 Over the past 12 years as a professional artist, I have explored hundreds of ways to make my own acrylic texture mediums. Some of these experiments have been a huge success, and I love to share these in my workshops. Others have sent my entire family running outside for some fresh air because the fumes I created with my "concoctions" were so toxic. Quite simply, when you limit yourself to shopping only at the art store, you limit yourself. For me, art is free, fearless and limitless, so I like to explore my options and make my own rules. I believe the best kind of art is autobiographical, so I encourage you to find ways to infuse your life and personality into your canvas. After all, you are the subject matter you know best. The following is a list of 99 items I have personally used (mixed with acrylic paint), to create texture on my canvases:  September 5 & 6th, 2020 Kimball Art Center, Park City, UT For more information & to register: https://54630.blackbaudhosting.com/54630/Fearless-Abstract-Painting-Workshop_FALL20-05Sep2020  I believe in the "unseen hand" of the universal, innate power of infinite energy, inspiration and creativity. When we align ourselves with source (in ancient Chinese medicine it is called Chi, in yoga it is called Shakti, and in the West it is called Spirit), the fear, anxiety and the uncertainty fall away, and we are "lead", effortlessly towards our greatest expression. This is a muscle we make stronger as we "indulge our creative urges", transcend our tendency to close, and give ourselves opportunities to create freely, without rules or inhibitions. I am grateful to be a working artist at any time, but especially during this time. Thank you to the staff and students who made this workshop possible for us today. This is how we begin to change the world - by changing ourselves.  New Workshop Announcement: ONLY 1 SPOT LEFT! Saturday, August 15th, 2020 Workshop SLC, Salt Lake City, UT For more information & to register: https://www.samanthadasilva.com/store/p251/FEARLESS_ABSTRACT_PAINTING_WORKSHOP.html  I am grateful to have contributed 11 of my original works to this year's winner for BEST INTERIOR DESIGN. Thanks to Copper HAUS Design, Visionary Homes & Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes |
