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...
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.
Avoiding That ‘Cartoon Look’ in Your Paintings
"Today’s article deals with a very annoying problem that crops up from time to time in some of my students’ paintings. Annoying to them, but the good news is that..."
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.
Watch: Painting Fall Foliage with a Palette Knife
In this Art School Live interview with Eric Rhoads, Melanie paints a fall landscape using only a palette knife.
Watch: Free Demo on Painting Waves
Watch this episode of Art School Live with Eric Rhoads, in which Lana Ballot gives a step-by-step painting demonstration on how to paint translucent waves that WOW!
Why This Works: Nailing the Values
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they...
Step-by-Step: How to Paint a Nude Figure en Plein Air
Expert artist Patricia Watwood, who is classically trained, shares a step-by-step demo of how to paint a figure en plein air.
An “Unethical” Art Practice Worth Trying
Catch an episode of Art School Live with Eric Rhoads, featuring Shanna Kunz, who explains her "search and destroy" method of improving a painting.
Why This Works: A Mass of Trees Without Undue Repetition
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: Zeroing in on What’s Important
- Jeanne Mackenzie reporting -
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and...
7 Tips for Painting Vibrant Color
Plein air painter and fourth-generation artist Jed Dorsey shares his tips for getting brilliant color into your next landscape painting.
How Joseph McGurl Uses Sight-Size Drawing
Stop Fussing, Start Painting! Joseph McGurl champions the sight-size method, which allows him to spend less time drawing and more time painting; here's how.
Top 16 Unexpected Plein Air Art Supplies
Add some of these unexpected “supplies” to your stash to make painting more convenient, more fun, and perhaps, even more interesting.
Why This Works: Using Both Symmetry and Asymmetry
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, “Big River Calling,” by Tom McGregor.
Why This Works: Mountains as Sky Family
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, Lena Rivo’s “Arrabida Natural Park."
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...
The Llama Syndicate
Most artists have their unique ways for going about their business. Colorado artist Michael Charron has a few notable ones involving llamas, a syndication system for selling paintings, and underdrawings with spiritual symbols and cursive writing.
Plein Air Art Supplies: Choosing the Right Paint Box
Innovations to paint boxes have made the job of the plein air painter more practical and enjoyable. Check out the set-ups of 11 artists with their easels and paintboxes, and learn which may be the right one for you.
Is Spontaneity in Your Portfolio?
What are you doing April 15-19? Did you know that more than 70 instructors are joining with over 800 participants in a plein air...