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.
McGurl on Past Masters: Dennis Miller Bunker
In this series, noted painter Joseph McGurl discusses plein air paintings by past masters that he finds instructive or inspiring. This week: "Beached Boat,"...
Why This Works: Low Key Allows Orange to Pop
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, Walter Bartman’s “The Golden Hour.”
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.
Being a “Color Interaction” Painter
Virginia artist Ron Boehmer builds layers of saturated oil colors to achieve luminosity in both his plein air and studio paintings. He offers a...
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...
Plein Air Watercolor: From Sketch to Finish
See how this outdoor painter considered her options for capturing a “Joyful Day” on paper at Acadia National Park.
7 Oil Painting Ideas for Artists
We've put together some of our most popular articles with oil painting ideas and techniques for all levels of artists. Bookmark this page so you can come back often, and share it with a friend who could benefit from this!
Mix Color and Get Good Harmony
"When mixing colors for the landscape, artists need to be quick on their feet," says John Hughes. "Outdoors, where the light and shadows are in constant motion, it’s important to be able to mix a color intuitively."
Watch: Secrets of Sketching en Plein Air
In case you missed it, check out this interview below with Paul Kratter, who demonstrates helpful techniques for sketching en plein air.
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.
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.
Jane Hunt’s Award-Winning Approach to Sunsets
Jane Hunt’s painting of North Boulder Pond titled “August Sunset” recently won the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico’s 2016 Summer Nights Contest. Her approach: Preparation allows intuitive painting in fleeting light.
Why This Works: Finessing Values in a Backlit Scene
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 Value of Art Retreats
Artists are used to taking workshops, which of course are great ways to learn. But what about events that are all painting, in a beautiful place with no workshop? It's trending - see why...
The Smallest Pochade?
Just for fun! This Etsy product (already sold) shows how far one can go to make painting materials compact and portable.
Why This Works: X Marks the Resting Spot
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, Jean-Pierre Jacquet’s “Benched.”
OPPORTUNITY: California Art League Gold Medal Exhibition
Daggi Wallace, the judge for the California Art League’s Gold Medal Exhibition, discussed what she’ll be looking for in the entries she’ll soon be...
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.
You Didn’t Win the PleinAir Salon Last Month?
Jim McVicker, the California painter who took the $15,000 Grand Prize last year in the PleinAir Salon, feels your pain. He entered his winning...