My Featured Painting – “Hope Floats”

  Recently, I have had many requests to share the inspiration behind my paintings. The creative process of art and what goes on in the mind of the artist has always intrigued me. With that in mind, I have decided to feature a painting of mine at least once a week with a brief description of the original meaning, concept or inspiration. I hope you enjoy learning about my art... ~Hope Floats~ by Lori McNee  Hope … [Read more...]

Was Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ Inspired by a UFO?

bizarre spiral

     Call it my artistic imagination, but I couldn’t help notice the similarities between the much publicized UFO sighting of a mysterious blue spiral of light over Norway and the famous painting, Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh. On December 9, this strange phenomenon baffled residents and scientists alike.  These images immediately brought Starry Night to my mind and I thought I’d have a little fun with it… I'm just having … [Read more...]

Gratitude Quotes & My Thank You List for Thanksgiving

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  I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~William A. Ward Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone. ~G.B. Stern The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you. ~John E. Southard Gratitude is the best attitude. ~Author Unknown We often take … [Read more...]

Updating & Redesigning My Blog & Website

Hello Friends- Please be patient with the site for a few days. We are in the middle of some great changes, but the Thanksgiving Holiday is slowing us down. In the next few days FineArtTips & LoriMcNee.com will be easier to navigate and have a fresh look. Happy Thanksgiving -   Lori :-) … [Read more...]

How to Market Art & Illustration Online

deviant art sell art online

Guest author: marketing expert, Paul Featherstone In this article I provide advice on how to promote and how to market art and illustration and your services online whether you are an artist or an illustrator.There are literally thousands of people in the world who have a talent for art and illustration; unfortunately we will never get to enjoy the work produced by these people as they may not be marketing their skills successfully. Many … [Read more...]

A Favorite Book: “Composition of Outdoor Painting” by Edgar Payne

book

One of my most cherished artistic possessions is the little book, Composition of Outdoor Painting by California Impressionist, Edgar Payne . Often referred to as the ‘Bible', it is an indispensable tool that can be found in the studio of most every serious landscape and plein air painter. If you can buy only one art book on composition, this should be it! Multi talented, Edgar Payne was one of the great California Impressionist painters … [Read more...]

Top 10 Reference Photo Tips for Artists

Yellowstone Boys 09

For centuries, artists have relied upon the use of tools to help improve their art compositions and concepts. Even the great Leonardo da Vinci used the grid method to help perfect his drawings, and nearly two hundred years later, Johannes Vermeer employed the use of the camera obscura. Artists have always been at the forefront of technology. Nowadays, many landscape and wildlife artists learn to be proficient photographers as well. In … [Read more...]

Painting for the Gilcrease Museum

moran_yellowstone-oil 1893

(Hummingbird & Teacup 8x10, by Lori McNee; 2009 American Art in Miniature entry) They say that ‘good things come in small packages’ and with art, there is no exception. In fact, sometimes a miniature painting can exude a gem-like quality that larger paintings often lack. The same can be said about miniature sculptures. For buyers and collectors, the attraction to these works by nationally recognized artists not only lies in the beauty of … [Read more...]

A Favorite Book – “Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting” by John F. Carlson

carlson-s-guide-to-landscape-painting-

On my personal artistic journey I have found many books that have become some of my greatest teachers. And now, the internet seems to be an infinite resource for artists. But, there is something special about a book that a computer cannot replace. A favorite book becomes my old friend, a friend I refer back to again and again for advice. One of those old friends is the book by John F. Carlson, Carlson’s Guide to Landscape … [Read more...]

High Country Cattle

High Country Cattle 30x40 72dpi

High Country Cattle 30x40 oil/canvas $5500 available at Kneeland Gallery  High Country Cattle was partially painted outside in the wild backcountry of the Big Lost Mountains in Idaho. I had to carry this large canvas on the back of a four-wheeler and even dodged a black bear while in the remote mountains. I then finished the painting in my studio. You can watch the video for more information: … [Read more...]


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