How to Think Beyond Quick Sketches
In this episode of Art School Live, Eric Rhoads welcomes artist, author, and instructor/creative coach Larry Moore. Watch as Larry takes us through a free art session on using quick sketches to expand your creative thinking - when it comes to painting the landscape and more.
“Throwing Gouache Around” on Location
Gary Geraths refers to his technique of using gouache -- or opaque watercolor -- as "throwing it around." In part that's because gouache can...
McGurl on Past Masters: Sargent’s “Atlantic Storm”
In this new series, noted painter Joseph McGurl discusses plein air paintings by past masters that he finds instructive or inspiring. This week: John...
Why This Works: Strokes in Sky Counter-Balance Diagonals in Rock
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they...
Gouache on Black Paper
Jan Poynter is not afraid of the dark, and she’s not afraid of phthalos. Here’s what that means for her artwork.
Lead Image: Jan...
Early Influences: Rusty Jones
Rusty Jones had an early influence in his artistic development. A particularly strong one.
Lead Image: “Hill Country,” by Avis Jones, 1922, oil, 10...
Why This Works: Range of Values, Variety of Texture
- 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 Paint a 4′ Canvas Outdoors in One Session
- Bob Bahr reporting, Editor PleinAir Today -
Bob Matheson paints big on location, and he nearly completes it in one session. What’s his approach?...
Why This Works: The Sailboat’s 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 succeed as painted images. This week, “Long Island Inlet,” by Rosanne Kaloustian.
The “Point” (and History) of Quick Draw
Acclaimed painter Ned Mueller has some fascinating thoughts about the origins of this popular practice we think you’ll enjoy.
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.
Painting Landscapes Outdoors? Plan for Spontaneity!
“The best plein air pieces start with a well-thought-out plan that is then executed spontaneously with an intuitive hand.” Follow Peggy Immel’s three steps before starting your next landscape painting.
Understanding Your Subject as an Abstract Design
Before laying paint to canvas, it’s a good idea to assess your subject in terms of pure abstraction. John Hughes explains.
On Keeping a Travel Art Journal: Tips for Artists
In this excerpt from Ivan Chow's "Travel Sketching: Drawing Insights from Istanbul," the artist shares his approach to a practice that is both satisfying and memorable.
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.
Landscape Painting Tutorial: Plotting Points of Interest
Plein air painter Peggy Immel takes us through a step-by-step landscape painting tutorial on how she created "Spring Willows."
15 Ideas for a Painting
An excerpt from Aimee Erickson's new book, "Plein Air Techniques for Artists: Principles and Methods for Painting in Natural Light"
Spotlight on PACE Faculty: George Van Hook and Hopping Coasts
New York State painter George Van Hook says tackling an unfamiliar landscape with a drastically different look can be easier if the artist adopts...
Why This Works: Beautiful, Simple Design
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they...
Parting Shot: Painter’s Best Friend
Jenni Deamer received some crucial support during a painting session of the Plein Air Painters of Kentucky recently. The group was set up in...