Painting Demonstrations & Art Tips

From color to composition, to dealing with the elements, learn from the community of plein air painters with these tips for painting outdoors!

Why This Works: Leading the Viewer Into and Around the Scene

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, Chaya Schapiro.

Here’s How to Handle Summer

- Bob Bahr reporting, Editor PleinAir Today - Every season offers its own set of challenges, and the hardiest have found ways to make winter...

Suggesting Detail in 75 Minutes, Step by Step

Brazilian painter Marcelo Romani Borges de Araujo agreed to share with our readers some photos of a painting in its various stages, and a...
Eric Rhoads with Michael Holter

Bring on the Backlight

In this episode of Art School Live, Eric Rhoads welcomes Michael Holter to the show! Michael is on the faculty of the 2nd Annual Watercolor Live virtual art conference; in this interview he demos a stunning backlit landscape.

Do You See These Colors in the Sky?

As plein air painters know, the sky is rarely just blue. There’s at least a gradation from top to bottom, and the clouds can reflect anything from deep orange to vivid purple. What did 20 artists see when they looked up recently?

Why This Works: Less is More … and Elegant

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

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.
Tertiary, Monochromatic, and Analogous Colors - Color Theory - OutdoorPainter.com

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?

Impasto Much?

Kansas City artist Olga Hotujac paints on location, modifies the canvas in the studio, and returns to the location for more work as needed....

Why This Works: Avoiding Hard Edges for Icon in Mist

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

2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Artists

This list has it all: gorgeous frames, beautiful paints, and even a cute art-themed ornament!

Why This Works: Light and Life in the Shadows

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

Why This Works: Strong, Bold, and Lively

- Jeanne Mackenzie reporting - In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and...
A scene from Tony Allain's pastel painting demo at Art School Live

Watch: Pastel Landscape Demo with Tony Allain

Coming to us from Scotland, Tony Allain shares a pastel painting demonstration during Art School Live with Eric Rhoads.

Why This Works: Grouping and Designing Trees Into Shapes

In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they...
Steve Puttrich winning an award during a recent painting competition

How to Prepare for Plein Air Painting Competitions

If you're ready to participate in painting competitions, check out this important advice on what to bring, how to prepare, what to expect during the event, and what to do afterward.

McGurl on Past Masters: Church’s “Clouds Over Olana”

In this new series, noted painter Joseph McGurl discusses plein air paintings by past masters that he finds instructive or inspiring. This week: Frederic...

Running a Workshop: Part I — Planning and Preparation

This is the first in a three-part series in which Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling share their expertise on running painting workshops overseas —...

McGurl on Past Masters: Dennis Miller Bunker

In this series, noted painter Joseph McGurl discusses plein air paintings by past masters that he finds instructive or inspiring. This week: "Beached Boat,"...
Landscape painting advice - OutdoorPainter.com

How to Avoid Greens in Summer

Actually, Lynn M. Rix tried to avoid greens by painting from a boat ... and she ended up with a lot of green. How so?