Creative Spark

General Forums

Site Announcements and Technical Discussions

Important system announcements, technical support, account concerns, suggestions for the administration, etc.
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Welcome Center

Give us a brief introduction of who you are, the art you do, and where you hail from. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about the site and point you in the right direction.
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Art Talk

Discuss the art world, inform us about your local scene, or just generally chat about things in your life. Art and non-art topics are welcome. There's a music subforum here too. Talk about anything you want regarding art. But FYI: this is not a debate forum.
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All Things *Not* Art

Talk about anything under the sun, moon, and Mars. Discuss the latest adorable thing your dog said, your underwear, something you discovered under your shoe, anything you feel like talking about. Just don't resort to religion or politics. That's against the rules. And be nice!
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All Media Events

These are planned weekly drawing events, but all media and styles are welcome (drawing, painting, digital, photography, sculpture, multi-media, representational, abstract, etc.). Rough sketches, finished works of art, or anything in between. It can be created from your imagination, works from life, or from a photo reference (but if you use an image from the Internet, be sure it is not copyrighted).
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Artists Spotlights

Every month, Creative Spark spotlights one of our talented artist members and features them in this forum.
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Research & Discover

Art News

News about the art world at large, or news about your art. Newsy news, post it here. Curious minds want to know.
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Art History

Art History 101. From Michelangelo to Caravaggio, Picasso to Damien Hirst, the Renaissance to Post War Contemporary work, Impressionism, Cubism, Pop Art, and the Fluxus Movement. Learn and share.
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Art School

Learn anything and everything. Share a YouTube lesson, workshops, color theory, techniques from experience, host a class, post a class, give your art school experience, your self-taught experience, Give us what you got.
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Studio Tips & Materials

Share tips about brushes, easels, organization and efficiency in the studio, lighting, set-up, or other tools, as well as framing, etc.
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  • ams

Market Place

List your art supplies! Buy, sell, trade, or give back by gifting them out to your friends on the forum.
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  • Harold

Art Business

Need advice about Internet strategies, website building, tax questions, commissions, dealing with galleries, and other business-related topics? Talk about your experience with art sales, auctions, and online galleries, brick and mortar galleries, representation, how to approach gallerists, eBay, using credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and legal issues.
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Creativity

What is your point of departure? Explore the meaning behind the artist's and their work, what questions they are asking, the messages they hope to procure through the process of creating their work, and so much more.
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Opportunities

Post any and all call for artists, grants and award opportunities, resources for revenue or exhibitions.
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Media & Technique

Drawing

Discuss the line, perspective, techniques, graphite, charcoal, or even crayons -- talk about all things drawing here.
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Ink and Marker

If the Drawing forum isn't quite right for you and you work exclusively in ink and/or marker, this is the forum for you. Have fun.
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Colored Pencil

Discuss the line, perspective, drawing techniques, and your favorite brands of colored pencil. Show off your latest masterpieces.
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Pastels

Chalk and oil pastels can be used to make paintings on any surface and create a variety of texture. They are a versatile medium that is very rich in every color. Join us to discuss and support exploring the techniques and the effects that can be achieved in using this material.
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Water Media

Any water media, like watercolor, diluted acrylic, gouache, ink washes, sumi-e, and water tempera can be found discussed here. Please join us and share your techniques on this vast and complex subject.
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Acrylics

All techniques, materials, and approaches related to working with acrylic paints including airbrush and spray cans. Discuss or get feedback.
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Oils

Share your secrets and approaches to oil painting techniques, how you clean your brushes, and all things oil, including oil pencils and oil pastels.
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Mixed Media

Using multiple media in your work, or alternative materials? Perhaps you are playing with collage, fiber, faux finishes, mosaics, casein, or egg tempera. Have you been finding things off the street and sticking them on your surfaces? Mixed media is the place for you.
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Sculpture

If it is in three dimensions, consider it sculpture. Any type of clay, paper, wood, metals, bronze, found objects, plush, fabric, and soft sculpture, it all counts.
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Digital Art

Any and all digital work made in any way, shape, or form, in any software program, with a mouse, a stylus, or?
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Printmaking

Fine art print editions such as etchings, aquatints, lithographs, drypoint, monotypes, lino-cuts, woodcuts, silkscreens, and more. Share your experience as a Master Printer, a beginner, or learning along the way.
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Bookarts

Artist’s books are made by hand and can be one-of-a-kind or made as limited editions. They are a genre unto themselves and can be handbound, hand-sewn, painted, letterpressed, foil-stamped, leatherbound, and made in so many more creative ways. Discuss what you know about this amazing genre and any resources you can share.
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Journaling and Sketchbooks

Post your journal pages, sketchbooks, scrapbooks, or anything else you feel falls into this category.
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Photography and Film

Whether you work in traditional photography in the darkroom, use a digital camera, Polaroid, Holga, Brownie, video, Camcorder, Super-8 film, or are taking simple snapshots of the family, this is the place for you to talk about all of your techniques and interests in this field.
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Fiber Arts and Fashion

Discuss fiber arts and fashion. This means anything from fabric-based work, knitting, quilting, or crochet, leather, embroidery, felting, doll-making, or anything made with a needle. Or maybe you paint on silk! Maybe you weave baskets or design the greatest pants or dresses. It's all here if you do.
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Artist Trading Cards

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs or ACEO: Art Card - Edition or Original) are 2.5 x 3.5 inches in size, originally the size of hockey or baseball trading cards. They are typically traded or sold among others that participate in the practice of making ATCs.
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Genre & Style

The Human Figure

Painting the figure is a beautiful thing. Male, female, nude, clothed, or adorned. Portraits can also be posted here. Post your finished pieces or works in progress and get feedback, critiques, comments, advice, or discuss.
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Art From Life

This forum is for making art from life. The subject does not matter. It can be the human figure, botanical, or a beautiful landscape. One can use any medium: drawing or painting, as long as it is made from life. Have fun and give feedback when asked.
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Landscapes

Are you a Bob Ross fan? Maybe you are, maybe you’re not, but any landscape, cityscape with happy or unhappy, dark clouds, trees, buildings, or anything outdoors counts here. Post your finished pieces or works in progress and get feedback, critiques, comments, advice, or discuss.
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Plein Air

This forum is dedicated to Plein air artists--whether Alla Prima or in the studio, or a combination of both (please use this forum for either). Get feedback. Share. Discuss. And, have fun.
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Ice

Still Life and Botanical

Beautiful greenery, vegetation, flowers, and plants are wonderful to paint. Or maybe a bowl of fruit is your cup of tea. Post your finished pieces or works in progress and get feedback, critiques, comments, advice, or discuss.
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Wildlife and/or Animals

A place to talk about techniques in painting animals and wildlife: horses, cats, dogs, bears, birds, fish, pets, or two people in an animal suit. Post your finished pieces or works in progress and get feedback, critiques, comments, advice, or discuss.
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Contemporary and Abstract Art

All media is welcome here, whether your work is abstract or just in the contemporary/realism genre, post your finished pieces or works in progress and get feedback, critiques, comments, advice, or discuss.
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