Get Intimate with Shallow Depth Paintings en Plein Air
The relatively shallow space between our eyes and the ground is a haven of interesting textures, colors, and aromas, especially for plein air painters. Bethann Moran-Handzlik explains.
Lessons From Lemen: The Science of Water Ripples
In this new series of articles, San Diego artist and instructor Ron Lemen will explore the science behind what we see, in order to...
Tahoe Artist Suggests Silk Painting Outdoors
Addie Chernus paints on silk on location and loves it. There are at least three reasons why. "It requires minimal materials,"...
Painting Basics: Understanding Value
“All of us, beginners and experienced painters alike, can benefit from a refresher course in the bedrock principles of value and color.” John MacDonald explains more in this overview.
Tips for Painting Cactus in the Tucson Area
- Bob Bahr reporting, Editor PleinAir Today -
Two Arizona painters — Matt Smith and Barbara Mulleneaux — discuss the challenges and joys of painting...
Three Important Skills Every Landscape Painter Needs
Simply stated, when these three divisions are understood and put into practice, competent landscape paintings can happen.
Why This Works: Solid Tree in Foreground Offers Entry and Rest
- 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: Composing in a Square Format
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, Clark Mitchell’s “Passing Storm.”
Can You Really Make Your Own Watercolor Paint?
If you want more vibrant and rich color with deeper darks from your watercolor, watch this episode of Art School Live with Eric Rhoads, as he welcomes guest artist Stewart White.
The Three Most Important Skills Plein Air Painters Need
Thoughts on what you should practice while plein air painting; a new guest blog post by John Hughes.
Surreal Clouds, Civil War-Era Barns, and Posterity
- Bob Bahr reporting, Editor PleinAir Today -
Do you feel like you are capturing a disappearing world when you paint en plein air? Craig...
Gouache on Black Paper
Jan Poynter is not afraid of the dark, and she’s not afraid of phthalos. Here’s what that means for her artwork.
Lead Image: Jan...
New Watercolor Demo: Focus on Big Shapes and Contrasts
The following is part of a series featuring a leader in the art community who will be joining us on the faculty of Watercolor Live ...
Avoiding Lyme Disease, a Plein Air Painter’s Nemesis
“Many people who have had Lyme disease are terrified of going outdoors again.” That’s Deborah Lazar, a Vermont artist and a victim of Lyme disease, explaining why you and all of your plein air painting friends want to avoid this affliction. How? Lazar has some tips.
Painting (and Life) Advice for the Painter’s Journey
The most important things we learn aren’t just technical tips, Michele de Bragança tells us, but rather, life lessons.
How to Use Analogous Colors
In this video interview with Eric Rhoads, watch as Jane McGraw-Teubner demonstrates a pastel landscape painting using analogous colors.
Following a Classical Approach
Ryan S. Brown is a gifted young artist who has been offering classical training through the Center for Academic Study and Naturalist Painting (CAS)...
Plein Air Painting for Dummies
If you’re new to painting outdoors (or know someone who is), take advice from these 11 artists, including the most obvious but overlooked things you should know, and what “plein errors” to avoid.
Fugitives in the Golden Age of Pigmentology
- Bob Bahr reporting, Editor PleinAir Today -
A recent e-newsletter from an art materials manufacturer shone the spotlight on alizarin crimson, a paint that’s...
Which of Your Pieces Can Win the PleinAir Salon?
How does one choose which painting to enter into a contest? Winners of past contests in the PleinAir Salon all seem to point to...