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...
People . . . Who Paint People en Plein Air
Kathryn A. McMahon is not one of those plein air painters who are bothered by passersby. She puts them into her paintings, and chats with them. How?
Composition and Cropping, as Easy as (Pizza) Pie
Ever find that the composition seems right and ready in your viewfinder, but during the painting session, that original vision goes askew? Grab a...
Watercolor: Letting Loose With a Little Planning
Starting with a solid framework in pencil gives this Texas artist the freedom to face outdoor scenes more spontaneously in watercolor.
How Do the Pros Ship Paintings?
There comes a time in an artist’s career when she or he needs to ship paintings across the country for an exhibition. What is the best way to do this?
Painting on Large Canvases en Plein Air
Painting on large canvases out of doors is not for the faint of heart, as it requires a great deal of bravery and tenacity to get started. Curt Walters explains more in this guest blog post.
Color Corner: 10 Artists Share What’s on Their Palette
We asked some of your favorite plein air artists about their palettes and what colors — and brands — they use to create stunning landscapes.
How to Start a Plein Air Group, Part 1
We often hear of successful plein air painting societies and associations, but what if you don’t live ...
Sorolla and Painting the Color of Light
What makes a Sorolla a Sorolla? Any time two or more outdoor painters get together to talk about this master artist, they always agree on this one thing.
Free Art Lesson: A Plein Air Technique for the Studio
Watch as Tom Lynch shares a plein air technique that he now applies in the studio, as well as the exact paints and brushes he uses and why, how to refresh your colors, and much more.
Creating the Perfect Watercolor Blend – Watch Free
In this demo, Richie Vios shares the essential but underrated skills of creating the perfect consistency of water and pigments. If you love watercolor or want to learn about it, watch this free lesson!
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...
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.
Kim Carlton Hits a Nerve
Being able to paint faster in the field is a worthy goal, right? Kim Carlton set out on a "Year of Painting Fast" to...
A Way to Prepare for Drawing and Creativity
When it comes to painting, the act of drawing is often a departure from the classical linear concept that is understood by most people. Drawing, in the painting arena, has more to do with large compositional ideas and design elements, such as placement of objects or masses, linear movement, relative sizes of objects, weight distribution, and shapes.
Why This Works: Simplified Shapes, Effective Supporting Players
- Jeanne Mackenzie reporting -
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and...
Dull Scene? Boost the Color! (free demo)
A step-by-step demo where Jed Dorsey explains how to bring harmony to a plein air landscape painting.
Variety: The Spice of Art
The very idea of how we approach our own art and feel about the art of others, keeps the “spice of art” alive. Now, I will be the first to confess that...
Embracing the Snowman Within: Painting Snow
As we enter the winter season, much of plein air painting will cease, but if you’re one of those purists who must stand in the snow to paint, these artists offer helpful advice.
Refining a Plein Air Painting in the Studio
A step-by-step demonstration of how Jessica L. Bryant turns a plein air painting into a studio piece.