CANYON PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“PEACEFUL CANYON”
8x10 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net
SOLD

This year I am encouraging every artist to get outside and experience the joy of painting from nature. The key to enjoying it is to pack correctly. Don’t take too much, and don’t take too little.

One of my favorite plein air kits weighs only three pounds including everything I need to create three paintings. It costs a fraction of most commercial models and it’s very rugged, sets up instantly and travels well.

Full details about this kit are in “USEFUL TIPS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING,” an electronic handout originally created for my plein air students. (Now available for just $10 via email.)

The handout also gives an overview of my plein air working methods complete with two step-by-step demonstrations. And I provide a complete packing list, tips on how to dress for painting outdoors, and details on an innovative tool for solving perspective problems on location. Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net if you’re interested.

RED TAIL HAWK PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“GUARDIAN OF THE CANYON”
8x6 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

SOLD

It was worth a long hike to witness this moment. A red tailed hawk was perched high on the canyon wall, surveying his domain. In moments I was set up and painting. I didn’t want to miss this chance.

To my surprise the hawk remained motionless until this painting was nearly complete. It almost seemed he was posing for me. Perhaps he was. Click the image for a larger view. The hawk is seen against the sky on an outcropping of rock.

Plein air painting offers joys that are not to be experienced in the studio. But the key to enjoying it is to pack correctly. Don’t take too much, and don’t take too little.

The plein air kit I used for this painting weighs only three pounds including the tripod. It costs a fraction of most commercial models and it’s very rugged (perfect for hiking into remote areas). Plus it holds everything I need to create three paintings.

Full details about this kit are in “USEFUL TIPS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING,” an electronic handout originally created for my plein air students. (Now available for just $10 via email.)

The handout also gives an overview of my plein air working methods complete with two step-by-step demonstrations. And I provide a complete packing list, tips on how to dress for painting outdoors, and details on an innovative tool for solving perspective problems on location. Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net if you’re interested.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.

PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“DRAMA IN THE SKY”
8x6 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
If you would like this little gem for your wall, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

SOLD

I encourage every artist to get outside with your paints and work directly from nature. The key to enjoying it is to pack correctly. Don’t take too much, and don’t take too little.

Today’s painting is shown here inside one of my favorite plein air paint boxes. The paint box costs a fraction of most commercial models and it mounts on any standard camera tripod. It sets up instantly, travels well and the entire kit weighs only three pounds (including the tripod).

Full details about this kit are in “USEFUL TIPS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING,” an electronic handout originally created for my plein air students. (Now available for just $10 via email.)

The handout also gives an overview of my plein air working methods complete with two step-by-step demonstrations. And I provide a complete packing list, tips on how to dress for painting outdoors, and details on an innovative tool for solving perspective problems on location.

Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net if you’re interested.

PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROAD”
6x4 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
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The song by John Denver ran through my mind as I painted this while standing in the center of a country road. Occasionally I stepped aside when I saw approaching cars, but they were rare. Most of this painting was done in peaceful solitude and I truly enjoyed the experience. Hopefully that shows in the painting.

If you would like this little gem for your wall, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

I encourage every artist to get outside with your paints and work directly from nature. The key to really enjoying it is to pack light. (See last week’s blog for details on my favorite painting kits.)

I hope the new year is treating you well. Have a good day, and thanks for stopping to look.

PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“A SLICE OF SUNSHINE”
6x6 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
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I expected to be painting a pure gray scene, with heavy rain clouds blanketing the area. At the last moment the clouds parted and a slice of sunshine crossed the landscape. Got it!

If you would like this little gem for your wall, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Thanks for looking.

FARM FRESH EGGS PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“FARM FRESH EGGS”
10x8 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
Email for purchasing details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

SOLD

Edge treatment (loose, painterly brushwork) can add a great deal of charm and interest to any subject, but it is especially effective when working with relatively plain subject matter like this.

I felt that looser, more angular brush strokes on the eggs would lend artistic flair. (Click the image for a larger view.) Some of these strokes appear to be on the verge of being out of control, but this style of brush stroke actually takes the same amount of care and precision as photorealism. I hope you like it.

Thanks for looking; have a nice day.

STORM CLOUDS PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“THUNDERHEAD OVER SADDLEBACK MOUNTAIN”
8x6 inch original plein air
oil painting by Tom Brown
Email for purchasing details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

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We had to postpone filming of a new TV segment here when unexpected rain made it too risky to bring expensive film equipment outdoors.

I decided to go it alone anyway, and try to capture this in a painting. The light and clouds changed constantly as you can see in these photos. Fortunately I completed the painting and made it to the safety of my car before the rain came down.

Thanks for looking. Stay dry and have a nice day.

LARGE CALIFORNIA FREEWAY PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“OPEN ROAD”
15x5 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
Email for purchasing details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

The open road always holds promise of adventure and exciting discoveries ahead. This painting is one I did for pure self-indulgence. It’s a bit different than most plein air paintings on my blog, but it happens to be one of my favorite pieces. I feel it captures the spirit of the open road.

The painting is shown here inside one of my favorite plein air paint boxes. This painting kit is perfect for anyone who wants to take their paints outdoors. It is ideal for all sizes from the smallest painting to this 15-inch piece or larger. The paint box costs a fraction of most commercial models and it mounts on any standard camera tripod. It sets up instantly, travels well and weighs only three pounds.

I give full details about it in my electronic handout “USEFUL TIPS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING.” The handout was originally created for participants in my current plein air workshop, and it is now available for $10 through this blog.

The handout also gives an overview of my plein air working methods complete with two step-by-step demonstrations. And I provide a complete packing list, tips on how to dress for painting outdoors, and details on an innovative tool for solving perspective problems on location. Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net if you’re interested.

Thanks for stopping to look. May your journey today be a good one.

CALIFORNIA PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“GOLDEN LIGHT ON THE FOOTHILLS”
8x10 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
Email for purchasing details: tombrownstudio@cox.net
SOLD

If you would like to try your hand at plein air painting, you might be interested in one of the latest “electronic handouts” specially created for students in my current plein air workshop.

This e-handout, called “USEFUL TIPS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING” is now available for just $10. It is a PDF file that can be emailed immediately so you can get started right away.

It supplies details for some of my favorite plein air kits including the one shown here. This kit sets up and breaks down instantly. It’s very sturdy and easy to transport. And the entire kit weighs only three pounds and contains everything necessary to complete 3 paintings and transport them safely home.

This new e-handout also gives an overview of my plein air working methods complete with two step-by-step demonstrations. I also provide a complete packing list, tips on how to dress for painting outdoors, and details on an innovative tool for solving perspective problems on location.

Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net for details.

CALIFORNIA COASTAL PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“CORONA DEL MAR”
8x6.5 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
Email for purchasing details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

SOLD

This painting was done as a demonstration for the plein air workshop I taught last weekend at the ocean. We had balmy weather and clear skies. It was a perfect day for painting outdoors.

If you would like to try your hand at plein air painting, you might be interested in one of the latest “electronic handouts” specially created for students in this workshop.

This e-handout, called “USEFUL TIPS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING” is now available for just $10. It is a PDF file that can be emailed immediately so you can get started right away.

This e-handout gives an overview of my plein air working methods complete with two step-by-step demonstrations. I also provide a complete packing list, tips on how to dress for painting outdoors, and details on an innovative tool for solving perspective problems on location.

It also shows some of my favorite plein air kits including the one used in yesterday’s blog. (That entire kit weighs only three pounds and contains everything necessary to complete 3 paintings and safely transport them home.)

Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net for details.

CALIFORNIA RANCH PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“RANCHITO VISTA”
8x10 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown

SOLD

At the edge of a California ranch I set up my easel and painted this scene of the rancher’s home set in an oasis of palm trees. The sprawling mountain range made the perfect backdrop. This was painted entirely on location and it captures the truth of a scene as only a plein air painting can.

If you would like this colorful piece for your wall, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net and we’ll make it yours. Thanks for looking.

FREEWAY PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“ROAD TRIP”
8x10 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown

Beauty can be found in unexpected places. I was attracted to this composition by the contrast of natural and man made shapes. And I’ve always enjoyed the start of a road trip, with the promise of adventures and discoveries ahead.

If you would like this colorful piece for your wall, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net and we’ll make it yours. Thanks for looking.

SUNSET PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“LAST LIGHT”
6x6 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown

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Every sunset is another magic show, and this was no exception. I was delighted to have my traveling paintbox handy so that I could capture this and preserve the moment.

If you would like this colorful piece to hang on your own wall, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net and we’ll make it yours. Thanks for looking.

TWINKIES BY TOM BROWN

“TWINKIES”
6x6 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
SOLD

New Year’s Resolution: Enjoy life more; eat more Twinkies! (Finally, this is a resolution I can keep.)

Thanks for looking.

OCEAN PALMS PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“CLIFF NOTES”
6x8 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown

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Once in awhile a giant section of this cliff tumbles into the ocean. I have seen the results more than once and I am glad I wasn’t standing there at the time.

These breathtaking cliffs are in the artist’s colony of Laguna Beach, one of my favorite spots to paint. Palm trees rustle in the balmy ocean breeze as seagulls circle overhead. It’s an artist’s dream come true.

After a day of painting here I always come away feeling mellow and relaxed. I think it shows in the painting. I hope you like it.

If you would like this painting on your own wall, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net and we’ll make it yours. Thanks for looking.

URBAN PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“THE CORNER OF THE CIRCLE”
8x10 inch plein air oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

At the edge of Plaza Park in the city of Orange sits this popular coffee shop. The park is bordered by streets at right angles to each other but the plaza in the center is circular, hence the title.

This painting was done as a demonstration piece for a plein air workshop I taught. The coffee shop is a very colorful and unique piece of architecture. And it is always busy; gotta have that coffee!

Thanks for stopping to look.

STILL LIFE WITH ORANGE BY TOM BROWN

“GLOWING COLOR”
6x6 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown

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This colorful piece has some beautiful sparkle and painterly brushwork. Click the image for a larger view and you’ll see what I mean. If you decide this little jewel belongs on your wall email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net and we’ll make it yours.

Things have gotten off to a great start for me this year and I hope the same is true for each of you. Stay posted for exciting developments as the year unfolds. Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by.

ORANGE AND BLUE STILL LIFE BY TOM BROWN

“THE COLOR OF LIGHT”
6x8 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
SOLD

This colorful piece has some beautiful sparkle and painterly brushwork. The oranges actually seem to glow with inner light. Click the image for a larger view and you’ll see what I mean. If you decide this little jewel belongs on your wall email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net and we’ll make it yours.

Things have already gotten off to a great start this year and I hope the same is true for each of you. Stay posted for exciting developments as the year unfolds. Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by.

LARGE PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“TAKING THE LONG VIEW”
16x6 inch original plein air painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

I hope the New Year is proving to be a happy one for you. I am looking forward to an exciting new year filled with promise and things have already gotten off to a great start.

This Saturday I begin conducting a new plein air workshop where we will be covering fresh new approaches to working on location. To help my students hit the ground running I have prepared a set of free bonus materials consisting of information-packed electronic handouts.

Even first-time plein air painters will be off to a fast start in this workshop. It promises to be a wonderful and rewarding experience for everyone and I am looking forward to the start of this new series as always. I wish all the artists who follow my blog could join us for these refreshing workshops. But even if you live in distant places I encourage you to get outside with your paints and work directly from nature as soon as the weather cooperates. You will benefit more than you could imagine.

Thanks for stopping by.

BACK ALLEY PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“BACK ALLEY”
6x8 inch original plein air painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

Something as unpretentious as a back alley can offer surprising beauty if one takes the time to look. For adventurous plein air painters, paintings are everywhere just waiting to happen.

On January 3rd I posted a painting done not far from this spot on a foggy morning. Scroll back on my blog and you’ll see it. Today’s painting was done on a clear day, giving the scene an entirely new look.

If you live in the area come join my Plein Air Workshop beginning this Saturday, January 10th. There is still time to register. All skill levels are welcome, and I have some new and interesting lessons planned for everyone.

Or check out my “PLEIN AIR VIDEO & E-BOOK PACKAGE” for you everything you need to know to join the fun of outdoor painting. It’s just $50, and it will get you started on the right track.

Email me for details if you’re interested: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“WHITE TRELLIS & RED TRICYCLE”
6x6 inch original plein air painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.
SOLD

This charming house with a white trellis caught my eye and I set up my easel across the street. Near the gate was a small red tricycle that added a nice touch of color.

It was a peaceful morning and I painted undisturbed, but just as my painting was completed two cars joined the scene. Fortunately I had already captured the charm of the scene before they arrived. I am including a photo here as a comparison of what the camera sees and what the artist sees in a scene.

I would like to suggest a New Year’s Resolution for every artist who follows this blog: Make this the year when you actually get outside and paint directly from nature (en plein air). You will certainly grow as an artist, guaranteed.

If you live in the area you may want to join my Plein Air Workshop beginning this Saturday, January 10th. All skill levels are welcome, and I have some new and interesting lessons planned for everyone. Email me for details if you’re interested: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

If you can’t attend my live workshops, my “PLEIN AIR VIDEO & E-BOOK PACKAGE” will show you everything you need to know to join the fun of outdoor painting. It’s just $50, and it will get you started right. See yesterday’s blog for more information or email me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Thanks for looking.

PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“REFLECTIONS ON A QUIET STREAM”
6x8 inch original plein air painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.
SOLD

I would like to suggest a New Year’s Resolution for every artist who follows this blog: Make this the year when you actually get outside and paint directly from nature (en plein air). Your studio paintings will improve greatly as a result, guaranteed.

If you live in the area you may want to join my live Plein Air Workshop beginning this Saturday, January 10th. All skill levels are welcome, and I have some new and interesting lessons planned for everyone. Email me for details if you’re interested: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

If you can’t attend my live workshops, my “PLEIN AIR VIDEO & E-BOOK PACKAGE” will show you everything you need to know to join the fun of outdoor painting.

It contains a DVD VIDEO from my popular TV series on plein air painting. Cameras follow me every step of the way as I paint live on location in a majestic canyon at sunrise. You can watch me in real time as I go from start to finish creating a complete plein air painting.

The “PLEIN AIR VIDEO & E-BOOK PACKAGE” also contains an E-BOOK on a CD that you will view on your computer or print out for handy reference. You can look over my shoulder as I create a number of paintings under different conditions. In each demonstration I show step-by-step details and give you the recipes for color mixing, tips on brush strokes, and loads more. You can follow along to gain practical experience before ever venturing outdoors with your own paints.

This “PLEIN AIR VIDEO & E-BOOK PACKAGE” is for anyone from absolute beginners to experienced artists. I show you all my inside tips, tricks and techniques; things that you can use right away. I explain how to get started, an easy way to simplify complex scenes, how to judge values (the lightness and darkness of colors), the best ways to use brush stroke technique and lots more. I even include details on an inexpensive painting kit that goes anywhere. (It costs “pocket change” and I use mine frequently.)

To order mail me for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM TOM BROWN

“STUDIO BRUSH JAR”
6x8 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

I would like to suggest a New Year’s Resolution for every artist who follows this blog: Make this the year when you actually get outside and paint directly from nature (en plein air). Your studio paintings will improve greatly as a result, even if you’re simply painting a glass jar filled with brushes.

Plein air painting will help you add artistic flair to all your work, which helps any subject come alive. For example some of the brush strokes in this painting seem to border on being out of control, yet they are carefully and thoughtfully placed to capture the essence of the subject while retaining the same freshness I put into my plein air paintings.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on special easels and gear to paint outdoors. In my “PLEIN AIR QUICK-START PACKAGE” I show a plein air setup that is virtually free and travels anywhere. Email for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

I hope 2009 unfolds beautifully for you in every way.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM TOM BROWN

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

SOLD

Thank you everyone, for a wonderful 2008. And HAPPY 2009!

I want to sincerely thank each of you who purchased my art this past year. Your support enables me to continue doing what I love most.

I want to thank each of you who purchased paintings shown on my blog. I always enjoy your delightful emails when you receive the artwork and see it in person. It truly makes my day to know someone has connected with my work. This is what an artist lives for. And it is reinforced by the number of you who have returned so frequently for additional paintings throughout the year. To me that says it all.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of you who privately commissioned me to create original paintings for you that now decorate your homes or offices. A number of very special private commissions were created this past year for wedding gifts, anniversaries and birthdays, and for these I feel truly honored.

I consider this the most genuine demonstration of your appreciation for my work, and I am very moved by your support and trust. Thank you.

I also want to thank all the loyal students in the workshops I conduct as well as those who have followed my art instruction on CDs, DVDs, and my TV show. I enjoy sharing with other artists what I have learned over the years, and it thrills me to see students suddenly take their art to new levels. (By the way, I will begin teaching a new Plein Air Workshop on January 10th and there are still a few spots open. We will meet on Saturday mornings for 5 weeks at various locations around Orange County, California. Email me if you’re interested in attending: tombrownstudio@cox.net)

In 2008 I began shipping internationally for just a few special collectors. Gradually the word spread and now a great many of my paintings are now displayed in far-flung corners of the world. It must take a special trust for those of you in distant lands to purchase artwork you have never seen in person. And my heart has been greatly warmed by the fact that so many of you have come back again and again for additional purchases. Thank you so much.

2008 has been a wonderful year and I look forward to new and exciting things in 2009! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM TOM BROWN

“PEACEFUL MORNING FOG”
6x8 inch original Plein Air oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Another beautiful fog blanketed the area this morning. Sounds were muffled and peacefulness surrounded me as I worked. Yesterday I had hoped to capture the fog in a painting but the weather changed too soon (see yesterday’s blog). This time I caught it before the fog lifted.

I realized this would be a valuable lesson in tonalist painting for my Plein Air workshop students, so I photographed the painting in detailed steps as it developed. A few of the steps are shown here.

In my upcoming Plein Air Workshop beginning January 10th I will provide my students with large photos of each step, along with a detailed explanation so that they can better understand how to approach this type of subject.

If you live in the area you may enjoy participating in this workshop. All skill levels are welcome, and I have some new and interesting lessons planned for everyone. Email me for details if you’re interested: tombrownstudio@cox.net.

If you can’t attend my live workshops, check out my CDs and DVDs for lessons on studio painting as well as Plein Air painting. It’s the next best thing to being there with me.

Thanks for looking. I hope all your dreams come true in the New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM TOM BROWN

“A MORNING WALK ON NEW YEAR’S DAY”
6x8 inch original Plein Air oil painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

I like to start the New Year by getting out first thing in the morning and painting on location. It gets my year off to a fresh start. This is my first painting of 2009.

A thick fog enveloped my neighborhood when I awoke, and I grabbed my gear expecting to capture that in a painting.

I headed for a local canyon, anticipating the magical effects that fog would bring to the scene. To my surprise, halfway to my painting site I drove out of the fog and into bright sunshine!

I decided to go with it anyway and set up my easel near a trail along the edge of the canyon.

For this painting I used a custom metal paintbox that fits on a lightweight camera tripod. This paintbox is completely self-contained and sets up in moments. I simply open the box and paint. When I’m finished, I close the lid and I’m packed to go. My wet palette and fresh painting are safely contained inside. It’s a Plein Air painter’s dream.

Many friendly people jogged or walked by as I worked and we exchanged good wishes for the New Year. As I brought the painting to completion I decided to add a couple of these friendly folks to the scene. I hope you like it; this is my first Plein Air painting of the New Year.

Once again, I want to thank all my loyal followers who made 2008 such a wonderful year for me. And I want to wish you all a HAPPY 2009!

It is your continued support that enables me to earn a living by adding joy and beauty to the world while doing what I love most.

(By the way, I will teach a new Plein Air Workshop beginning on January 10th and there are still a few spots open. We will meet on Saturday mornings for 5 weeks at various locations around Orange County, California. Email me for further details if you’re interested in attending: tombrownstudio@cox.net)

Thank you again for making 2008 such a wonderful year. I have some new and exciting things planned for 2009, so please stay tuned.

I WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!