I usually know if a painting is finished. Something in my gut tells me there's nothing more to do and we've reached completion. If I'm unclear, I ask myself this question: "Am I futzing or finessing?" … [Read More...] about Revisiting a Painting
Create an eBook via InDesign Export to HTML
I've been designing print books with InDesign (IDD) for years. When my partner, Peggy, and I completed our third book together a couple of months ago (Inside the Rainbow: Soul Connection in Nature), the steps to prepare it for print on Amazon's KDP platform were familiar to me. Then, I leapt into the eBook world for the first time. It was quite the adventure! First, I tried Amazon's publishing tool Kindle Create. Unfortunately, it wouldn't work on my old iMac. Next, I tried exporting my IDD … [Read more...] about Create an eBook via InDesign Export to HTML
Installing WordPress Plugins
WordPress offers a lot right out of the box. But, plugins enhance and extend its functionality with features like SPAM control, security safeguards, contact forms, and slideshows. In this post, we'll show you three ways to install plugins. While two are done inside the WordPress administrative area, one is through FTP. I recommend using bloat-free themes that are accessible, responsive, and well-coded. Add the capabilities you need with plugins. Stay away from multipurpose themes that come … [Read more...] about Installing WordPress Plugins
Front-End vs Back-End of a Website
Web development is the technical aspect of website construction. It consists of a front-end and back-end, which are quite different from each other. But, you need both sides to work together in order to have a properly functioning website. Front-end developers create the user interface and visual styling of a website while back-end developers build its foundation. Front-end Development A website's front-end is everything that is visible to visitors. It includes all of the content … [Read more...] about Front-End vs Back-End of a Website
3 Best Ways to Install WordPress
Each of my clients have a unique combination of webhost, circumstances and needs. As a result, I have been compelled to learn different ways to install WordPress. In this tutorial, I explain my 3 "go-to" methods. All of them are remarkably simple and, in most cases, should take less than 5 minutes! Before Installing WordPress Before diving into the installation processes, let’s review a few preliminary steps. Step 1 – Choose a Domain Name Choosing a good domain name is very … [Read more...] about 3 Best Ways to Install WordPress
Transforming Belmont: Art on the Corner
Thanks to a generous grant from the Belmont Cultural Council, I was 1 of 5 artists awarded stipends to paint a transformer box! When I received the good news, I was super excited about diving into my first public art project and creating something that would beautify our community. But, I was also a little ambivalent because I had never painted anything this large. With a lot of guidance and encouragement, I found my way to the finish line! Transformer Box Proposal The “Transforming … [Read more...] about Transforming Belmont: Art on the Corner
How Do I Install a WordPress Theme?
Once you've selected a WordPress theme, congratulate yourself! You've done the hard part. Now it's time to install the theme! There are 3 ways to do this. Two of them are done within WordPress, and the third method uses FTP (or your webhost's File Manager area). It's fun to explore themes and see how your site will look and behave. You can install lots of themes and test them out. Just remember to backup your site before activating any theme! Only one theme can be active at any given time. … [Read more...] about How Do I Install a WordPress Theme?
100 Day Art Challenge
I’m always looking for ways to expand and improve my art skills. About a year ago, I took a Nature Journaling class at Naples Botanical Garden. It stretched me far beyond my comfort zone into the world of watercolor. This year, I participated in the #100DayProject, a free, global, Instagram art challenge to create something every day for 100 days. Moving back to MA after a few years in FL re-awakened my appreciation of the seasons. So, I chose “seasonal inspirations” as my theme. I set aside … [Read more...] about 100 Day Art Challenge
Github Repositories: Let’s Get Started!
Github integrates seamlessly with Git (a version control system), making it a great way to maintain a backup of your repositories while keeping track of changes. Furthermore, because Github is in the cloud, you can work on projects from anywhere and share with colleagues. Let's get started with this fantastic tool and learn about some of its key features! Step 1 - Git Git is a version control system and is probably already installed on your computer. If not, follow these instructions: … [Read more...] about Github Repositories: Let’s Get Started!