Fine Art Tips and Techniques
Descartes, the father of Modern Philosophy once so famously said, "I think, therefore I am." However, if you are an artist, then you probably can more easily empathize with the phrase, "I create, therefore I procrastinate." Although other occupations and hobbies are susceptible also to the procrastination blues, there's something about creative work that lends itself easily to, for a lack of a better way of putting it, goofing around. As a … [Read more...]
Traveling, the outdoors and plein air painting are a few of my favorite passions in life. Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit Alaska aboard a very large cruise ship. My plein air painting time was very limited, nevertheless I didn't want to miss the chance to record beautiful Alaska in paint as you can see in the video below. As a novice photographer, I also enjoyed photographing the many amazing Alaskan wonders with my new Canon 60D … [Read more...]
Each year, I have the wonderful opportunity to plein air paint with a talented group of artists as well all congregate in the beautiful mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho for Kneeland Gallery's annual paint out. This week we have been painting out in the mountains and celebrating the art gallery's 20th anniversary. Art spectators have been watching up create paintings in the field which culminates with the artists' reception tonight. If any of you … [Read more...]
Hello friends. In case you have been wondering about me this week...I am on a painting trip in sunny Arizona. I brought my trusty little travel laptop with hopes of blogging while on the road, however the Internet service has been spotty and unrealiable. Now, to make matters even worse - I just dropped and broke my laptop!!! I have been dreaming of buying a new iPad II and now it looks like I will get my wish sooner than I … [Read more...]
One of the many perks of having a social media online presence is meeting interesting people and household names such as Magnum Boots USA. My friends at Magnum were generous enough to send me a box filled with their world famous footwear and apparel. Since 1982, Magnum Boots USA has been outfitting the FBI, Law Enforcement, Ambulance, Fire and Security Professionals and the military with boots and outerwear for the ultimate in … [Read more...]
Although some of my readers are from around the world and warmer places, many of us have endured an extra long, cold and grey winter. In fact, there is still about 3 feet of snow in my yard! But, the hint of spring is finally in the air here in Idaho, and I can't wait to get out my plein air pochade 'toy' box! I am willing to bet, many of you plein air painters are feeling the same way. Nevertheless, some artists might feel blocked or … [Read more...]
Nowadays, most artists use reference photos for their studio landscape paintings. We all know that good photographs are a handy tool which can be used to create a compelling landscape, figurative or even an abstract painting. The problem is knowing how to choose and use a good photo. This is an important step to the success of your finished painting. Problems can arise when the artist relies too heavily on photographs for their soul … [Read more...]
Although travel is one of my favorite pastimes, I have to admit that New Zealand was really never at the top on my list. I had heard tales of how beautiful it is, but the long plane flight kept me from exploring the idea any further...until this summer. My youngest son was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend the fall semester abroad in New Zealand where his 'classroom' would be in 'the bush'. Suddenly, I found myself escorting my … [Read more...]
Having just stepped off the plane yesterday from my vacation in New Zealand and Australia, I am jumping in my car and will be 'on my way' to the Oil Painters of America (OPA) Western Regional Exhibition on Saturday, October 9th. The reception for the juried artists will be held at Mountain Trails Gallery in one of my favorite places on earth, beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming! This is extra fun for me because I am also proud to be represented by … [Read more...]
"The most important ally in the study of painting is the art of thinking," stated Edgar Payne, famed artist and author. One of my favorite books in my library is by Edgar Payne, "Composition of Outdoor Painting." This little book is packed with a lifetime of knowledge from this famous American landscape painter. It is a must for every serious landscape painter. I have learned that interpreting the landscape in paint is a matter of allowing … [Read more...]
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