TOM BROWN PLEIN AIR PAINTING OF QUIET POND

"EDGE OF THE POND"
6x8 INCH ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN

A palette knife painting from the edge of a quiet pond. This was painted during a workshop I taught for other artists. I’m including a photo taken as I painted this on location. It may be interesting for comparison with my interpretation of the scene.

Enjoy the moment. If you would like to purchase this painting email me: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown

TOM BROWN LARGE OIL PAINTING, MORRO BAY, BOATS

"MORRO BAY, FOGGY DAY"
12x16 INCH ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD

This is a larger painting than I usually post on my blog but I wanted to share it here.

It is a studio painting featuring Morro Rock behind the harbor filled with moored boats. A small stream of seagulls is flying into the scene from the right side.

The colors are softened by the slight fog in the air, giving this painting a sense of peace and relaxation. This will make a wonderful keepsake if you have ever visited this charming seaside town with its picturesque harbor and the impressive Morro Rock rising from the water.

If you would like to purchase this painting email me: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown

LONE CYPRESS IN MONTEREY, TOM BROWN HISTORIC LANDMARK PAINTING

“LONE CYPRESS, MONTEREY”
12x16 INCH ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD

The Lone Cypress Tree in Monterey, California is over 250 years old and is one of the most famous trees in the world. The tree is perched precariously on a rock overlooking the ocean, and is recognized as a symbol of Monterey.

This painting has loads of thick, juicy oil paint creating a rich surface texture on the canvas. Click the detail images for a better look. It will be shipped safely and is ready to frame.

If you’d like to own this studio painting of the famous Monterey landmark email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Thanks for stopping to look.
Tom Brown

TOM BROWN FULL MOON OUTDOOR NIGHT PAINTING

"FULL MOON OVER STILL WATERS"
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN
This scene of the rising moon was a joy to paint. I hope you like it.

This was actually painted outdoors at night, on location. I conducted a Plein Air Workshop at this location recently (see the photo with some of my students setting up). Then I returned to capture the full moon rising at night.

This painting is now on eBay at a very reasonable starting bid. To bid, click this link:
http://shop.ebay.com/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

By the way, on YouTube I recently posted a video explaining the special gear I use for night painting outdoors. Have a look.

ANTIQUE POCKET WATCH, HOURGLASS, TOM BROWN OIL PAINTING

“TIME AFTER TIME”
6x8 INCH ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN

I enjoy painting outdoors from nature, but occasionally I also like to spend time in the studio like I did when I created this little piece of nostalgia. This was done for pure self indulgence, and it was a true delight to watch it come together.

I kept it fairly loose and painterly to inject a sense of artistic flair. But I was careful to capture the subtle nuances of color and tone that attracted me to the subject. I liked the lighting, especially the reflected color inside the open lid of the watch and the shadow falling across the face of the watch. And I liked the way the light caught the sands in the hourglass.

I decided to put this on eBay. If you’d like to bid, click here to see my eBay auctions:
http://shop.ebay.com/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

Thanks for stopping to look. Have a great time today.
Tom Brown

ABANDONED COUNTRY STORE, TOM BROWN OIL PAINTING

“FOOD – GAS – BAIT”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN

It's hard to imagine why some business concepts fail to thrive. It may have something to do with the naming of the place. For example this little roadside shop with a sign reading: “FOOD GAS BAIT”. Perhaps that wasn’t very appetizing to some people.

I love exploring remote back roads and finding little country stores and abandoned buildings with an interesting history. Especially places that may have seen better days, but appear to have been unique in their time.

I always carry my oil paints and easel with me at times like this so I can create paintings of these glimpses into the past on the spot (plein air painting).

In this painting I deliberately kept the colors subdued and used lively, painterly brushwork to create an interesting surface texture with richly applied, juicy oil paints.

To bid on this painting, see my eBay auctions:
http://shop.ebay.com/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

TOM BROWN PALETTE KNIFE LANDSCAPE

“MYSTERY STOP SIGN”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL OIL
ON MASONITE PANEL
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD

Another road painting done with my trusty pochade box and palette knife. In the middle of noplace particular there is an official stop sign here. For no known reason. No crossroad. No driveway. Nothing. Just the stop sign. It’s a mystery. I simply HAD to paint this one. I hope you like it.

I still paint with a brush and will continue to show those paintings as well, but in the next couple of days I’ll also be featuring more of these small palette knife paintings done while on the road. This little jewel is painted on a prepared masonite panel ready to frame or display on a shelf easel.

This painting is very affordably priced at the moment. If you would like it to grace your walls, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

TOM BROWN, LOS ANGELES FREEWAY AND PALMS

“LOS ANGELES FREEWAY AND PALMS”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL PALETTE KNIFE
OIL PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

I still paint with a brush and will continue to show those paintings, but I will occasionally feature some of my palette knife paintings like this also. There is something powerful about these little pieces, with thick juicy oil paint creating rich surface texture on the painting. Hope you like it.

To bid on this painting, see my eBay auctions:
http://shop.ebay.com/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

Thanks for stopping to look.
Tom Brown

TOM BROWN CALIFORNIA VINEYARD

“CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL PALETTE KNIFE
OIL PAINTING BY TOM BROWN
SOLD

I still paint with a brush and will continue to show those paintings, but I will occasionally feature some of my palette knife paintings like this also. There is something powerful about these little pieces, with thick juicy oil paint creating rich surface texture on the painting. Hope you like it.

Thanks for stopping to look.
Tom Brown

COUNTRY STORE, TOM BROWN PALETTE KNIFE LANDSCAPE

“SPARKY’S – THE PLACE TO STOP”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL OIL ON MASONITE PANEL
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD
It’s like a treasure hunt when I travel back roads in the country. I never know what little discovery I’ll find around the next bend in the road. This was another of the charming little Mom & Pop establishments I stopped to capture in a painting. It’s like a pleasant trip back to a simpler time.

Thanks for looking. Let me know if you’d like this little jewel: tombrownstudio@cox.net

TOM BROWN PALETTE KNIFE LANDSCAPE

“AFTER THE RAIN”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL OIL ON MASONITE PANEL
BY TOM BROWN

Another palette knife painting during my recent road trip. This one is about the sky. The rains have passed and the skies are clearing. The road is clear ahead as far as I can see. I couldn’t resist pulling off the road for a quick painting of the scene before I shot on down the highway. It was very restful here. Hope you like this one.

This painting is very affordably priced at the moment. If you would like it to grace your walls, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

TOM BROWN EGGS IN SKILLET

“SUNNY SIDE UP”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL OIL
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD
An artist should paint what he likes. ‘Nuff said.

This tasty little painting is very affordably priced at the moment. If you would like it email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Thanks for looking. Have a delicious day.
Tom Brown

TOM BROWN PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE, DUCK POND

“A SITTING DUCK”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD

I had a camera with me so I was able to snap a photo of this scene before I finished. But the ducks were constantly moving and I failed to get them in the shot. The title of this piece comes from the lone duck who was sitting quite still as the others swam toward him. He’s off to the right side of the pond in my painting.

It was a gray day, which muted all the colors that would normally be bold and vibrant. I found it to be a restful change of pace from the brilliant sunshine we’re used to here in Southern California. This is one of the locations where I’ll be conducting a Plein Air Workshop in the coming weeks. It’s a very inspirational setting.

This painting was done with a brush rather than a knife like yesterday’s palette knife painting. In the coming days I’ll occasionally feature more of my small palette knife paintings as well as other paintings done with a brush like this one.

This painting is very affordably priced at the moment. If you would like it to grace your walls, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

TOM BROWN PALETTE KNIFE LANDSCAPE

“IF WE AIN’T GOT IT YOU DON’T NEED IT”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL OIL
ON MASONITE PANEL
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD

In the middle of nowhere along a rural road I discovered this all-in-one store. Apparently they carry everything you could want while passing by. The sign simply says, “IF WE AIN’T GOT IT YOU DON’T NEED IT.” I couldn’t pass without stopping.

I feel there’s always time for a short break and a pick-me-up. And of course there’s always time for a small painting while I’m stopped. Hope you like this one. I did the whole thing with my palette knife and portable pochade box. It’s a great tool for capturing little vignettes like this quickly and efficiently.

I still paint with a brush and will continue to show those paintings as well, but in the next couple of days I’ll also be featuring more of these small palette knife paintings done while on the road. This little jewel is painted on a prepared masonite panel ready to frame or display on a shelf easel.

This painting is very affordably priced at the moment. If you would like it to grace your walls, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

TOM BROWN PALETTE KNIFE LANDSCAPE

“THE FIRST GENTLE GLOW OF DAWN”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL PALETTE KNIFE
OIL PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

This is another small treasure done at the edge of a farm during a recent painting trip. It was my first painting of the day, and the world was still asleep as the first gentle glow of dawn appeared in the sky.

Paintings like this give me a sense of relaxation every time I look at them. I hope you have the same feeling.

This painting is very affordably priced at the moment. If you would like it to grace your walls, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

PACIFIC GROVE SCENE BY TOM BROWN

“MONTEREY CYPRESS AT PACIFIC GROVE”
6x8 INCH ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD

The Monterey Cypress trees in Pacific Grove, California have a unique characteristic that includes twisted limbs forming unusual patterns and shapes. Combine that with the dramatic coastal scenery and you are faced with a painting just waiting to happen.

The last time I visited the area I did a number of plein air studies and a few larger paintings as well. This painting is based on one of the plein air studies that now hangs on my studio wall.

If you would like this little jewel to grace your walls, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

RESTFUL LANDSCAPE BY TOM BROWN

“ABSOLUTE PEACE AND SERENITY”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL PALETTE KNIFE
OIL PAINTING BY TOM BROWN
SOLD
As I’ve mentioned, my usual style of painting is done with brushes. (Like the painting you’ll see tomorrow). But occasionally I like to paint with a palette knife. Alternating between the two styles of painting keeps me fresh in each style.

This one was done at the edge of a farm. It was a cool day with a fresh breeze. Nobody was working the fields at the time, and I had a morning of absolute peace and serenity while I painted.

I feel a sense of relaxation every time I look at this painting. I hope it gives you the same wonderful feelings.

If you would like this little jewel to grace your walls, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

LANDSCAPE PALETTE KNIFE PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“A JEWEL OF A DAY”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL PALETTE KNIFE
OIL PAINTING BY TOM BROWN
SOLD
THIS LITTLE PIECE HAS A BIG PUNCH. The colors in many areas of this piece are actually muted or “grayed” down. Yet the overall piece contains drama and strength of color and tone. I was very pleased with this piece.

Working with a knife creates a bold and dynamic effect. It goes right to the heart of the composition and makes a powerful statement, even in a small painting.

As I’ve mentioned before, my usual style of painting is done with brushes. But occasionally I like to complete an entire painting with the palette knife, as in this case. Alternating between the two styles of painting keeps me fresh in each style. I hope you like this one.

If you would like this little jewel to grace your walls, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

COUNTRY LANDSCAPE BY TOM BROWN

“THE RICHNESS OF A SIMPLER LIFE”
6x8 INCH ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD
For purchasing details email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net

Mike Bruckner struck gold when he lost his job. He came out to chat with me as I painted his place from this vantage point.

Mike says he began to live a little when his career died. It made him redefine what was truly important in life. That led to letting go of some goals and placing more emphasis on things like relationships, time to enjoy each day and helping others. And it’s been very rewarding.

He and his wife bought this country property and scaled back in many ways. They settled into a more calm and peaceful lifestyle, free from the hectic pace he had known before.

He says he’s now the richest man he knows.

I hope you enjoy your day, and I thank you for stopping to look.
Tom Brown

COLORFUL PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE BY TOM BROWN

“LONG SHADOWS & SOLITUDE”
6x8 INCH ORIGINAL PLEIN AIR
OIL PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

On country roads with little traffic I sometimes take a chance and set up my pochade easel right in the roadway. That’s exactly what I did here when the afternoon light and color were too much to resist. Fortunately I was undisturbed the entire time I painted. Not a single car passed, and I lived to tell the tale.

Shadows crept across the road while I worked, and so I included these long shadows in the painting. But the photo shows the scene as it looked when I first set up my easel. Hope you like this little glimpse of country solitude. If you’d like this spot of color hanging on your wall, email me for purchasing details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Have a safe day, and thanks for looking.
Tom Brown

VENICE CANAL, GONDOLAS BY TOM BROWN

“VENICE CANAL WITH GONDOLAS”
6x8 INCH ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN

Venice is a unique experience. The waterways serving as streets. The buildings disappearing into water at the base. The small foot bridges crossing the canals. And the sparkling reflections.

I had some wonderful experiences in Venice and will always have fond memories.

If you would like to own this colorful little memory-maker, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown

BARN PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“SEEN BETTER DAYS”
6x8 INCH PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD
I LOVE OLD BARNS. I grew up in farm country, and even as a teenager I often spent time sketching and painting the aging structures on nearby farms.

Whenever I come upon a relic like this I’m captivated by it. I think of all the lives that have revolved around this farm, and the rich stories that must go along with them. Even though this relic has seen better days, it has served its purpose well.

Thanks for stopping to look. Have a relaxing day. And if you would like to own this memory of bygone days, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

URBAN PALETTE KNIFE STUDY BY TOM BROWN

“BACK ALLEY ON BALBOA ISLAND”
5x4 INCH PLEIN AIR STUDY
ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING BY TOM BROWN
SOLD
This is another example of a quick study created on-site to capture the moment, similar to yesterday’s blog post.

Time and opportunity don’t always permit a more developed painting on location. In cases like this, I sometimes use the palette knife to quickly record the essential composition and color of a scene.

Then I can supplement that information with photos to document additional details. If I later want to create a gallery painting of the scene in the studio I can use the combination of the plein air study and photos.

It’s always interesting to compare the on-site study with the photo. The photo captures details like architecture, the automobile in the lane, and other specifics that I would want for accurate reference when working on a large painting of this scene.

But the palette knife study captures the soul of the scene. The spirit of the moment. It locks in the compositional arrangement I envisioned when looking at the scene first hand. And it records the subtleties of color usage that I envisioned as well. These are things the camera doesn’t capture.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, these are some of the lessons I’ll pass along to the students in my plein air workshop beginning this coming Saturday morning. If you’re an artist living in the Orange County area perhaps you might be interested in joining us. Email me for details.

Thanks for stopping to look. Have a relaxing day. And if you would like to own this little jewel, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

PALETTE KNIFE STUDY BY TOM BROWN

“EDGE OF THE CITRUS GROVE”
3x4 INCH PLEIN AIR STUDY
ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING BY TOM BROWN
SOLD

Capturing a moment in time – that was the point of this small study. It’s small, but it packs a big punch. And it recorded the true feeling of the scene better than my camera.

There was no time to set up for a full-sized painting so I grabbed my pochade box and quickly recorded the essential light and color of the scene with a palette knife.

Streaks of sunlight were slicing down the shadowy hillside. Tops of the citrus trees caught the last rays of golden light. And the sky came alive with subtle hues for a few moments before fading into darkness.

For backup reference I also shot the photo shown here. The photo will provide helpful details in case I later want to use the plein air study as the basis for a larger gallery painting. But the quick plein air study recorded the color and light that made this scene a work of art.

It’s interesting to compare the painting with the photo. In the photo, the sky is bleached out to blandness, and the rich texture and color on the hillside is lifeless.

The small oil study captured the true essence of the moment. That’s one of the advantages in doing these quick plein air studies.

These are some of the lessons I’ll pass along to the students in my plein air workshop beginning this coming Saturday morning. If you’re an artist living in the Orange County area perhaps you might be interested in joining us. Email me for details.

Thanks for stopping to look. Have a relaxing day. And if you would like to own this little jewel, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

PALETTE KNIFE LANDSCAPE PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“REFLECTIONS ON A BEAUTIFUL DAY”
5x7 INCH ORIGINAL PALETTE KNIFE
OIL PAINTING BY TOM BROWN
SOLD
If you would like this relaxing scene for your home, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown

SOUTHWESTERN DESERT LANDSCAPE PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“BEAUTY OF THE DESERT”
8x10 INCH ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD
The beauty of the desert is often overlooked as people speed through it on their way to another destination. But when crossing the desert I sometimes like to take a random side road that seems to go nowhere special and pause to drink in the majesty of this surprisingly beautiful landscape.

To fully appreciate it, you must pause awhile. Let the rest of the world go by, and get in touch with your quiet side. Savor the stunning landscape for what it is. And then continue on your way refreshed and invigorated.

When I encountered this magnificent view I happened to have my pochade box handy. This is the same paintbox I demonstrated in a recent video.

Because of that I was able to capture this dramatic vista on canvas. I hope you like it. If you would like this touch of Southwestern color for your home, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown

PALETTE KNIFE NIGHT PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“STARLIGHT, MOONLIGHT, CITY LIGHTS”
5x7 INCH NOCTURNE
ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD

I recently shot a video describing my gear for outdoor painting at night, plus a few other tips. Hope you enjoy this palette knife painting and the video. Thanks for watching.

If you would like to purchase this painting, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net