Doubt Cramps Energy

“To believe is to be strong. Doubt cramps energy. Belief is power.” I heard this quote while watching the tv documentary “Into the Storm” recently on the airplane. It was a drama about Winston Churchill. This quote was said by Roosevelt and he attributed it to Dr. Peabody. The quote really captured my attention and [...]

Nightscapes, Nocturnes, Planets and Dreams

When the moon gets larger and brighter, get ready to paint nocturnes. The full moon lights up the landscape. Study the light, shadows and values. The patterns of moonlight and shadows are very different from daylight. The sky is not going to necessarily be the lightest light. Shapes and long shadows are soft and mysterious. [...]

Why do I Tweet on Twitter?

I’ve enjoyed meeting artists from all over the world and seeing their art. One can catch the latest news, opinions, marketing tips, inspirational quotes, a good laugh and see interesting activities. I find the experience fascinating and it energizes me. I like to alert others about my latest blog post too. It’s a great way [...]

Capture Your Adventures

My favorite journal has a black cover and elastic band to hold it closed. Compact convenient size with quality watercolor paper within. Pages tear out if you want to matt and frame your paintings or keep it intact as a journal of your artwork. Moleskine makes a larger one too. Intelligent design. The elastic band [...]

It’s Important to Invest in High Quality Tools

 There is a lot to see in Alaska. Much of it is far away. Be glad some of it is far away. The grizzly bear on the distant hill. A good pair of binoculars will bring you closer but keep you safe. A friend handed me a pair of small compact binoculars a few years [...]

Excellent Books on Painting: Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting & Hawthorne on Painting

These two books are inexpensive but they are a ‘must read’ in my opinion if you want to do plein air painting. John Carlson gives insights to ‘seeing’ the landscape that is very helpful. Charles Hawthorne describes what the painter should be thinking and encourages one to paint more. He believes in doing multiple small studies [...]

How to Make a POCHADE BOX for Painting Plein Air with Watercolor in 14 Easy Steps

Pochade  means `quick sketch’. Plein Air  means `open air’ and refers to painting on location outdoors. A pochade box  is very useful for plein air painting because it is lightweight, portable and convenient. 1. Cigar boxes come in all sizes and shapes. Find a cigar box that has room for holding a small watercolor block [...]

Why Plein Air?

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Susan Ryan. Plein air is a lot like dancing in the rain. The conditions are never going to be perfect. It is either going to be too hot or too cold or too windy or clouds will be [...]

Fabriano Artistico Traditional White Watercolor Block

My favorite paper for watercolor is the Fabriano block. I use both cold and hot press but I usually prefer the cold press surface because it is more ‘forgiving’. The hot press will show the brushstroke and the color really ‘pops’ but you have to be feeling confident and make each brushstroke be right. I [...]

Be Ready to Paint

When you question whether or not to bring the paints, I recommend that you bring them! Be ready to paint.

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