In the digital edition of the February/March issue of PleinAir magazine, Minnesota artist Andy Evansen (www.andyevansen.com) offers a demonstration of how he uses quick value studies to establish effective compositions of his plein air landscape. He also provides an explanation of how he used one of those sketches when painting on location with transparent watercolors.

Applications are available for the plein air event in Glen Echo Park, Maryland on October 22 & 23, 2011. Up to 75 artists will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis, so sign up immediately on the website for the Yellow Barn & Studio, the non-profit organization running the event.