple paintings to my "Life in the 'Dale" series making it my largest ever series, and my Freedom Fairies Collection, making it a close second. Recently I have been getting b

In honor of "Cyber Monday" and the Christmas Season, I am offering a 25% discount on all my prints on FAA. This discount only comes off what I make on the print, and not the material cost (Only FAA can discount on their end) Good through th e 18th, which is the FAA deadline for Christmas shipping!! Good on anything in my shop, no limit to how many times you use the code!! Here is the code!!  VTUFJE    http://shana-rowe.artistwebsites.com/

  This time of year really gets one thinking about what is most important in life. Thanksgiving is tomorrow, a time to get together with family, and count your blessings. This month I decided that each day I would post something I am thankful for on Facebook. Some days were more challenging than others because I have been so busy lately, but I feel that is one of the reasons that made this exercise so important. No matter what is going on in life, I feel there is always something to be thankful for. I have been very blessed, and know that know matter how hard life seems at the time, there is always someone out there who has it harder.  "Thanksgiving Dinner" © Shana L Rowe Jackson 2011    There is something to be said for having a positive outlook on life. Negativity gets you no where. When you are stuck in a negative state of mind, you can't see beyond your own fears and dismay, and often miss out on opportunities. Nothing bad can come from a positive attitude. Ev