In Deep Water
Don't find yourself in deep water when it comes to painting elements like rivers and streams. In this Art School Live with Eric Rhoads, Kathleen Hudson takes us through a demo on how to paint moving water.
Tutorial: Don’t Underestimate the Underpainting
Richard McKinley takes us through a step-by-step tutorial of painting with pastel over a watercolor underpainting.
Understanding Paint Tube Labels
Learn to decipher the codes, names, and symbols printed on your tubes of paint, and discover what they mean for you and what you’re trying to achieve in your work.
What Is Learned on the Road?
Jeff Markowsky spent about three months on the road, painting America and attending the Plein Air Convention & Expo. Here's what it did for...
Why This Works: Shadowed Landscape Acts as Foil
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they...
Why This Works: Balancing Warm and Cool
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they...
Schuerr’s Final Report: “It Was Crazy Hard Work”
A few weeks ago, we talked with Montana artist Aaron Schuerr about his preparations for a solo painting and backpacking trip from rim to...
Why This Works: Simple Shapes, Subtle Value Changes, and Texture
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they...
How an Artist Group Gets a Museum Show
- Bob Bahr reporting, Editor PleinAir Today -
From June 30 to August 6, 28 members of the Montana Painters Alliance will show their work...
How to Avoid Greens in Summer
Actually, Lynn M. Rix tried to avoid greens by painting from a boat ... and she ended up with a lot of green. How so?
Do You See These Colors in the Sky?
As plein air painters know, the sky is rarely just blue. There’s at least a gradation from top to bottom, and the clouds can reflect anything from deep orange to vivid purple. What did 20 artists see when they looked up recently?
The 6B Graphite Pencil: An Essential Drawing Tool
Toolbox tip: Learn about the drawing tool that Michael Chesley Johnson says is essential for plein air artists.
How to Enter Your First Plein Air Event and Survive!
Applying to and participating in your first juried plein air event can be an overwhelming experience, but the rewards both professionally and personally are undeniable.
Visionary Work: 7 Ways to Develop Creativity
Good news: You don't have to sacrifice your personal expression for the sake of learning the principles of art. Here's how to maintain your unique artistic voice.
Facebook Live Series: John MacDonald “Creating Dynamic Landscapes” **FREE VIDEO LESSONS**
Imagine a beach scene that is painted so well, you can actually feel the warmth of the sun. This is exactly the kind of landscape paintings John MacDonald will help you create.
Could This Watercolor Method Be Right For You?
In this interview with Eric Rhoads, Tim Oliver shares a practice that keeps him passionate about painting. Could it work for you?
What to Know About Painting Snow
Eight top artists help break down the important elements to capturing snow-covered landscapes in pastel and oil.
18 Plein Air Tips for Beginners
Check out this helpful list of tips from Carrie Curran, who lays out what you should do before painting, advice for sketching your scene, and steps for success.
Misjudged Values, Too Much Chroma, and Other Mistakes You Might Be Making
The following is part of a series that features the best artists who are teaching others how to paint through online workshops at ...
Why This Works: Low Key Painting, High Chromatic Light
This series returns, with plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie taking a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and pointing out why...