TODAY'S FEATURED POST

A Studio Visit

Robert Hunt

I always love to visit another artist's studio. I suspect that Muddy Colors readers do too- so this month I thought I would give you a studio tour. I also know that readiers probably know little or nothing about me, as I don't think I am what one normally thinks of as a sci-fi fantasy artist (more on professional identity issues in a future article).  My studio is at my home, about 30 feet from…

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EVERYDAY ORIGINAL

Green Marlin’s Flying Ship

YESTERDAY’S POST

Image

The Power of Preliminary Studies

Julie Beck

May 16, 2025 - Preliminary studies are crucial to my process. Each artist approaches prep work different but as someone who teaches both technical skills as well as the importance of design and composition, I emphasize the importance of massaging the design before you get into the nitty gritty. Preliminary thumbnails help in a multitude of ways: Planning: Sketches help you organize ideas and create a clear roadmap, saving time and reducing frustration. Problem Solving: They allow you to identify and fix issues early, ensuring a more polished final piece. Creativity: Experimenting in sketches encourages creative exploration and innovative solutions. Confidence: Working through uncertainties in sketches builds confidence for the final execution. Cohesion: Planning ensures all elements work harmoniously, resulting in a unified piece. Efficiency: Resolving issues on paper or digitally saves time AND money. I mean, time IS…

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Muddy Colors is a collective of more than 20 artists, dedicated to providing a free, online resource for aspiring and professional artists alike.

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