Why This Works: Simple in Design, Complex in Execution
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they...
What’s the Salon Judge Looking for in Your Painting?
The excitement is building as April approaches and one Grand Prize winner is to be announced in the PleinAir Salon, earning $15,000 and international...
Presenting … the Steering-Wheel Easel
Who hasn't painted in their vehicle, or at least thought about it? But things can get cramped in there. Amanda Williams built an easel...
Early Influences: Clyde Steadman
Many have been moved by the art of Van Gogh. Denver painter Clyde Steadman has found deep and lasting significance in one of the...
Glazing Acrylics With a Palette Knife
- Bob Bahr reporting, Editor PleinAir Today -
Canadian painter Sylvio Gagnon makes paintings with a distinctive look, and once you hear about his process,...
Why This Works: Strong, Bold, and Lively
- 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: Communicating the Quietness of a 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 succeed as painted images. This week, Colleen Parker’s “Bend in the River.”
Why This Works: Less Is More Sometimes With Color
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, Steve Miller’s “Off the Gov’t Pier.”
5 Questions to Ask Before Painting a Landscape
Ultimately, when you paint a landscape, you’re painting movement. The air moves, the light changes; it’s never static. Light and atmospheric forces act upon the components of the landscape to create a story, and it’s up to you as the artist to pick the story you want to tell...
Embracing the Snowman Within: Painting Snow
As we enter the winter season, much of plein air painting will cease, but if you’re one of those purists who must stand in the snow to paint, these artists offer helpful advice.
The Design Strategy Game and the OODA Loop
When painting, there is a necessity to be ready to re-synthesize new information as it presents itself in a rapidly changing design. With every brushstroke comes a decision about how it affects the overall work. John Hughes explains more in this guest blog post.
Facebook Live Series: Thomas Jefferson Kitts “Sorolla: Painting the Color of Light” **FREE LESSON...
Watch: Thomas Jefferson Kitts is one of very few to master the techniques of the great artist Joaquín Sorolla, famous for his ability to paint the color of light.
Why Use Watermixable Oils?
If you're curious about how watermixable oils work and why you'd use them to begin with, you don't want to miss this!
How to Fly with Art Supplies
Artists have many questions when it comes to traveling with art supplies - we have your answers.
What Is Color Relativity?
In this Art School Live interview with Eric Rhoads, Kami Mendlik shares one of her biggest secrets: how in any medium, with any painting, you can bring your paintings alive with light.
Art Snippet: Know Your Shadow Types
Have a moment? Learn the two types of shadows you should be aware of when painting ...
Painting Advice From a Physicist
John D. Cogan, Ph.D. brings a scientist’s understanding of light, color, and atmosphere to the practice of outdoor painting. He shares some of his...
Why This Works: Using Shadows to Lead the Eye
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: Grouping and Designing Trees Into Shapes
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they...
OPPORTUNITY: Wet Paint Event at Newport Art Museum
Last year 500 paintings were sold in one weekend at Wet Paint, at the Newport Art Museum in Rhode Island. Signups are going on...