How to Suggest Brilliant Light Using Saturated Colors Instead of Strong Values Contrasts
Strong value contrasts are an effective way to suggest light — but not the only way. Saturated, mid-valued colors can also do the trick.
Painting Fog in Plein Air with Simplification, Values, Edges, and Neutral Colors
The unique attributes of fog make key lesson more obvious — massing, value zones, edges and neutrals.
Mitchell Juries Plein Air Painters’ U.S. Open: Winners’ Preview
View the work of nine plein air painters who demonstrate smart solutions to challenging problems.
Plein Air Painting with Stasinos and Albala: Same Subject, Different Visions
How two plein air painters approach the same subject reveals much about the uniqueness of their vision.
Carlson’s Theory of Angles: The Four Value Divisions in Landscape Painting
Landscape values are easier to understand when viewed as falling into four major divisions or zones.
Plein Air Setup: Establishing a Consistent Light on Your Palette and Painting
How should the plein air painter orient themselves to get the best light on the subject and canvas?
The Not-So-Simple Art of Simplification
Learning how to simplify requires a practiced shift in perception — an ability to see the forest and the trees.
Convincing Color Relationships Between Sky and Ground in Landscape Painting
Explore the parallel relationship between the light source and its effect on the subject.
The Tyranny of Photo Reference in Landscape Painting
Reflections on the perils and pitfalls of being too attached to photographic reference.
Fast Drying Oil Paints – The Advantages of Alkyd Colors
Alkyds offer the best of both worlds: the buttery feel of oils and the faster-drying qualities of acrylics.