Saturday, June 15, 2013

MORE FREE PLEIN AIR PAINTING TIPS from TOM BROWN




Wow – I can’t believe the response to my recent posts. Thanks for all the positive feedback.

For anyone new here, I’m referring to a tiny Plein Air kit I described, which I’ve been using to create spur-of-the-moment paintings whenever inspiration strikes.

The entire kit is so small it fits into my pocket, making it easy to take everywhere.

Many readers have now asked for more detail about the wet-painting carrier I use with this kit, so here are a few photos that help explain how my wet-painting carrier works.

You can make your own wet-painting carrier very simply. Start by cutting a cardboard cover that measures the same size as the art cards you’ll be carrying inside.

Then cut a piece of foam-board that will keep the paintings from touching each other when they’re inside. This foam-board should be the same size as the cover, and will have an opening in the middle to avoid touching the wet paint on the art cards. Tape it into the center of the cover.

That’s all there is to it. Two wet paintings can go inside, facing each other.

You can see how mine is constructed in the first photo, as I’m placing a wet painting inside, with another wet painting on the opposite side of the carrier.

I slip a rubber band around my pocket-sized paintbox, the wet-painting carrier and my brush as shown in the last photo and I’m good to go.

Also shown in the last photo are two “palette knives” I use with this kit. They were made by cutting up an old credit card, and they work perfectly for tiny paintings like this.

The whole kit fits easily into my pocket, making it perfect for vacation trips or whenever you’re on the go and don’t have much time for painting.

In my upcoming Plein Air Workshop that begins in July I’ll be sharing many things like this, along with loads of other ideas, tips and techniques I’ve picked up during a lifetime as an artist.

But since everyone obviously cannot attend my live workshops I wanted to share some of these things here on my blog.

This kit is great fun to use. Give it a try and let me know how you liked it.

HAPPY PAINTING!
Tom Brown

tombrownstudio@cox.net

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY AVAILABLE POSTCARD PAINTINGS:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/tombrownfineart?ref=seller_info

Friday, June 14, 2013




CLICK TO PURCHASE TODAY’S PAINTING:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/tombrownfineart?ref=seller_info

I created today’s postcard-size oil painting with the tiny pochade kit shown here. It’s a miniature oil painting kit that literally fits in my pocket.

I recently showed it to a number of artist friends and they were all very excited to try it. So I decided to share it here with everyone today.

Basically this is a very small clamshell container that measures about 3x4 inches when closed. It has an airtight seal so that oil paints inside stay wet for weeks. (I also have a wet-painting carrier not shown here that also fits into my pocket too.)

This tiny kit is great for capturing spur-of-the-moment painting ideas when inspiration strikes. Things that would probably be forgotten otherwise.

It’s an especially great idea for vacation trips. You’ll bring home a series of oil paintings that are little treasures. Vacation souvenirs and priceless memories.

It’s FUN to use, and cheap. The lid is the mixing area and the base holds all my usual colors. I don’t use any solvents or mediums with this so there’s nothing to spill.

And when using this kit I normally use only the one small brush shown here or a small palette knife. (By the way, you can make a very small palette knife by cutting up an old credit card.)

One thing that makes this so fun is that there’s no pressure to complete a “masterpiece.” However many of them turn out to be true finished paintings in their own right. I’ve actually used some of my small pocket-size paintings as guides for large studio paintings!

Creating small paintings like this is a great way to master composition, too. It helps you see the big shapes of color and value more easily than when working on a large canvas. It forces you to simplify and skip the fussy details. It helps you cut to the heart of the subject and simply paint the  “Wow!”   (the part that inspired you to choose the subject in the first place).

I’ve been painting for a lifetime and in the process I’ve gathered so much information I want to share with other artists.

Tips on how ANY artist can master basic color-mixing as well as advanced color-mixing.

And things nobody else teaches, like “anchor points” (which are NOT the same as focal points).

And interesting surfaces to paint on that help you achieve different results in your paintings.

And the viscosity of paint that is best for various effects.

And brush techniques, including the 8 essential elements of a brush stroke.

And so much more (like this kit for example).

In my upcoming Plein Air Workshop that begins in July I’ll be passing along many things like these. But not everyone can attend my live workshops. So I’ve decided to share some of these things here on my blog.

I hope you give this idea a try, and I wish you HAPPY PAINTING!

Tom Brown

tombrownstudio@cox.net

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Umber Brown and Sienna Two, abstract painting by Carol Engles


8 x 11 mixed media on paper. $80 plus shipping. To purchase, contact me at:



California Abstract Artist Carol Engles

Saturday, June 8, 2013

A Proud Saddlebred, equine drawing by Carol Engles


18 x 22 charcoal drawing on paper. $150 plus shipping. To purchase, contact me at:



California Abstract Artist Carol Engles

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Expressionistic Colorful Horse Painting Aurora by Theresa Paden SOLD


Colorful Abstract Horse Painting
"Aurora"
By Theresa Paden

12 x 16" 
Acrylic paint on 3/4" thick canvas.

Sold 
to a collector in England.
Thank you Louise!

theresapaden@gmail.com




Close-up of mane

Mark Webster - Abstract Geometric Ocean Seascape Oil Painting on Wood Panel


Mark Webster - Abstract Geometric Ocean Seascape Oil Painting on Wood Panel.
15x15" Oil on Wood Panel.






Tuesday, June 4, 2013

California Vineyard is Blooming!

Just taking the time and wonderful opportunity to paint the California vineyards.  They are in full bloom.  The grapes will soon follow.  We love this time of year!

 

20x16"  Oil Painting
Painted on Pimed Linen and Board
$300.00

MINIATURE PLEIN AIR IMPRESSIONIST ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN


MINIATURE PLEIN AIR IMPRESSIONIST
ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN
5 ½ x 4 ¼ inch Art Card
$15 in my Etsy store:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/153081472/miniature-plein-air-impressionist?ref=shop_home_active

I call these “POSTCARDS FROM PARADISE.” This is a beautiful ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING created while working directly from Nature on location, which is called "PLEIN AIR" painting.

Miniature oil paintings like this are like little jewels, sparkling with color and life. They make treasured gifts or wonderful additions to your own collection.

This is not a print; it is a genuine original oil painting on a heavy weight (40 pt.) archival acid-free art card, signed at lower right. The painted area has a border on all sides. The overall size of the card is 5 ½ x 4 ¼ inches, about the size of a postcard. It can be displayed in your favorite frame or it is rigid enough to stand on its own on a shelf or easel.

About me:
I am a full time artist and Plein Air painter living in Southern California. I offer these small, affordable paintings on Etsy as a way to introduce my work to new collectors. I also paint in larger sizes on commission.

My monthly TV shows were filmed outdoors on location to demonstrate my own unique approach to PLEIN AIR painting. And for more than 10 years I have also been teaching live workshops for other artists, both in the studio and also outdoors (en PLEIN AIR).

Thanks for stopping to look.
Tom Brown

tombrownart@gmail.com

Strange Garden by Nancy Eckels - abstract, contemporary, modern art, painting

Where my brain came up with this painting is a mystery to me, but I like the composition and the unusual colors (for me).  It has a very fresh feel to it...very outdoorsy.  Is that a word?? "Strange Garden"  Acrylic on Canvas   48" x 48"   $5200.00
Email me here

Mark Webster - Cesar 2203 - Abstract Geometric Futurist Figurative Oil Painting


Mark Webster - Cesar 2203 - Abstract Geometric Futurist Figurative Oil Painting.
30x20" Oil on Stretched Canvas.






Thursday, May 30, 2013

Mark Webster - Abstract Geometric Tuscan Vineyard Landscape Oil Painting





Mark Webster - Abstract Geometric Tuscan Vineyard Landscape Oil Painting.

9x12" Oil on Canvas Panel.
$150 Free US Shipping 


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

"Turbulence" Awarded "Outstanding Abstract" by artist Sallie-Anne Swift

 

"Turbulence"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas 36" x 48"

AWARDED "OUTSTANDING ABSTRACT"
Bold Brush April 2013 Competition

Painting will be on exhibition at Cove Gallery, Laguna Beach
from April 4th - June 5th 2013

http://sallieswiftart.com/works/1133432/turbulence

Diane Morgan Three Orange Poppies watercolor


Watercolor 9" x 12"  $375
Click on link to purchase      http://dianemorganpaints.com/works/1164529

Mark Webster - Abstract Wine Bottle with Glass Still Life Acrylic Painting

Daily Painters, Daily Paintings, Abstract Wine Bottle with Glass Still Life Painting - Daily Painting Blog - Original Oil and Acrylic by Artist Mark Webster
Abstract Wine Bottle with Glass Still Life Acrylic Painting by Northern California Artist Mark Webster. 20x16". Acrylic on Canvas.

$350 Free U.S. Shipping.
Contact me regarding international shipping.







Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Brown, Lavender and Peach, abstract painting by Carol Engles


10 x 14 watercolor and pastel on paper. To purchase, contact me at:



California Abstract Artist Carol Engles

Painting the Big Sur Coast!

This last month we painted some of the beautiful places along the Monterey Coast.  This is a painting of the Rocky Creek Bridge along Big Sur, Highway 1, California.



This is an 10x8"oil painting on linen and board.

To purchase please contact me at:  http://www.kathleenschilling.com/contact/  

Friday, May 24, 2013

Apollo, commissioned equine painting by Carol Engles


10 x 14 watercolor and pastel on paper. This is a commissioned piece. If you're interested in a painting of your horse, contact me at:



California Abstract Artist Carol Engles

Natural Diffusion by Nancy Eckels - abstract, contemporary, modern art, painting

Natural Diffusion   36" x 36"
$3100.00
For more information please email me here
To see more paintings, please go to my website.

Mark Webster - Roses in a Translucent Blue Vase - Mixed Media on Stretched Canvas

Mark Webster - Roses in a Translucent Blue Vase - Mixed Media on Stretched Canvas.

16x20" Mixed Media on Canvas.


Please feel free to contact me about pricing and availability.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Mark Webster - Abstract Geometric Beer Mug and Bottle Oil Painting


Abstract Geometric Beer Mug and Bottle Oil Painting by Northern California Artist Mark Webster.
8x10" Oil on Canvas Panel.

$125 Free US Shipping
($15 for International Shipping)



Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Mark Webster - Planet X Abstract Landscape Painting


Mark Webster - Planet X Abstract Landscape Painting.

14x11" Acrylic on Canvas

$
180.00 FREE U.S. SHIPPING
(please feel free to
contact me about international shipping)



Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Flowers in Blue Vase, two, floral painting by Carol Engles


16 x 22 mixed media on paper. $150 plus shipping. To purchase, contact me at:



California Abstract Artist Carol Engles

Mark Webster - Abstract Wine at Sunset #2 Geometric Acrylic Painting

Abstract Wine at Sunset, Left - Daily Painter - Original Oil and Acrylic Art - Painting a Day by California Artist Mark A. Webster

Mark Webster - Abstract Wine at Sunset #2 Geometric Acrylic Painting.

20x16" Acrylic on Canvas 

$350 - Free US Shipping
(please feel free to contact me about international shipping)



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