Fresh Off the Easel of Lori Putnam
See a landscape painting come to life step-by-step in this behind-the-scenes look into Lori Putnam’s recent painting, “Downtown Charlotte.”
Oil Painting Demo: Irises by Lynn Dunbar
To help market her artwork, Lynn Dunbar summarized her approach to plein air and studio painting and emphasized her response to the spirit, vitality, and beauty of her home state.
When “Paint What You See” Doesn’t Work
If we only paint observationally and we rely on our visual perceptions, we are often wrong in our drawing and our values. Here’s why.
Albert Handell on Handling Rejection
Even master pastelist Albert Handell has had paintings rejected from art shows — see what he has to say about this inevitable part of being an artist.
What is Cold Wax Medium?
If you’re experiencing a creative block, consider giving cold wax medium a try. Here, Randall Graham shares some basic techniques for beginners. Bonus: Watch a video on how to use cold wax!
The Kitchen Tool That Can Help Your Next Painting
Robin Cheers admits that this might sound strange, but this tool can actually help you make correct marks from the start.
What’s Your Painting Worth?
John Pototschnik explains the six factors that determine how much you should charge for your paintings.
How to Travel Light When Painting Abroad
Thomas Jefferson Kitts explains how to trim down your supplies and equipment, plan a painting trip, and return home with a collection of useful plein air paintings. Bonus: Learn from his step-by-step landscape painting demonstration!
How to Paint Landscapes: Dominance in Painting
Michael Chesley Johnson gives you three questions to consider before you dip your brush in the paint in this guest post on how to paint landscapes.
3 Ways to Show Perspective in a Landscape Painting
Perspective is more than just the way a road appears to get smaller as it recedes into the distance - learn more in this guest blog post from Michael Holter.
Two Important Reasons to Practice Sketching From Life
Watercolor artist Shuang Li explains why sketching from life can have a big impact on your next painting.
The Design Strategy Game and the OODA Loop
When painting, there is a necessity to be ready to re-synthesize new information as it presents itself in a rapidly changing design. With every brushstroke comes a decision about how it affects the overall work. John Hughes explains more in this guest blog post.
5 Tips To Add More Color and Creativity To Your Landscape Painting
Canadian artist Melissa McKinnon, known for her landscapes with bold colors and thick textures, shares how to push out of your comfort zone on your next plein air painting session.
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.
Keys to Efficient Plein Air Painting
After years of painting outdoors and in the studio, Dee Beard Dean has developed ways to quickly capture the sense of light and space in the landscape. Discover them here!
Albert Handell on Grey Tones
Learn how to find out if two colors are the same value with this advice from a master pastelist and oil painter.
Bringing Sanity to Direct Painting
How do you become an accomplished landscape painter? Keep reading to discover the most important habits you should practice.
Top 16 Unexpected Plein Air Art Supplies
Add some of these unexpected “supplies” to your stash to make painting more convenient, more fun, and perhaps, even more interesting.
3 Secrets to Winning Art Competitions
Time and time again, past winners of the PleinAir Salon tell us that the secret to winning is to ...
6 Ways to Silence Your Inner (Art) Critic
Don’t let your inner critic sabotage you — instead, learn how to cultivate it into self-compassion. See how in this guest blog post from an artist / psychologist.
