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...
Painting Basics: Understanding Value
“All of us, beginners and experienced painters alike, can benefit from a refresher course in the bedrock principles of value and color.” John MacDonald explains more in this overview.
Oil Painting Demo: Irises by Lynn Dunbar
To help market her artwork, Lynn Dunbar summarized her approach to plein air and studio painting and emphasized her response to the spirit, vitality, and beauty of her home state.
Architectural Subjects: To Paint or Draw?
When this artist approaches architecture as a subject in the landscape, certain factors determine if the resulting art will be a drawing or a painting. See why...
Creating the Perfect Watercolor Blend – Watch Free
In this demo, Richie Vios shares the essential but underrated skills of creating the perfect consistency of water and pigments. If you love watercolor or want to learn about it, watch this free lesson!
Creating Atmosphere: An 8-Step Landscape Painting Tutorial
"More than anything, I enjoy the sense of connectedness that painting on location brings,” says Kathleen Hudson. “My own sense of wonder in the landscape comes from my immersion in reading history. A place isn’t just scenery when you come to know its story, when you think of people from generations past who stood upon the same ground, taking in their surroundings just as you are.”
Can Altoids Help You Paint Better?
Plein air painting can get to be a mental endurance test, so here are some tips to keep concentration high.
What Makes a Landscape Painting Work?
The compelling art of this California oil painter may hold the answers.
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...