Composition can feel overwhelming with all the rules and theories. I find it helpful to distill it all down into two basic questions: What do you want to say? (What is your big idea? What is the message you want to communicate through your work?) How are you going to say it? (How are you going to … Read more
I’ve been a big fan of the palette knife lately. Both New Zealand, Stroll in the Park and Sierra Nevada were painted almost entirely with palette knives. In light of this, I put together some tips to help you successfully utilize the palette knife in your own paintings: ⁃ Pick up several, unmixed colors on your palette knife to create … Read more
Below is Wellington Point, High Contrast. This was a fun one. It’s a play of broken color and contrast. Reference Photo and Study Here’s the reference photo: Feel free to try and paint it for yourself. Just let me know how you go. Details Refer to my supplies list for more details on what I … Read more
Here’s a new painting: Wellington Point, Shimmering Light: The key idea of this painting is of course the shimmering light on the water. Shimmering light isn’t an easy thing to paint. Too much and it looks garish and sloppy. Too little and it looks weak and timid. Below are some tips for getting it right: … Read more
Whenever possible, I try to go into a new painting with a specific objective. Perhaps I want to learn more about a certain technique… test a new color… or experiment with a new style. I find this to be the best way to broaden my knowledge and experience. It’s not enough to read or watch … Read more
Today we have Australian artist Leon Holmes answering a few questions about his work and life. Holmes does a fantastic job capturing the dynamic Australian landscape. It reminds me of Ken Knight and Sir Arthur Streeton. I particularly like his depictions of cattle and turquoise seas. Q: When Did You Start Painting? Drawing and creating … Read more
Feel free to use the reference photos below as you wish. If you want more, get access to the full reference photo library here.
Let’s take a look at a stunning portrait by Gordon Coutts, Waiting. I first saw this painting at the New South Wales Art Gallery. It stopped me in my tracks, despite it being a subtle painting in a dramatic room. Until that point, I had no idea who Coutts was. But it prompted me to learn … Read more
I recently had prints created for a handful of my paintings. It was a tricky process, but I’m pleased with the outcome. The prints are near-perfect representations of the originals. I’m sharing my experience in case you are interested in having prints created for your own artworks. I’ll cover: Why Prints? Prints are not a … Read more
Below is a painting I did earlier this year, Wellington Point. It captures the beach’s glimmering colors and the tree’s dappled light. Reference Photo and Study Here’s the reference photo I painted from: I also painted a small color study in preparation: Details Refer to my supplies list for more details on what I use. … Read more
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