Painting Demonstrations & Art Tips

What are you doing April 15-19? Did you know that more than 70 instructors are joining with over 800 participants in a plein air...

Steven McDonald finds that the baylands outside of San Francisco offer a superb place to observe and paint clouds. Here’s what he’s learned there.

In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they succeed as painted images. This week, two pieces from one day by Richard Maud.

Because I’ve been painting so long, I use color intuitively. I just “feel” my color. I choose colors automatically and know which ones harmonize or contrast with each other depending on the effect I want. I have long since stored by paint-splattered color wheel deep in a drawer in my studio, ignoring the wealth of information hidden within it. I’m sure I learned all there was to know about color in high school or college, so what is the point?

From pants to paint tubes, you’ll want to refer to this list for your next plein air painting trip. Bonus: It includes tips for flying with art supplies!

With keen observation and awareness, we can identify opportunities for a successful plein air painting.

If you’re still in the early phases of your art journey, you’ll appreciate these practical nuts and bolts of getting started as an artist.

We've put together some of our most popular articles with oil painting ideas and techniques for all levels of artists. Bookmark this page so you can come back often, and share it with a friend who could benefit from this!

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In case you missed it, check out this interview below with Paul Kratter, who demonstrates helpful techniques for sketching en plein air.

Learn how to make new pastels out of your broken pastel sticks in this Art School Live session with Brenda Boylan and Eric Rhoads.

Preview expert presentations from Natasha Isenhour, Roos Schuring, Tim Horn, John Budicin, Shuang Li, and even Don Demers at Plein Air Live, Day 2.

Do you keep bed risers in your car? Evidently, plein air warrior Williamson Tapia does.  Tapia was competing in the Sedona...

Ever seen a painter's guide to Sicily? Jack Hannula hasn't, and he is dumbfounded by that. Why?  Jack Hannula in...

Many artists think they gain an edge by knowing who the judge for a competition is and what they generally look for in an...

In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they...

Ernie Dollman’s work shows an aesthetic that appreciates simplicity. We asked him how he achieves success in boiling down scenes to their essence. Here’s...

- Bob Bahr reporting, Editor PleinAir Today - Dave Geada has examined hundreds of artist websites as part of his job as master of marketing...

- Jeanne Mackenzie reporting - In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and...

In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they succeed as painted images. This week, Paul Keysar’s “Bath County Fog.”