A Great Painting Always Comes Down to This
Quite frankly, these elements are the glue that holds every good painting together and, conversely, is the reason some paintings fall apart!
What Is a Proportional Wheel?
For artists, a proportional wheel is (or should be) an indispensable tool. See why in this guest blog post from John Pototschnik.
Plein Air Painting in Yosemite: Joys and Challenges
Artists from the California Art Club share their experiences from — and advice for — painting in Yosemite.
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.
Advice for Artists: 10 Ways to Take New Risks
Why is taking risks so important for our growth as artists, especially when it comes to confidence? Jed Dorsey explains in this excerpt from “The Confident Artist.”
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!
12 Ways Artists Can Reduce Frustration While Painting
The art of painting is a head game. It requires a distraction-free environment that allows you to get into the painting zone and lets things go smoothly.
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.