Impressionism

On the Easel: Maryvale, Overcast

By Dan Scott / May 27, 2022 / Comments Off

(My “On the Easel” posts give you a behind-the-scenes look at what I am working on, what went well, what went wrong, and things I learn.) Let’s take a look at how I painted Maryvale, Overcast. It’s a simple landscape with rich greens, dark trees, and a moody sky. Dan Scott, Maryvale, Overcast, 2022 Reference … Read more

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Two Sisters (On the Terrace), 1881

How to Paint Like Pierre-Auguste Renoir

By Dan Scott / April 14, 2022 / 56 Comments

“For me … a painting should be something to cherish, joyous and pretty, yes pretty!” Pierre-Auguste Renoir Let’s take a look at how to paint like Pierre-Auguste Renoir. I’ve never been much a fan of Renoir’s work. That was until I saw one of his paintings at the European Masters exhibition. A Young Girl With … Read more

Dan Scott, Caloundra, Shimmering Light, 2022

On the Easel: Caloundra, Shimmering Light

By Dan Scott / April 8, 2022 / Comments Off

(My “On the Easel” posts give you a behind-the-scenes look at what I am working on, what went well, what went wrong, and things I learn.) Below is Caloundra, Shimmering Light. It depicts a high-contrast scene, with the shadowed foreground framing the shimmering Caloundra estuary. Dan Scott, Caloundra, Shimmering Light, 2022 Reference Photo Here’s the … Read more

Claude Monet – Master of Color and Light

By Dan Scott / September 20, 2021 / 60 Comments

“Monet is just an eye, but God, what an eye.” Paul Cézzane on Claude Monet If you forced me to choose an all-time favorite artist, I would have to go with Claude Monet. Discovering his work led me down an endless rabbit hole of color, light, and the challenge of capturing life’s fleeting effects on … Read more

Vincent van Gogh, Garden Coin With Butterflies, 1887 (Movement)

A Closer Look at Vincent van Gogh’s Grass and Butterflies

By Dan Scott / July 30, 2021 / 57 Comments

Let’s take a closer look at Vincent van Gogh’s Grass and Butterflies. I’m always impressed at how well van Gogh was able to inject life into even the most simple subjects. There’s a sense of movement and activity about it. I’ll cover: Vibrating Colors Light and Shadow (Value) Brushwork, Movement, and Texture Key Points of … Read more

Vincent Van Gogh, Café Terrace at Night, 1888

A Closer Look at Vincent van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night

By Dan Scott / March 26, 2021 / 83 Comments

Let’s take a look at Vincent van Gogh’s iconic Café Terrace at Night. I’ll cover: Key Facts and Ideas Striking Contrast and Color in the Night Value (Light and Shadow) Brushwork and Outlining Composition Key Takeaways Vincent Van Gogh, Café Terrace at Night, 1888 Van Gogh describes it well: “On the terrace, there are little figures … Read more

Interview With “Open Impressionism” Artist Erin Hanson

By Dan Scott / March 8, 2021 / 84 Comments

I wrote about Erin Hanson’s work in a recent email. It was a popular one. She’s a remarkable landscape artist based in California. Her work has a distinct style she calls “Open Impressionism”. I’m pleased to have her answer a few questions about her life, philosophy, and work. Erin Hanson, Tahoe Dawn, 2018 Q: I … Read more

Camille Pissarro – A Closer Look at His Life and Art

By Dan Scott / November 30, 2019 / 54 Comments

“It is absurd to look for perfection.” Camille Pissarro In this post, I take a closer look at his interesting life and art of Camille Pissarro. His work is colorful, adventurous, and played a pivotal role in the development and popularity of Impressionism. However, he is often overshadowed by fellow artist and friend, Claude Monet. … Read more