A Pep Talk for Beginners and Frustrated Art Students
If you weren't naturally handed a free pass to excellence or are coming to art late in the game, John Hughes has an encouraging message for you.
Color Mixing for Beginners
Achieving color harmony is certainly one of the keys to creating a successful painting. We need to infuse our paintings with harmonious color; however, our job becomes somewhat more complicated because...
What to Take When Painting en Plein Air: Kathleen Hudson’s Toolkit & Setup
If you're new to painting en plein air, or are experienced and curious about what others use on location, check out Kathleen Hudson's packing list, including her art toolkit and plein air setup.
The Best Plein Air Easels for Artists
What’s the best easel for plein air painting? We asked, and you answered! Dozens of artists share what their favorite plein air easels are, including why they’re top choice.
A Good Way to Screw Up Your Palette
How many colors should you use when painting en plein air? Eric Rhoads answers in this teaser from Plein Air Live.
A 260-Mile Plein Air Relay
Is it possible to participate in two distant plein air events in the same week? This ambitious artist pushes the limits to find out. Bonus: Includes a list of tips for your next plein air event!
How to Paint Clouds en Plein Air
The unique challenge of painting clouds is that, unlike other landscape elements, they’re in constant motion. Learn how to choose the right moment for painting clouds en plein air.
Broken Strokes for Different Folks
One artist shares the surprising and unusual methods he uses for creating effective values, edges, marks, and more.
How to Make a Color Chart for Plein Air Painting
Plein air artist Mark Boedges shares three color charts, along with important advice on creating and using them for your next plein air landscape.
9 Painting and Design Tips for Plein Air Watercolor
When painting with watercolor en plein air, follow this advice for the best shapes, angles, and experience.
12 Ways Artists Can Reduce Frustration While Painting
The art of painting is a head game. It requires a distraction-free environment that allows you to get into the painting zone and lets things go smoothly.
The Best Plein Air Umbrellas for Artists
What's the best umbrella for plein air painting? We asked, and you answered! Here's what artists from our community had to share, including some helpful photos.
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.
5 Fixes for 5 Common Painting Mistakes
When you’ve been painting landscapes for as long as John Pototschnik, you come across common mistakes that ...
Getting Started in the Field
New to painting en plein air? Get advice for painting outdoors with this excerpt from the new book “Plein Air Painting Tips and Tales.”
From Fingers to Fanny – Tips for Staying Warm When Painting in Winter
I’ve painted outdoors in all kinds of weather and rarely have been uncomfortable because of the cold. My secret is ...
What’s in My Bag?
When flying with art supplies, make sure you arrive with everything you need. Get the top five preparedness tips here.
How Much Should Your Plein Air Painting Gear Weigh?
There’s a mental freedom we associate with painting outdoors, but that lightness can easily be juxtaposed with the ...
Plein Air Painting for Dummies
If you’re new to painting outdoors (or know someone who is), take advice from these 11 artists, including the most obvious but overlooked things you should know, and what “plein errors” to avoid.
The Worst Time of Day for Plein Air Painting
Avoid ending up with a plein air painting that has too many scattered, isolated, small shapes by ...