About Me

My name is Thaneeya McArdle, and I've been an artist for as long as I can remember. I started this website way back in 2009 because for years I had been getting so many questions about art-making through my personal art website, www.thaneeya.com, that my FAQ section was nearly overflowing.

I received questions from people with a passion and eagerness to learn about art, but who had no idea where to begin. (This was well over a decade ago, back in the “olden days” before online learning truly took off!) People sent technical questions regarding materials I used or painting techniques. Others asked about the creative process.

So I decided, why not start a website that I can devote entirely to sharing my enthusiasm for art, while spreading useful and valuable knowledge? Thus, www.art-is-fun.com was born. Everyone can benefit; I get to wax eloquently about a topic I am passionate about, and you can glean the fruits of my knowledge and personal experience within the world of art-making!

Almost all of the art on this website was created by me. You can see more examples of my artwork on my website. When I do show the artwork of a great master or fabulous contemporary (such as in my Featured Artists section), the artwork is clearly identified according to artist (and title of the piece, when known), as well as a link to viewing more of their artwork. If there is no name attached to a piece of artwork on this site, then it means that it is one of my own creations! 😊

On this website, I provide a background and overview of many aspects of art, organized by medium, subject matter, and style. Using mainly my own paintings and drawings as examples, I cover topics such as:

  • art supplies/materials used

  • thought process behind the art

  • actual process of building the artwork

  • the basic elements that make each piece "work"

If you want to know more about me as an artist and a person, or to know more about any particular artwork of mine, please visit my personal art website, www.thaneeya.com, where you can view an extensive gallery of my art and read a longer biography. While you're there check out my blog and sign up for my newsletter, where I send updates on new art, products, and tutorials.

You can also find me on the social networks listed below:

Online Art Classes

New: I’ve started offering online video art courses at Courses.Art-is-Fun.com!

For example, in my Ultimate Guide to Using Alcohol Markers, I share everything I know about this wonderful medium, such as multiple blending techniques, blending theory, marker brands, paper type, trouble-shooting and maintenance tips, transferring your reference image, and so much more. With 11+ hours of focused video instruction and 40+ pages of downloadable resources, this comprehensive course is designed to take you from a complete beginner level to a confident advanced level! You’ll learn step-by-step how to color in the three artworks shown below. Print out the line art and color along with me, at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home!

I see art as a transformational tool. Art offers a chance for us to see the world through new eyes, to contemplate ideas in a new light, and to open our minds to new ways of seeing, thinking and being. I truly hope that what you find on this site will inspire you to create your own art, and/or encourage you to share your unique vision with the world in some other creative way!