Parting Shot: No Sketchbook? No Problem
- Bob Bahr reporting, Editor PleinAir Today -
Dennis Young didn’t have his sketchbook when it came time to come up with some thumbnails for...
Watercolor on Toned Paper
Many watercolorists love the medium because the white of the paper helps illuminate the colors in the pigment. But if you are working outside,...
Using Black and Red to Work on Greens
Brian Brigham was not satisfied with the darks in his plein air pastels, so he took a novel approach: He worked on a black...
Why This Works: Monochromatic Look Evokes Atmosphere
- Jeanne Mackenzie reporting -
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and...
Are You Using Protection?
It’s summer, and the heat is on. Don’t let the romance of painting ruin your…
Why This Works: Embracing the Inexactness of the Tool
- Jeanne Mackenzie reporting -
In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and...
Not Idle in Winter: Stewart White and Plein Air Watercolor
On plein air watercolor >
Baltimore painter and PleinAir Salon Grand Prize winner Stewart White tells us what he does in the winter to keep...
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...
In Winter, Go to School
The winters are tough in Saskatchewan. DeLee Grant has a number of ways to cope with that — including visits to the local grade...
How to Use “Concept” to Create a Successful Painting, From the Start
As artists we must decide what we want the viewer to take away from our creations and determine how best to communicate it.
33 Special Highlights and Bonus Tips from Plein Air Live
Hundreds of artists gathered recently during Streamline's 2nd annual Plein Air Live, where they had front row seats to presentations and demonstrations from today's masters, such as Clyde Aspevig, Dawn Whitelaw, C.W. Mundy, Thomas Jefferson Kitts, Lori Putnam (who got a very special surprise!) and so many more.
No Jumping!
In this painting tip of the day, learn why you shouldn't "jump around," for yourself and those viewing your painting.
Running a Workshop: Part II — Marketing
This is the second in a three-part series in which Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling share their expertise on running painting workshops overseas, or...
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...
Painting (and Life) Advice for the Painter’s Journey
The most important things we learn aren’t just technical tips, Michele de Bragança tells us, but rather, life lessons.
5 Tips From a Plein Air Painting Pro
No-fear plein air painting requires a little planning, a healthy dose of respect for nature and a keen sense of humor. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to hit the ground running and make the most of your experience.
Why This Works: Clouds and Shadows Tell the 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...
Salon Winner Brent Cotton on Painting Light’s Spectacular Effects
Montana artist Brent Cotton, the top winner in the August-September contest of the PleinAir Salon, paints the fantastic moments when the sun and atmosphere...
Gilkerson’s 7 Crucial Plein Air Tips
South Carolina artist Mary Bentz Gilkerson paints arresting, vibrant plein air paintings with significant impasto. It takes a bold brush to do that. She...
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.