School of Visual Philosophy

12/28/2023

Resolutions, goals, whatever you call them, the beginning of the year is a great time to do a reset and put a marker down for what you want to accomplish over the next year.

We strongly believe in setting mini-goals that lead to larger long-term goals.  They help us to see our successes at every step and keep us on track even when life sidetracks us.

Are you a goal-setter? Share some of your goals below.

Want to get a kick start on a new medium during the break? Try one of our online classes from a cozy spot in your home:
http://tinyurl.com/NewYearSVP

#2024

12/23/2023

Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday!

12/20/2023

Do you do a New Year’s reorganization of your studio?

It’s a great time of year to get reorganized in your studio before the holiday rush especially if you need a clean studio for fall open studios.

Do you worry about this? I heard an artist say recently she wouldn’t be cleaning up for the next open studio because this is what her work looks like. Maybe that is the right idea. Maybe it’s even more interesting for the visitor.

But we find having lots of well labeled bins even for scraps and recycling makes organization faster. It helps to be able to toss everything into it’s appropriate space and close the lid but it can be hard to keep a clean space and get the work done.

What are your favorite tips to keeping organized and tidy while still staying focused on your creative work?

12/16/2023

Are you thinking about diving into screen printing but not sure what you need to get started?

Our free mini-course is designed as an introduction to our more in-depth courses. You will be guided through the basics of materials for any type of screen printing you may want to do. That way, when you dive into our longer curriculum, you will be fully prepared.

Sign up here: tinyurl.com/ScreenPrintMini

12/11/2023

We love art gifts!

We often hear that art is hard to give but we find there are many ways to give art without having to choose something for a wall that might not suit the recipient.

So many artists now offer small art pieces which are easier to give as they can be placed on a desk or bookshelf rather than be a large centerpiece. And, it is becoming more common place to see artists printing totes and making things like ornaments that can work for broader audiences.

It helps of course how much you know the person and whether you can draw from a subject that has meaning when picking the gift but when you just aren’t sure but know the recipient appreciates art, a gift certificate to your favorite museum makes a wonderful gift too.

What are your favorite art giving tips?

11/30/2023

Have you ever wanted to take a workshop but haven’t been able to make it in person? Or are you planning to take his in-person workshop and want a preview of what will come?

Joseph’s online class is the perfect solution. You can watch and learn anywhere in the world and rewatch when practicing your technique.

The course makes the ancient art of stained glass completely accessible to anyone. Joseph puts a modern twist onto stained glass with airbrushing, screen printing and more.

Sign up at:
www.tinyurl.com/StainedGlassSVP

11/18/2023

Have you always been interested in tool making? Try our FREE Forging Mini Course this weekend.

The course is designed to introduce you to the blacksmith's shop, materials you will need, and how to use them in a very practical sense, delivered in a bite size course.

https://tinyurl.com/FreeHammerMini

10/27/2023

Want to draw a crowd at your next open studios or art fair?

1. Be yourself - In the art business, we are part of what we are selling, and you are good enough, interesting enough, and deserving. So, be confident and own it.

2. Plan an activity or demonstration if you get nervous. If you feel uncomfortable showing your art or get nervous when people are walking by, plan a demonstration or activity. This will not only attract people but will take the edge off the discomfort and give you something to show off. This helps nervous customers approach as well.

 3. Display your prices (proudly).  Be confident in your pricing and display it clearly. This helps people know if something is in their price range and reminds them that all the art is for sale not just an exhibit.

If you want to improve how you present yourself as an artist and art business. Try out our online class, Storytelling for Artists from .

www.tinyurl.com/SVPArtistStory

The artist and work shown in the picture above are . Check out his work!!

We are an art studio and school dedicated to hosting professional level art classes, cultivating a cr

09/30/2023

Ever wondered where encaustic painting came from?

Check out ’s super quick introduction to the history of encaustics! This is also a free teaser presentation for her full length Encaustic Basics online course.

Visit: tinyurl.com/EncausticPaintHistory

No registration required!

We are an art studio and school dedicated to hosting professional level art classes, cultivating a cr

09/22/2023

What is the toughest thing about getting great photos of your artwork?

Having a great space to photograph that looks like a nice home or office?

Lighting?

Glare?

We often hear that glare is really what causes artists’ frustration. Have you thought about using a polarizing filter on your camera and lighting?

Putting a polarizing lens on your camera can help you see a reduction in glare if it is turned the right direction. Add another to your light source and you shouldn’t see any more notable glare. It’s an easy fix and doesn’t have to be super expensive.

But what if you can’t afford it? Angles. Glare is all about angles! So move, rotate your art, pull a curtain, or have someone hold a thin white sheet between you and your light source.

Art shown is that of check out her amazing work.

09/19/2023

Getting started on Forging? Taking your first Blacksmithing or Bladesmithing class?

Our online forging program with is a great way to learn the terminology and get to know the tools before you head to the hotshop.

Jump in now and feel confident in the shop. Go to: www.tinyurl.com/SVPForge

09/15/2023

Telling an engaging story can make the difference between conversations and sales.

Make this your season and take that next step to grow your professional artistic career with two great courses taught by : Craft Your Artist Statement and Storytelling for Artists.

Sign Up Here

Craft Your Artist Statement: www.tinyurl.com/SVPArtist

Storytelling for Artists: www.tinyurl.com/ItsInTheStory

Art shown above is by ! Check out his work.