What Is Color Blocking in Art?
In this interview with Eric Rhoads, colorist Camille Przewodek explains why she stresses the importance of color blocking for artists, which she compares to practicing scales for musicians.
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 ...
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.
Demos From Master Artists
We begin a series of painting demonstrations by the master artists who will be sharing their ideas and inspiration during the Plein Air Convention...
Why This Works: Clouds and Shadows Tell the Story
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they...
McGurl on Past Masters: William Trost Richards
In this series, noted painter Joseph McGurl discusses plein air paintings by past masters that he finds instructive or inspiring. This week: a sketch...
Why This Works: Saving Contrast, Texture, and Detail for the Foreground
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: A Variety of Warms and Cools, Minimized Details
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: Bravado and Panache Paired With Order and Movement
- 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: 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: Foreground Chamisa Strengthens Focal Point
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, she discusses Joe Anna Arnett’s “Trestle.”
Packing and Plein Air
For the very adventurous outdoor painter, room — and weight — are crucial things to consider when it comes to packing for plein air. PleinAir Today visited with artist Gary Geraths, who offered up some sage suggestions.
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.
An Exploration of the Focal Point in a Painting
Is the focal point always the subject? The next time you are wondering why a painting you are working on seems dull and lifeless, think about this principle of “harmony and contrast” to see if you can come up with the answer.
What’s Your Painting Worth?
John Pototschnik explains the six factors that determine how much you should charge for your paintings.
Travel Sketching: Tips for Keeping an Art Journal
From 2015 to 2018, Ivan Chow made trips to and around Istanbul, Turkey, sketching many scenes along the way. In this excerpt from his upcoming book, "Travel Sketching: Drawing Insights from Istanbul," he shares one of his favorite formats for drawing on location.
How to Paint with a Palette Knife – Watch Free
Join art publisher Eric Rhoads on this episode of Art School Live, featuring American artist Ken Wilson!
5 Quick and Dirty Tips for Artists
Plein air painter Gene Costanza shares his five quick tips for artists on composition, color, and more.
How Light Affects Your White
Understanding how to paint the light is a common conversation topic for plein air artists, and it’s one that came up during a special talk led by ...