FRESH COLORS BY TOM BROWN

This painting is SOLD.

This was just plain fun to paint, and I think it will bring a tasty spot of color to any wall. Hope you like it. I call this one “FRESH COLORS.” It is a 6x6 inch original oil painting. Thanks for watching. And as always, comments are welcome: tombrownstudio@cox.net

A BOWL OF ORANGES BY TOM BROWN

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“ORANGE BOWL”

6x6 inch original oil painting by Tom Brown

tombrownstudio@cox.net

BLOCK-BUSTER ART TIPS AND PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

Shaking things up can bring new life to your work.

That’s what I did with this painting. Color and texture on the canvas became my real focus here.

I worked on a reddish toned canvas and allowed some of that undertone to remain visible between very bold strokes of thick, juicy color. (See the detail image.)

If you’re an artist who wants to “kick it up a notch” or break through the artist’s version of “writer’s block” you’ll benefit from my “50 BLOCK-BUSTER IDEAS”.

It’s my newest online lesson priced at just $20, and it’s delivered in PDF form via email. Email me for details if you would like to take your art to new levels. tombrownstudio@cox.net

Today’s painting: “PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY” 8x8 inch original plein air oil painting by Tom Brown tombrownstudio@cox.net This was painted on location during a plein air workshop I taught for other artists.

ART TIPS AND PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

Writers call it writer’s block. And artists often experience the same thing.

To help fellow artists break through this block (or just kick things up a notch) I’ve created a lesson called “50 BLOCK-BUSTER IDEAS”. The lesson is priced at just $20 and is delivered in PDF form via email. Email me for details if you would like yours today. tombrownstudio@cox.net

Today’s painting:
“HILLTOP SENTINELS”
6x8 inch original plein air
oil painting by Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net
This was painted on location last weekend during a plein air workshop I taught for other artists.

SURF AND SUN BY TOM BROWN

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For greater interest I suggested a hazy sun in the overcast sky and created physical texture in the surf. I’m including a photo of the scene for comparison with my interpretation.

This is another little gem done with a palette knife. If you’re wondering, no, I haven’t abandoned painting with brushes. But the past couple of days I featured palette knife paintings and wanted to show just one more. Tomorrow I’ll return to sharing my paintings done with brushes.

I call this one:
“A PEACEFUL GLOW”
5x5 inch original palette knife
oil painting by Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net
Hope you like it. And thanks for looking

ART COMMENTS BY TOM BROWN

I want a little jewel like this to have “wall power” when viewed from a distance. Big punch. But that’s not all.

Up close I want it to have an “intimate charm” to appreciate on a different level. Thick swirls of rich luscious paint are there to enjoy for the paint itself. It’s a completely different experience.

I like to paint for both viewing distances simultaneously. I feel it keeps a painting like this fresh and exciting day after day.

That’s why I named this one:
“A SECOND GLANCE”
6x8 inch original plein air
oil painting by Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

There are lots of examples like this in my hardcover book “STROKES OF JOY”. You can preview a portion of it at this link: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1786423

HOWLING WIND BY TOM BROWN

This painting is SOLD

Occasional bursts of rain came at a horizontal angle, blown by roaring winds that rocked my car. It was a dramatic scene and I wanted to capture that feeling in a painting. But there are limits to painting outdoors. For this one I rested my small pochade box on my lap and painted from the comfort of my car. I think the title says it all: “HOWLING WINDS” 6x6 inch original plein air oil painting by Tom Brown tombrownstudio@cox.net Thanks for looking.

SATURDAY SUPER-MOON STORY, TOM BROWN

I felt like I was viewing an alien planet. The moonrise Saturday night was HUGE.

It felt like it was only a few miles away. And it was a deep golden-orange color. Unreal.

Of course I immediately grabbed my gear and went outside to paint it.

I realize this seems unbelievable in a painting, but this is what I saw and I wanted to share it here on my blog.

I googled it this morning and learned it was called a “Super Moon” when it’s this close to earth. The previous Super Moon was 18 years ago. Check out some of the great photos online.

If you’re an artist you might be interested in the equipment I use for painting outdoor at night. One of my free YouTube videos shows the setup. A key item is a small headlamp to illuminate my painting. You can get these headlamps in any sports or camping store. Give it a try sometime.

Today’s painting:
“SUPER MOON”
6x8 inch original plein air
oil painting by Tom Brown
SOLD
tombrownstudio@cox.net

A BOWL OF CHERRIES BY TOM BROWN

I thought you would enjoy this little jewel:

“LIFE IS JUST A BOWL OF CHERRIES”
5x5 inch original palette knife
oil painting by Tom Brown
SOLD
tombrownstudio@cox.net

A FACE IN THE CROWD BY TOM BROWN

I'm an incurable doodler. Usually I just play with a pencil and paper while I'm on the phone or killing time. But this afternoon I was grabbing a cup of Starbucks at an outdoor cafe and had my little pochade paint box with me.

I absentmindedly began this doodle of a customer who was at a nearby table.

The pochade box I used for this is about the size of a netbook computer and I probably looked like any other customer surfing the net. Nobody noticed as I sat and did this little oil sketch.

This was never meant to be a finished piece. It's just on a scrap of cardboard, but I liked the spontaneous quality to it and decided to share it on my blog.

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

NEW VIDEO, PLEIN AIR BY TOM BROWN

Small plein air quickies are often done for the sheer joy of painting.

The picture evolves on an intuitive level.

The brush seems to dance across the canvas, putting luscious spots of color in just the right places as in this little jewel:

“THE JOY OF NATURE”
5x7 inch original plein air
oil painting by Tom Brown

Have a look as I paint this on location. As always, comments are welcome: tombrownstudio@cox.net

No. 3 IN A SERIES BY TOM BROWN

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Take a look at the past two days on my blog if you haven’t been following this series.
Today’s painting:
“KEYHOLE ROCK No. 3”
6x6 inch original plein air
oil painting by Tom Brown

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

2nd IN A SERIES BY TOM BROWN

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“SERIES” paintings offer unique opportunities as Claude Monet demonstrated in his water lily paintings, haystacks, cathedrals and other themes.

At first it’s a natural to paint the obvious reality we see. Upon further exploration our creative mind is opened to other equally interesting possibilities.

Compositional adjustments can emphasize different aspects of a scene. Color usage can be explored. The focal point can change or be viewed from a different vantage point.

This is the second in a series of four paintings done on location at “Keyhole Rock” along the Southern California coast. Tune in tomorrow for another.

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

Today’s painting:
“KEYHOLE ROCK No. 2”
6x6 inch original plein air
oil painting by Tom Brown

SERIES PAINTINGS BY TOM BROWN

“KEYHOLE ROCK No. 1”
6x6 inch original plein air
oil painting by Tom Brown
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Claude Monet explored the “series” concept in his haystacks, water lily paintings and other themes.

Any subject can be more fully explored in a series than in a single painting. Everything from the grand view to intimate details can be examined.

Series paintings allow creativity to become more fully expressed. That was the purpose behind this series of plein air paintings featuring the famous coastal landmark “Keyhole Rock” in Southern California.

A colorful sky was featured in one, while the ocean was emphasized in the next. Yet another included some foreground elements while the final painting took a more intimate look at the “keyhole” shape in the cliff as beachgoers climbed the rocks and walked through the keyhole.

All four paintings were done completely on location. Watch my blog to see each of these featured over the next few days. As always, comments are welcome.

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

LA JOLLA CLIFFS BY TOM

“La Jolla Cliffs”
8x10 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
SOLD
As always, thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

And if you have a moment, preview a portion of my book here:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1786423

OCEAN, GULLS, SURF BY TOM BROWN

The title for this painting was inspired by gulls taking flight moments before their perch is pounded by a thundering wave.

“THE GREAT ESCAPE”
8x10 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown

Wouldn’t this make a nice addition to your collection? It’s very reasonably priced at the moment. Let me know if you would like it.

As always, thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

And if you have a moment, preview a portion of my book here:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1786423

A PAINTER’S SECRET FROM TOM BROWN

Thumbnail studies are one of my secrets to powerful paintings.

They encourage me play with intuitive concepts before investing time and effort in a large painting.

Intuitive decisions are the most honest and unfiltered. And this produces some of the most powerful paintings. Like this small palette knife study.

These little thumbnails often stand as finished paintings on their own. In the right frame they are like little jewels, sparkling with color and brilliance.

In the hardbound collector’s edition of my paintings I include a number of my palette knife paintings along with a broad assortment of my best work using brushes. Take a look at part of the book here:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1786423

Today’s painting: A study for
“END OF A PERFECT DAY”
approximately 5.5 x 4.5 inches

Thanks for looking,
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

THUMBNAIL STUDY BY TOM BROWN

“CATCHING THE LIGHT”
plein air oil study by Tom Brown
approximately 4.5 inches square
tombrownstudio@cox.net

Want to know one of my secrets? Quick thumbnail studies.

A thumbnail can capture the “WOW-factor” before it’s lost.

Too much thinking and rationalizing can allow the initial inspiration to fade away. Especially when the scene will change within minutes.

This one was done on a simple notepad. Nothing fancy.

Bam! As quickly as I could I made accurate color notes of the lighting and mood before they vanished. A palette knife was used for most of it (one of the fastest and most direct tools of expression).

Then a bit of blending with my finger and a few strokes with a small brush. Done!

In the hardbound collector’s edition of my paintings I include a number of my palette knife paintings along with a broad assortment of my best work using brushes. Take a look at part of the book here:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1786423

OCEAN, SURF, WAVES BY TOM BROWN

“ON THE ROCKS”
6x6 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
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The thundering surf pounding against craggy rocks caught my attention. In addition, the brilliant sun dancing across the waves and deep shadows in the foreground made this one irresistible.

Email for purchasing details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Thanks for looking. And if you have a moment, click this link for an online preview of the hardcover book of my paintings: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1786423

ROSE, LOVE NOTE BY TOM BROWN

“THE LOVE NOTE”
6x6 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
SOLD

tombrownstudio@cox.net

COASTAL PALMS, OCEAN BY TOM BROWN

“COASTAL BREEZES”
8x10 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
SOLD
tombrownstudio@cox.net

For artists who follow this blog: Color is your vocabulary in the language of painting. The better you learn it, the better you can fluently express yourself in your paintings. My downloadable online art lesson “COLOR MIXING MADE EASY” solves both basic and advanced color mixing problems. It even includes a special section on the little-understood principle of “optical” color mixing and how to use it to advantage in your paintings. Email for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

PASTA INGREDIENTS BY TOM BROWN

“PASTA INGREDIENTS”
8x8 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
Email for purchasing details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

For artists who follow this blog: Color is your vocabulary in the language of painting. The better you learn it, the better you can fluently express yourself in your paintings. My downloadable online art lesson “COLOR MIXING MADE EASY” solves both basic and advanced color mixing problems. It even includes a special section on the little-understood principle of “optical” color mixing and how to use it to advantage in your paintings. Email for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

LARGE COASTAL SUNSET BY TOM BROWN

“END OF A PERFECT DAY”
12x16 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
SOLD
tombrownstudio@cox.net

For artists who follow this blog: Color is your vocabulary in the language of painting. The better you learn it, the better you can fluently express yourself in your paintings. My downloadable online art lesson “COLOR MIXING MADE EASY” solves both basic and advanced color mixing problems. It even includes a special section on the little-understood principle of “optical” color mixing and how to use it to advantage in your paintings. Email for details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

BIG SKY PALETTE KNIFE ART BY TOM BROWN

“A MOMENT TO REMEMBER”
8x8 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
SOLD tombrownstudio@cox.net

SCOTCH ON THE ROCKS BY TOM BROWN

“ON THE ROCKS”
8x8 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown
Email for purchasing details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

For other artists who follow my work, this may be of interest:
I currently have 17 downloadable art lessons available that are delivered via email as PDFs, which are like books that are readable on any computer. They can also be printed out on a desktop printer for hard-copy reference. The full list is shown below.

A very popular lesson is COLOR MIXING MADE EASY (29 pages), which solves both basic and advanced color mixing problems. Color is your vocabulary in the language of painting. The better you learn it, the better you can fluently express yourself in your paintings. It is item 9 shown in the list below.

1 ) OIL PAINTING MADE EASY ($20) (details are shown on my website)
2 ) PLEIN AIR PAINTING MADE EASY ($20) (also shown on my website)
3 ) NESTLED IN – a landscape ($20)
4 ) Painting PORTRAITS With Flair ($20)
5 ) Putting FIGURES In Your Paintings - painting the clothed figure. ($20)
6 ) BLUSTERY DAY - a landscape with a house among lush trees ($20)
7 ) ROCK & ROLL - a sailboat and rowboat at anchor ($20)
8 ) CLASSIC STILL LIFE - orange slices, grapes and a white vase ($20)
9 ) COLOR MIXING MADE EASY (an absolute “must” for most artists) ($20)
10 ) “THE LOADED BRUSH” (special brushwork techniques) ($20)
11 ) “PALETTE KNIFE PAINTING” ($20)
12 ) “LANDSCAPE SCENE AT SUNSET” (step-by-step demo from a live workshop) ($20)
13 ) “HOW TO PAINT TREES” ($10)
14 ) “HOW TO MAKE A POCHADE” ($10)
15 ) “HOW TO PAINT NOCTURNES” ($10)
16 ) “HOW TO CREATE RED-HOT ART SALES” (only for artists who wish to sell art) ($20)
17 ) “PAINTING REFLECTIONS IN WATER” ($20)

Email for ordering details: tombrownstudio@cox.net