Is Spontaneity in Your Portfolio?
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...
What You Learn Painting Clouds in the San Francisco Bay
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.
Why This Works: A Tale of Two Paintings
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.
Tertiary, Monochromatic, and Analogous Colors
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?
Must-Have List: Crucial Outerwear and Art Supplies for Plein Air
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!
The Benefits of Repeatedly Painting the Same Location
With keen observation and awareness, we can identify opportunities for a successful plein air painting.
9 Suggestions for the Beginning Artist
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.
7 Oil Painting Ideas for Artists
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!
How to Get Published in Plein Air Today
We love to feature readers such as yourself in Plein Air Today. Here's how to be a part of an upcoming newsletter!
Watch: Secrets of Sketching en Plein Air
In case you missed it, check out this interview below with Paul Kratter, who demonstrates helpful techniques for sketching en plein air.
What Can You Do With Broken Pastels?
Learn how to make new pastels out of your broken pastel sticks in this Art School Live session with Brenda Boylan and Eric Rhoads.
An Aha Moment, Every Time
Preview expert presentations from Natasha Isenhour, Roos Schuring, Tim Horn, John Budicin, Shuang Li, and even Don Demers at Plein Air Live, Day 2.
Getting Just a Bit More Height
Do you keep bed risers in your car? Evidently, plein air warrior Williamson Tapia does. Tapia was competing in the Sedona...
How to Go About Plein Air Painting in Sicily
Ever seen a painter's guide to Sicily? Jack Hannula hasn't, and he is dumbfounded by that. Why? Jack Hannula in...
What Will the Salon Judge Be Looking For?
Many artists think they gain an edge by knowing who the judge for a competition is and what they generally look for in an...
Why This Works: Secondary Triads, Saturated Color, and Harmony
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they...
Pursuing Artful Simplicity
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...
7 Things to Remember When Marketing Art Online
- Bob Bahr reporting, Editor PleinAir Today -
Dave Geada has examined hundreds of artist websites as part of his job as master of marketing...
Why This Works: It’s All About Composition
- Jeanne Mackenzie reporting -
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and...
Why This Works: Aerial Perspective and a Good Lead-In
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.”