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A SUCCESSFUL REALIST PAINTING NOT ONLY CAPTURES a likeness of the subject but also reveals something of its heart and character. The painting should also show the intent of the [...]

Jim Johnson loves to paint outdoors. 'There is such beauty to be seen in the random mixtures of light, color, texture, and pattern in nature,' he says. 'For me, watercolor [...]

Many artists find applying washes to be one of the more difficult aspects of working with watercolor, as it is often challenging to maintain control while achieving a satisfactory result. [...]

Artists are often characterized as loners; there's long been a myth of the solitary, eccentric painter. This romantic picture of an artist struggling in a studio, pursuing a distant goal, [...]

Painting with full command of color is a goal of most artists. Mastering color--making it work so it contributes to painting success--can be difficult for even the most experienced painter, [...]

The subject of color--creating with color, controlling color, and making color work, behave, and contribute to a painting's success--is of primary importance to almost every artist. The question of what [...]

The open, dramatic terrain of the American West has inspired artists from a multitude of backgrounds. To Paul Murray, a native of New Mexico, nothing could be more natural than [...]

By repeating movements and shapes, Lisa Iagulli Geren establishes a rhythm in her compositions, charging her watercolor paintings with emotion. "I look for textures and patterns, mood and drama," she […]

When Michigan artist Jerry Power retired and took his first and only workshop, he experienced a revelation. 'I didn't know what pastels were,' he admits. 'I was afraid that I [...]

"I like to really look at nature," says MaryBeth Koeze. "It offers so much to the eye." Her art is deliberate--characterized by delicate color combinations, translucent forms, and a masterful […]

This Michigan artist makes self-expression the basis of her subject matter and style. SELF-EXPRESSION IS THE search for images that convey an artist's feelings and ideas. On some level, this […]

When illustrator, painter, and teacher Charles 'Bud' Edmondson moved from Chicago back to his native New Mexico, the color and form of the mountains, the high desert, and the Native [...]

Carl Forslund, a resident of Grand Rapids, began his art career as an 18-year-old staff artist in the Air Force on Guam during World War II. A graduate of the [...]

Provence is an area of southern France rich in art and history, and famous for its light and color. Here, two artists on an unforgettable trip paint the Provencal landscape. [...]

The article offers insights from Michigan artist Jim Johnson on watercolor painting outdoors. According to Johnson, watercolor is the perfect medium for exploring nature's beauty. To add texture and an impressionistic look to his artwork, Johnson varies the size and direction of his brushstrokes. He cites the goal of plein air painting. His favorie color choices are alizarin crimson, cadmium yellow light and cobalt blue. Particular focus is given to his three preliminary steps for successful painting en plein air.

The article offers step-by-step instructions for building stronger paintings.

Presents an interview with art teacher and pastel painter Frank Federico on the use of color in painting. Significance of the color yellow to his paintings; Goal in painting; Role of shapes and color relationships in a painting; Influences of painter Maurice Vlaminck and other artists on his paintings.

The article highlights the works of artist Deborah Lass, which uses self-expression as subject. The reasons for the artist's frequent use of water in her themes is explained. Her interest in movement and the patterns created by movement is also mentioned. Also discussed are some of her influences including Hans Hofmann and Joseph Raffael.