Gouache, or opaque watercolor, is a water-medium paint, like watercolor, that dries opaque, like acrylic or oil. It uses similar natural and inert pigment material, but its binder isn't a natural oil like linseed, safflower, or [...]

We arrive at the final two paintings in Thomas Cole’s epic cycle, The Course of Empire. The progression has been from early and more natural lifestyles to the Empire’s decadence and decline. The message is [...]

Take advantage of these art and plein air painting events and opportunities from our 2025 Ultimate Guide to Painting Events and Organizations. Bonus: Includes upcoming event deadlines! (We want to include your plein air painting [...]

During the first half of the nineteenth century, America’s first exciting period of “homegrown” art coalesced around what came to be known as the Hudson River School.  Painted during the halcyon period prior to the [...]

There’s an annual change to the summer landscape in America at the beginning of each July and plein air painters are here for it: red, white, and blue American flags start blooming on porches and [...]

We continue our series on “The Course of Empire,” Thomas Cole’s epic series of five paintings charting the rise and fall of an imaginary Empire.  As previously introduced, we follow the story Cole’s paintings tell, [...]

Clyde Aspevig teaches his oil painting approach and technique in his video, ASPEVIG. As we approach the July 4 celebrations of America’s Independence Day, we offer a hopeful message regarding the power of art and imagination to bring [...]

For professional artist Laurel Daniel, a lot more than joie-de-vivre and spontaneity go into making great plein-air paintings.   With a degree in studio art and 19 years in the graphic design business behind her, Laurel [...]

Here's a simple but potentially revolutionary way to spark creativity: Make mischief. Take out your calendar and schedule one day a month for an ART DATE with yourself. An art date gives you permission to do [...]

Photographs can serve as a valuable source of reference material. However, rarely will a photo capture the essence we felt originally and that we seek to portray on canvas. How do you turn “okay” or [...]