Painting Demonstrations & Art Tips

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, Nancy Woods Daniel’s “Blythe Ferry Winter Day.”

Carl Bretzke painted his PleinAir Salon winning painting in Minneapolis. Luckily the temperatures were hovering just above freezing.

Take in this expert advice from six highly respected painting instructors to improve your experience — and art — the next time you sign up for a workshop.

Watercolor artist Shuang Li explains why sketching from life can have a big impact on your next painting.

"Artists that have trained their ability to look beyond the detail ... are able to make stronger, more captivating art."

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

A plein air painter shares her quick and dirty tips for finding the perfect place to paint, above ground or below!

Have just a moment? Check out this quick tip from Iain Stewart on how to make the most of your next art workshop!

This list has it all: gorgeous frames, beautiful paints, and a special section of gifts under $50!

Californian Kathleen Dunphy has an informative blog in which she offers advice about painting on location. She recently posted some great recommendations for painting...

Cathe J. Ladner is quite new at painting nocturnes, but she bravely delved into painting neon at night, and here, she shares what she...

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

Aaron Schuerr offered to share his preparations for a solo backpacking trip into the Grand Canyon. Here are the details and the issues he...

In a post on the Oil Painters of America blog, Texas artist Rusty Jones discussed plein air safety, and his ideas seemed so sound,...

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...

Steven McDonald finds that the baylands outside of San Francisco offer a superb place to observe and paint clouds. Here’s what he’s learned there.

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, two pieces from one day by Richard Maud.

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?

From pants to paint tubes, you’ll want to refer to this list for your next plein air painting trip. Bonus: It includes tips for flying with art supplies!

With keen observation and awareness, we can identify opportunities for a successful plein air painting.