Jeffery brings a data-driven lens to the often-opaque world of art collecting. Specializing in emerging market trends and investment strategies, he provides the actionable insights that help Arca Hex Chibto readers build collections with confidence. Jeffery’s expertise is rooted in his history as a private consultant for independent galleries, where he mastered the art of spotting "sleeper" artists before they hit the mainstream. He handles the platform’s "Art Market Trends" and "Collecting Tips" segments, making high-level art commerce accessible to all.
Understanding Texture Beyond the Surface Texture in abstract art isn’t just about what you can touch it’s also about what you can feel with your eyes. Visual texture is the illusion of texture. It shows up when an artist uses patterns, contrast, or brush technique to make something look rough, smooth, gritty, or soft without […]
How to Master Texture in Contemporary Abstract Art Read More »
Layering for Depth and Texture Layering is one of the most fundamental and versatile techniques in mixed media art. It’s not just about stacking materials; it’s about building emotional and visual depth through deliberate choices of texture, color, and transparency. Why Layering Matters Creates visual complexity and dimension Helps unify contrasting materials Allows exploration of
5 Mixed Media Techniques Every Artist Should Know Read More »
Material Basics What You’re Working With Acrylic and oil paints start with the same idea pigment plus binder but the way they’re built changes everything about how you use them. Acrylic paint uses a water based acrylic polymer as its binder. That means it’s fast drying, water soluble when wet, and permanent when dry. Oils,
Acrylic vs Oil: Which Medium Suits Your Artistic Vision Read More »
Understand How Auctions Work Entering the world of art auctions can feel overwhelming at first but having a clear grasp of how these events work is your first step toward bidding with confidence. Let’s break down the essentials you need to know before raising your paddle. Types of Art Auctions Art auctions come in a
Art Auctions 101: How to Bid and What to Watch Out For Read More »
Rethinking What “Art Collector” Means Forget the old stereotypes. Today’s art collectors don’t need million dollar budgets or museum sized spaces. Whether you’re spending $50 or $500, the most important tools in your collection journey are your eye, curiosity, and intention. Collecting Isn’t Just for the Elite Art collecting used to feel reserved for the
How to Start an Art Collection on a Budget Read More »
What Conceptual Art Actually Means Conceptual art places the idea at the center of the creative process. It often moves away from traditional skill, technique, or aesthetics to prioritize meaning what the work is saying over how it’s made. The Core Definition At its heart, conceptual art is defined by one guiding principle: The idea
A Beginner’s Guide to Conceptual Art Techniques Read More »
Setting the Scene Where Art Meets Architecture Tucked inside a converted railroad depot on the east side of Portland, Eli Banks’ studio feels as much like a sanctuary as it does a workspace. The environment balances a sense of history with modern artistic purpose gritty, industrial bones softened by thoughtful design. Location: A reimagined industrial
A Day in the Studio: Behind the Scenes with Modern Artist Eli Banks Read More »
From Observation to Abstraction Juan Rivera didn’t start out chasing the abstract. His early days as a painter were grounded in traditional realism quiet landscapes, still lifes, portraits with sharp eyed attention to detail. He studied light, texture, and form with surgical precision. But he wasn’t just copying what he saw. Even then, his realism
The Artistic Journey of Juan Rivera: Abstract Meets Emotion Read More »
What Curators Really Do (It’s More Than Hanging Art) In 2026, being a curator means far more than selecting pieces and arranging them on walls. It’s a role that lives in the background but drives the entire experience. Curators today are part cultural architects, part project managers, and part storytellers. The job has expanded beyond
The Role of Curators in Shaping Contemporary Exhibits Read More »
The Shift Toward Fresh Voices in 2026 In 2026, the art world isn’t just opening doors it’s actively handing out invitations. Institutions and galleries are recalibrating priorities, putting underrepresented voices at the center rather than the margins. It’s not a trend; it’s a correction. From Indigenous futurism to queer collectives in Southeast Asia, curators are
Emerging Artists to Watch Through Current Exhibitions Read More »
