ART INSTRUCTION, OIL PAINTING

ART INSTRUCTION, OIL PAINTING

“CANYON TRAIL”
8x8 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

When painting outdoors I prefer to work on small panels like this, that can be completed while conditions remain constant.

In the studio I work on larger pieces like the series of 5-foot paintings now installed in the lobby of City Hall in Irvine.

Creating a large painting is an exhilarating experience that provides a true sense of accomplishment. But many artists struggle to retain freshness and vitality in their paintings when working on a large scale.

My new “Painting BIG package” will help any artist overcome the common pitfalls encountered when painting large.

This package includes a two-part video from my TV show entitled “Secrets To Creating Successful Large Oil Paintings,” PLUS a printed guide entitled “Essential Secrets To Painting BIG.” This is an absolute must for any artist who wants to create successful large-scale works or paintings that require multiple painting sessions to complete.

I am now taking pre-orders for the first release of this 2-DVD set including the bonus material at a special price of $50. Don’t miss out. These videos also make unique Holiday gifts for your artist friends! Email me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Today’s happy thought:
Hiking in nature

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING

Today's painting:

“HOME OF THE RED TAIL HAWK”
6x8 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

When painting outdoors I prefer to work on small panels that can be completed while conditions remain constant.

In the studio I work on larger pieces like the series of 5-foot paintings now installed in the lobby of City Hall in Irvine, California.

Creating a large painting is an exhilarating experience that provides a true sense of accomplishment. But many artists struggle to retain freshness and vitality in their paintings when working on a large scale.

My new “Painting BIG package” will help any artist overcome the common pitfalls encountered when painting large.

This package includes a two-part video from my TV show entitled “Secrets To Creating Successful Large Oil Paintings,” PLUS a printed guide entitled “Essential Secrets To Painting BIG.” This is an absolute must for any artist who wants to create successful large-scale works or paintings that require multiple painting sessions to complete.

I am now taking pre-orders for the first release of this 2-DVD set including the bonus material at a special price of $50. Don’t miss out. These videos also make unique Holiday gifts for your artist friends! Email me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Today’s happy thought:
Watching a hawk circling the fields

DESERT PAINTING DEMONSTRATION BY TOM BROWN

“BEAUTY OF THE DESERT”
9x4 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.
SOLD

The desert seems to stretch endlessly into the distance, and it has a way of making one feel humble and small. In the middle of nowhere this private home was nestled among a tiny oasis of shade trees. It was an irresistible temptation and I pulled off the road to capture it in this painting.

For those who are interested I shot photos at different stages of the painting as it developed. Below is the initial stage. I had sketched the big shapes of the composition with thinned ochre on a brush, then blocked in the darkest tones of the house and trees using a mixture of cadmium red and ultramarine blue. Next I captured the pattern of shadows on the mountains with a bluish gray.

With the shadows on the mountains established (above), I began to capture the color and tones of the sunlit area of the mountains using various mixtures of the three primaries and white (see below). Because they were so far in the distance, the values and colors of the mountains were much more subdued than the color and tones of the home and stand of trees. By accurately capturing the relative values of these two key areas I was able to establish a feeling of depth.

After completing the mountain range in the stage shown above I developed the roadway, desert floor and sky areas of the painting (see image below). Despite the sense of isolation in this landscape, I feel it has a restful and serene feeling of peacefulness. To see an enlarged view click the image of the completed painting at the top of this post.

Thanks for stopping. I hope you enjoyed looking over my shoulder as I worked. Comments are always welcome.

Today’s happy thought:
The vastness of the desert

PLEIN AIR NIGHT SCENE BY TOM BROWN

“NIGHT LIGHTS”
8x4 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

To paraphrase Forrest Gump, “Painting nocturnes is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get,” – until you see it next morning in daylight. This one is delicious. It’s loaded with rich, subtle colors that don’t show up very well on a computer screen, but this photo gives you an idea of the composition.

Today’s happy thought:
Happy Thanksgiving!

PALM TREES AT SUNSET BY TOM BROWN

“SUNSET PALMS”
6x5 inch Oil Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Today’s happy thought:
Palm fronds rustling in the breeze

PLEIN AIR PAINTING DEMONSTRATION BY TOM BROWN

PLEIN AIR PAINTING DEMONSTRATION BY TOM BROWN

“MORNING LIGHT”
8x4 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

I thought it would be interesting today to show another plein air painting in the process of being created, as I did last week. For this painting I worked on a gray toned panel. My first step was to sketch the big shapes using thinned paint and then establish my darkest darks as shown below.

I next established the lightest lights of the painting, which was the sky area. This established the full range of values that would be used in this piece (see below).

With those elements defined, I worked back-to-front in the landscape. In the image below you can see how I began working on the background, being careful to keep the values more subdued than the darks of the foreground tree.

Continuing to work forward I completed the land and roadway to capture the morning light and shadow pattern as seen here. At the stage shown below it was merely a matter of completing the main foreground tree and other foliage on the right. The finished painting is seen at the top of today’s post.

Let me know if you enjoyed this little glance over my shoulder as I painted on location. Comments are always welcome.

Today’s happy thought:
First light of day

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING

“NEAR THE WALKING PATH”
5x7 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

If by chance my paintings bring you joy or a momentary escape from the hectic world, then I have succeeded.

I’m fortunate in many ways. Thanks to many loyal collectors I earn my living doing what I love. I am a full-time artist, I host a TV art show and I teach painting workshops year ‘round in California.

On my blog you'll see mostly small paintings but I work in larger sizes on commission. Email me if you’re interested in having me create something special for you. tombrownstudio@cox.net. My work is in many prominent corporate collections, so you’ll be in good company.

Today’s happy thought:
A nice day for a walk

EGG, CONTEMPORARY STILL LIFE DAILY PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

EGG, CONTEMPORARY STILL LIFE DAILY PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“PLOP!”
6x6 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

Life is good! I find beauty and inspiration everywhere; in scenic splendor or a splattered egg. And if my art brings you joy or a momentary escape from the hectic world, then I have succeeded.

My daily blog shows my small paintings, and I work in larger sizes on commission. I always welcome commission inquiries and I can be contacted at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Today’s happy thought:
Eggs for breakfast

WINE GLASS IMPRESSIONIST PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

WINE GLASS IMPRESSIONIST PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“TIME TO RELAX”
6x5 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

Last evening I had the distinct pleasure of meeting the famous Bill Tapia of Hawaiian ukulele fame, and enjoyed his lively performance with Pat Enos’ group “The Smokin’ Menehunes” at the Catalina Fish Kitchen in Huntington Beach. Bill Tapia will be 101 years old on January 1st but he’s still a youngster on stage!

The Smokin' Menehunes play the swinging jazz songs of the golden age of Hawaiian music (Waikiki in the 1940's), and their performances are a real treat. Check them out if you’re in the area.

Today’s happy thought:
Hawaiian music

SNOW CAPPED MOUNTAINS BY TOM BROWN

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“HIGH MOUNTAIN VISTA”
8x10 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

This painting will look great on your wall. It is loaded with thick, juicy strokes of luscious oil paint that create a rich surface texture on the canvas. Click the detail image for a better look.

If you would like to try your hand at plein air painting but can’t attend my live workshops, my new “PLEIN AIR QUICK-START PACKAGE” will get you started on the right path. It includes two complete videos from my TV shows plus much more. It also makes a unique Holiday gift for your artist friends.

Here’s what you get:
1) A FREE full color QUICK-START GUIDE
2) TWO FULL-LENGTH VIDEOS on DVDs
3) A SPECIAL BONUS BOOKLET of plein air paintings.

The FREE QUICK-START GUIDE includes tips on a plein air kit I created that’s virtually free and goes anywhere. PLUS you’ll get my personal secrets to help you create plein air “winners” every time, even if you’re an absolute beginner.

The TWO FULL-LENGTH VIDEOS are from my TV shows, filmed live on location. Each video covers a different subject and shows me filmed in real time as I go from blank panel to finished painting. It’s like being there with me.

The SPECIAL BONUS BOOKLET contains more than 40 full color reproductions of plein air paintings from a major solo exhibition.

The entire PLEIN AIR QUICK-START PACKAGE is just $50, and shipping is free anywhere in the USA. To order, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Today’s happy thought:
The fresh smell of crisp, clean mountain air

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING

“A PERFECT DAY”
6x8 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

I thought it would be interesting to include a photo here to show a comparison between what an artist sees and what the camera sees.

When painting outdoors I prefer to work on small panels like this, so the painting can be completed while weather and lighting conditions remain constant.

Larger paintings are created in the studio, like the series of 3-foot-wide paintings I recently created on commission for the City of Irvine that are now on permanent display at City Hall.

Painting large requires a very specific approach in order to retain the freshness of smaller plein air studies while satisfying the two critical viewing distances.

I cover all this and more in my new “Painting BIG package,” which includes a two-part video entitled “Secrets To Creating Successful Large Oil Paintings,” plus a printed guide entitled “Essential Secrets To Painting BIG.”

I am now taking pre-orders for the first release of this 2-DVD set and bonus material at a special price of $50. Don’t miss out. These videos also make unique Holiday gifts for your artist friends! Email me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Today’s thought:
Setting a good example

PLEIN AIR PAINTING DEMONSTRATION BY TOM BROWN

PLEIN AIR PAINTING DEMONSTRATION BY TOM BROWN

“CANYON SUNSET”
6x10 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

I thought it would be interesting to show the process of creating a plein air painting today. This canvas was photographed step-by-step for an upcoming CD release, and a few of those steps are shown here along with a photo of the actual scene.

I began by sketching the main shapes with a thin wash of ochre paint, switching to blue for the mountains. I then mixed cadmium red and blue to create the warm “darks” of the nearby trees. It was important to capture the pattern of light and shadows quickly because they would not remain constant for long at sunset.

Next I blocked in the warm greens for the nearby trees, then established colors in key areas like the sky, distant mountains and cliffs. This locked in the quickly changing portions of the scene before the light could change.

With the keynote colors safely captured, I blocked in the foreground shadows, then worked on one area at a time throughout the entire composition. I completed the sky, added more detail in the cliffs, and began working on the middle distance.

Below you can see that the middle distance was completed, final touches were added throughout the painting to add interest and sparkle, and it was finished. In the process of developing this canvas I used thick, juicy strokes of luscious pigment to add interesting surface texture. Click on the “detail” image above for a better look.

I hope you enjoyed this little demo. Leave a comment if you did, and have a happy day.

Today’s happy thought:
Sharing with others

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR PAINTING

“A PEACEFUL COUNTRY RETREAT”
6x8 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

When painting outdoors I prefer to work on small panels like this, so the painting can be completed while weather and lighting conditions remain constant.

Larger paintings are created in the studio, like the series of 3-foot-wide paintings I recently created on commission for the City of Irvine, which are now on permanent display at City Hall.

Painting large requires a very specific approach in order to retain the freshness of smaller plein air studies while satisfying the two critical viewing distances.

I cover all this and more in my new “Painting BIG package,” which includes a two-part video entitled “Secrets To Creating Successful Large Oil Paintings,” plus a printed guide entitled “Essential Secrets To Painting BIG.”

I am now taking pre-orders for the first release of this 2-DVD set and bonus material at a special price of $50. Don’t miss out. These videos also make unique Holiday gifts for your artist friends! Email me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Today’s happy thought:
Making new friends

NEWPORT BEACH, LARGE PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING

NEWPORT BEACH, LARGE PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING

“HARBOR DRAMA”
16x8 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

ANNOUNCING AN ALL-NEW DOUBLE VIDEO SET - I am now taking pre-orders for the newest set of videos taken from my TV series, in which I demonstrate how to create a large studio painting from a small plein air study.

The lesson is contained on two DVDs in which I create a 24x36 inch canvas from start to finish. In these 2 videos I share everything about the process, and the cameras capture it all, from details of my color-mixing on the palette to the way I lay strokes of paint on the canvas.

I also include tips on composition, blocking-in, values, edge treatment, aerial perspective, surface texture, how and when to use artistic license, plus much more.

I am now taking pre-orders for the first release of this 2-DVD set at a special price of $50. Don’t miss out. These videos also make unique Holiday gifts for your artist friends!

BONUS: For a limited time I will also include absolutely FREE my “Essential Secrets To Painting BIG,” which contains priceless information such as how to ensure that your painting has IMPACT in a gallery setting, how to work on large paintings in a small space, secrets to keeping freshness and vitality in your work, special equipment that makes life easier, and much more.

Email me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Today’s happy thought:
Being content with your life

CALIFORNIA VINEYARD IMPRESSIONIST OIL PAINTING

CALIFORNIA VINEYARD IMPRESSIONIST OIL PAINTING

“CALIFORNIA VINEYARD”
8x10 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

ANNOUNCING AN ALL-NEW DOUBLE VIDEO SET - I am now taking pre-orders for the newest set of videos taken from my TV series, in which I demonstrate how to create a large studio painting from a small plein air study.

The lesson is contained on two DVDs in which I create a 24x36 inch canvas from start to finish. In these 2 videos I share everything about the process, and the cameras capture it all, from details of my color-mixing on the palette to the way I lay strokes of paint on the canvas.

I also include tips on composition, blocking-in, values, edge treatment, aerial perspective, surface texture, how and when to use artistic license, plus much more.

I am now taking pre-orders for the first release of this 2-DVD set at a special price of $50. Don’t miss out. These videos also make unique Holiday gifts for your artist friends!

BONUS: For a limited time I will also include absolutely FREE my “Essential Secrets To Painting BIG,” which contains priceless information such as how to ensure that your painting has IMPACT in a gallery setting, how to work on large paintings in a small space, secrets to keeping freshness and vitality in your work, special equipment that makes life easier, and much more.

Email me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Today’s happy thought:
Wine tasting

MOONRISE AT TWILIGHT, PLEIN AIR PAINTING

MOONRISE AT TWILIGHT, PLEIN AIR PAINTING

"A MOON FOR ROMANTICS"
6x8 inch Plein Air Painting by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

A NEW ANNOUNCEMENT FOR ARTISTS: "HOW TO PAINT BIG" - I am now taking pre-orders for the newest set of videos taken from my TV series, in which I demonstrate how to create a large studio painting from a small plein air study.

The lesson is contained on two DVDs in which I create a 24x36 inch canvas from start to finish. In these 2 videos I share everything about the process, and the cameras capture it all, from details of my color-mixing on the palette to the way I lay strokes of paint on the canvas.

I also include tips on composition, blocking-in, values, edge treatment, aerial perspective, surface texture, how and when to use artistic license, plus much more.

I am now taking pre-orders for the first release of this 2-DVD set at a special price of $50. Don’t miss out. These videos also make unique Holiday gifts for your artist friends! Email me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Thanks for stopping to look.

Today’s happy thought:
People who are romantics at heart

VINTAGE GAS STATION PLEIN AIR PAINTING

VINTAGE GAS STATION PLEIN AIR PAINTING

“ABANDONED”
6x8 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

I discovered this unique gas station overgrown with weeds on the outskirts of Santa Barbara. After later research I learned that it’s an historical landmark and was used in the filming of the classic movie “The Postman Always Rings Twice.” On the net I even found photos of how this beautiful filling station looked in its heyday.

BIG NEWS FOR ARTISTS: "HOW TO PAINT BIG" - I am now taking pre-orders for the newest set of videos taken from my TV series, in which I demonstrate how to create a large studio painting from a small plein air study.

The lesson is contained on two DVDs in which I create a 24x36 inch canvas from start to finish. In these 2 videos I share everything about the process, and the cameras capture it all, from details of my color-mixing on the palette to the way I lay strokes of paint on the canvas.

I also include tips on composition, blocking-in, values, edge treatment, aerial perspective, surface texture, how and when to use artistic license, plus much more.

I am now taking pre-orders for the first release of this 2-DVD set at a special price of $50. Don’t miss out. These videos also make unique Holiday gifts for your artist friends! Email me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Thanks for stopping to look.

Today’s happy thought:
Relics from another era

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR PAINTING

“FIVE O’CLOCK SHADOW”
Plein Air Study by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

When painting on location I sometimes use quick unfinished studies like this to capture the fleeting effects of light and color in a few bold strokes. An example here is the golden sunlight on the billowing clouds, and the pale gray-lavender color of the distant mountains.

These studies are like little jewels that sparkle with life, and I often frame them in this unfinished state. Click on the “detail” image for a better view.

If you would like to try your hand at plein air painting but can’t attend my live workshops, my new “PLEIN AIR QUICK-START PACKAGE” will get you started on the right path. It includes videos from my TV shows and much more. Plus I have a series of e-books on CDs. They also make unique Holiday gifts for your artist friends! Email me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Thanks for stopping to look.

Today’s happy thought:
The end of a perfect day

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR PAINTING

“EARLY MORNING LIGHT”
Plein Air Study by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

When painting on location I sometimes use quick unfinished studies like this to capture the spirit of the scene before it changes. This is one example.

Early morning light and atmospheric conditions are often very fleeting, and there is time for just a few bold strokes before they vanish. Click on the “detail” image for a better view of the color and brushwork captured in this little jewel.

If you would like to try your hand at plein air painting but can’t attend my live workshops, my new “PLEIN AIR QUICK-START PACKAGE” will get you started on the right path. It includes videos from my TV shows and much more.

Plus I have a series of e-books on CDs that also make unique Holiday gifts for your artist friends! Email me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Thanks for stopping to look.

Today’s happy thought:
The aroma of fresh coffee in the early morning

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR PAINTING

“VIEW FROM QUAIL HILL”
12x7 inch Plein Air oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

Saturday morning my group of 20 student artists joined me at Quail Hill, with this breathtaking view of mountains in the distance. This is the canvas I painted during the workshop.

If you would like to try your hand at plein air painting but can’t attend my live workshops, my new “PLEIN AIR QUICK-START PACKAGE” will get you started on the right path. It includes videos from my TV shows and much more. It also makes a unique Holiday gift for your artist friends! Email me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Thanks for stopping to look.

Today’s happy thought:
Birds singing with nature

COWS GRAZING, LANDSCAPE BY TOM BROWN

GRAZING COWS IN MORNING LIGHT

“HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, KID”
6x8 inch original oil painting
To purchase this, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

I also have a series of instructional DVDs and CDs that make perfect Holiday gifts for beginning or experienced painters.

The DVDs are videos from my TV show on plein air painting, and in each video I take you from start to finish of a plein air painting filmed in real time on location.

For more information, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Today’s happy thought:
A new beginning

LARGE MIDWEST LANDSCAPE, TREES BY TOM BROWN

LARGE MIDWEST LANDSCAPE, TREES BY TOM BROWN

“A WALK IN THE COUNTRY”
12x9 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

If you would like to try your hand at plein air painting but can’t attend my live workshops, my new PLEIN AIR QUICK-START PACKAGE will get you started on the right path. It also makes a unique Holiday gift for your artist friends!

The new PLEIN AIR QUICK-START PACKAGE includes:
1) A FREE full color QUICK-START GUIDE
2) TWO FULL-LENGTH VIDEOS on DVDs
3) A SPECIAL BONUS BOOKLET of plein air paintings.

The FREE QUICK-START GUIDE includes tips on a plein air kit I created that’s virtually free and goes anywhere, PLUS my personal secrets to help you create plein air “winners” every time.
The TWO FULL-LENGTH VIDEOS are from my TV shows, filmed live on location. Each video covers a different subject and shows me filmed in real time as I go from blank panel to finished painting. It’s like being there with me.

The SPECIAL BONUS BOOKLET contains more than 40 full color reproductions of plein air paintings from a major solo exhibition.

The entire PLEIN AIR QUICK-START PACKAGE is just $50, and shipping is free anywhere in the USA. To order, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

I also have two very popular “e-books” available on CDs that are perfect for the beginning artist or beginning plein air painter. These are electronic books that can be read on a computer, or printed out for permanent reference. My CDs “OIL PAINTING MADE EASY” and “PLEIN AIR PAINTING MADE EASY” cover the basics of my Quick Start Shortcuts to oil painting in easy-to-follow steps. They are perfect for all skill levels.

Each CD is priced at $30, with free shipping anywhere in the USA. Or take advantage of my SPECIAL E-BOOK PACKAGE for just $50.

The SPECIAL E-BOOK PACKAGE includes:
1) A FREE full color QUICK-START GUIDE described above.
2) TWO E-BOOKS on CDs (“OIL PAINTING MADE EASY” and “PLEIN AIR PAINTING MADE EASY”)
3) PLUS A SPECIAL BONUS BOOKLET containing more than 40 full color reproductions of plein air paintings from a major solo exhibition.

The entire E-BOOK PACKAGE is just $50, and shipping is free anywhere in the USA. To order, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Today’s thought:
People who keep their promises