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Art Tip

It’s Okay to Copy!

When I was growing up and going to public school, I was taught not to copy other people’s work. It was considered dishonest and cheating.

However, there is one area where copying is not only acceptable, it’s encouraged. That’s in art. Blue background with 2 images of art easels and circles around them with line draw through them. See the Light Art

Now I make my living as a freelance writer, and I can tell you that the rule has not changed–at least for writers. The technical term, of course, is plagiarism, and it has ruined more than one writer’s career.

For many years, artists have honed their craft by copying the works of the old masters. Although there are some who discourage this practice because they feel it hinders originality, there is much to be said for learning to draw and paint by copying the works of master artists.

If you have a young student who wants to learn and grow as an artist, and who is up for a challenge, encourage them to try copying some classic works of art. I’ve linked to some blogs and videos below to help you get started.

And don’t forget to have fun.

Here are some blog posts worth reading:

DRAWING TIPS FOR COPYING OLD MASTERS DRAWINGS

THE THREE STEPS TO BECOMING A BETTER PAINTER

IS COPYING THE MASTERS BAD OR GOOD?

Here are a few videos to get you started:

Learn more from and about famous artists with our 9-DVD set, Art Projects:

Art Projects 9-DVD Boxed Set (The Next Level)

How to Draw a Glow-in-the-Dark Mountain

Draw a Glow-in-the-Dark Mountain

In this, the last of our Four Mountains series, Jim demonstrates how to draw a “glow in the dark” mountain using negative space and black light chalk. Jim is drawing with fluorescent lecturer’s chalk on gray bogus paper. You can buy the chalk and paper Jim is using from Eternity Arts (eternityarts.com). You can also do this picture with fluorescent pastels and pastel paper. Scroll down to see the fluorescent products we offer. And don’t forget to buy a black light! 

Mountain range with stars and moon. Text overlay. Landscape Workshop: Draw a Glow-in-the-Dark Mountain. See the Light Art

Star of Bethlehem to Cross – Black Light Art

Star of Bethlehem to Cross art project

Merry Christmas from See the Light Art!

This time of year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who came into the world that we might be saved. As a reminder that Jesus is the reason for the season, here’s a short video where Jim draws a Star of Bethlehem that turns into a cross when a black light is turned on. 

This effect is super-easy to do. To recreate it, you’ll need to use white chalk and white invislble fluorescent (black light) chalk. You can buy these at EternityArts.com

Have a blessed Christmas!

Christmas Project: Draw a Christmas Tree that Lights Up!

draw a lighted Christmas tree

Since we’re nearing Christmas, I thought I’d post a video I did a few years back, about how to use black light chalk to create a lighted Christmas tree effect. To make the tree light up, you’ll need to use fluorescent pencils or pastels for the lights. And you’ll need a black light. You can purchase these at the See the Light Art store. You can find links to these supplies below the video.

How to Paint a Watercolor Solar Eclipse, Pt. 3

watercolor solar eclipse 3 graphic

In part 3 of the Watercolor Solar Eclipse project, Jim demonstrates how to add some fluorescent (black light) stars and a foreground to this mixed media project.

New supplies you’ll need:
–Fluorescent yellow acrylic paint (for the stars)
–Black permanent marker (for the foreground trees)

Draw through the Bible with black light chalk artist, Jim Pence. This video series is designed for homeschoolers who want to have fun learning art and the Bible. And, in keeping with Jim’s black light chalk artistry, each of these projects incorporate black light chalk or paint.

For more children’s art resources, visit: seethelightshine.com