PALM TREES, OCEAN, MINIATURE OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

I painted this along the coast in Laguna Beach, California on a bright sunny day.

For a Plein Air artist, painting miniatures is a wonderful way to capture scenes when inspiration strikes and there isn’t time to work larger. In fact it’s one of the ways I teach artists in my Plein Air workshops to clarify their concepts for compositions.

Their small size gives an artist the chance to bring the idea to life without danger of overworking it and trying to include too much detail.

Often the result is far more refreshing than a larger piece with more detail. I think this is a good example.

I liked the way this painting captured the spirit of the moment. It’s almost like I can feel the warmth of the sun and smell the clean fresh air at the ocean.

Miniature oil paintings like this are like little jewels, sparkling with color and life. This is a great way for new collectors to afford original artwork.

I offer these small paintings on Etsy as a way to introduce my work to new collectors. They make treasured gifts or wonderful additions to your own collection. In fact I currently have a number of new $15 paintings this size available on Etsy. You may want to click below to see the others also.

If you like this one, don’t let it get away.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS $15 PAINTING while it’s still available:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/tombrownfineart?ref=seller_info

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

HARBOR AT NEWPORT BEACH, PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

 

There’s something special about getting outdoors and painting directly from Nature. It’s my favorite way to paint. All the senses are involved. While I’m painting I am aware of the warmth of the sun on my shoulders, the gentle breeze, the pleasant sounds of birds circling overhead. It’s wonderful.

And I’ve noticed that paintings created this way somehow reflect that; they have a spontaneity and ring of truth to them. This particular painting is a good example.

I painted this at the edge of Balboa Island in Newport Beach. I shot a photo of the scene as I painted, to be able to compare the photo with my artistic “vision” of the scene. And the results were interesting.

Later when I checked the photos on my computer I noticed that the camera failed to record the “mood” of the moment. In my painting the colors are more alive; there’s more “sparkle” for want of a better word.

To me, the painting is a more accurate representation of the truth of the moment and what I felt when I was there painting it. I hope you can sense that as well.

I’ve placed today’s painting on eBay at a very reasonable price. If you would like to add this little jewel to your personal collection you may want to place a minimum bid now. Don’t let this one get away.

CLICK HERE TO BID NOW:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  
BTW – if you’re an artist and you’d like to learn to paint like me, check my latest videos listed in the column on the right side of my blog.

Thanks for stopping by.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE-DOLLAR AUCTION, CALIFORNIA VINEYARD by Tom Brown

ONE-DOLLAR AUCTION, CLICK HERE TO BID:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  
Here is another opportunity to add a beautiful ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING to your personal collection – at a VERY affordable price. Currently I am offering a number of these small oil paintings on eBay at ONE DOLLAR starting bids.

If you see one you like don’t let it get away. You can click the link above to see all my current auctions.

Thanks for stopping by.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE-DOLLAR AUCTION, PLEIN AIR ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING by Tom Brown

ONE-DOLLAR AUCTION, CLICK HERE TO BID:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  
This is your chance to add an original PLEIN AIR oil painting to your personal collection. (At a VERY affordable price!) This painting was done in Newport Beach, at the edge of Balboa Island. I was particularly pleased with the sparkle of light on the surface of the water. I hope you like this one too.

Thanks for stopping by.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE-DOLLAR AUCTION, SUNSET, FARM, PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE by Tom Brown

ONE-DOLLAR AUCTION, CLICK HERE TO BID:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  
This painting was done at the edge of a local farm during sunset. I shot a photo of the scene for comparison with my interpretation of it.

Other artists who paint outdoors will be aware how quickly the light and color change during a sunset like this.

Trying to capture that in a painting really gets the creative juices flowing, and it's always a delight when the painting comes out well. I was pleased with this one, and hope you like it too.

Enjoy the moment.
Thanks for stopping by.
Tom Brown tombrownstudio@cox.net

"ROCK GROUP" -- LANDSCAPE, STREAM, ROCKS, 6x8-inch OIL PAINTING by Tom Brown

CLICK HERE TO BID:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  
Recently I conducted a Plein Air Workshop at a similar location with a rocky creek bed, and I’m showing a few photos today that were taken at that site.

I thought it was an interesting comparison with the similar setting that had a creek bed strewn with boulders.

I hope you like today’s painting.
Thanks for stopping by.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

OLD WEATHERED BARN by TOM BROWN

CLICK HERE TO BID ON TODAY’S PAINTING:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  
Today’s painting is up for auction on eBay, but if you’re an artist and would like to paint a different barn scene with me, check out my new video, another OLD BARN SCENE.

By following the video art lesson you can paint right along with me as you follow my step-by-step instructions. You can work at your own pace, and even pause or replay the video whenever you wish. It’s almost better than a live workshop.

The lesson includes my palette of colors and other supplies you’ll want. I’ll walk you through the entire painting as you watch how I hold the brush, how I use the knife to create interesting textures in trees and foreground, and lots more.

You can even watch me add the three small birds in flight above the barn roof. I think this is an art project you’ll really enjoy, and you can use the same techniques and materials to create many other paintings on your own.

Click this button to download my
“OLD BARN SCENE” ART LESSON VIDEO
(Running time is 24:37) $20.00


Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE DOLLAR AUCTION, COLORFUL LAKE, HOUSE by Tom Brown

 

TODAY’S PAINTING IS A ONE DOLLAR AUCTION, CLICK HERE TO BID:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  
If you’re an artist and would like to learn to paint like me, try my new video art project “HOME SWEET HOME”  It’s a COMPLETE ART PROJECT that’s GREAT FUN, and it’s EASIER THAN YOU THINK.

You can paint right along with me as you follow my step-by-step directions. I’ll guide you from blank canvas to finished painting, every step of the way. I’ll show you how to block in the painting to get started the easy way. And you’ll see the colors I use on my palette, watch my brush technique, everything you need to know to paint this picture.

I even include a complete supply list. And you can work at your own pace, right at home. It’s almost better than being at a live workshop with me because you can pause the video at any point, or even replay specific parts as you master each step in your own painting. Plus you can use these same skills again and again as you paint other masterpieces on your own.

Just click the button below to download the video and get started today.
“HOME SWEET HOME” $20
(Running time 17:42)


Thanks for stopping by.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE DOLLAR AUCTION, PUMPKINS, ORIGINAL 6x8-inch OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

Thanks for stopping by.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE DOLLAR AUCTION, CLICK HERE TO BID:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  

"BIRDS OF PRAY" -- COUNTRY CHURCH WITH BIRDS, ORIGINAL 6x8-inch OIL PAINTING by Tom Brown

"BIRDS OF PRAY"
6x8 ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
by TOM BROWN

The title for this painting comes from the birds flying near the church steeple.

I think this beautiful little painting will bring a sense of peace and serenity to your home and be treasured always.

Thanks for stopping by.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

CLICK HERE TO BID:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  

MOROCCO, $15 MINIATURE OIL PAINTINGS by TOM BROWN

 

 

Years ago while visiting Morocco I did countless sketches to use when creating oil paintings like these.

I was impressed with the differences in culture, clothing, architecture, and more. I wanted to capture those impressions in oil paintings when it was convenient. And so as I roamed around I continually sketched and took notes.

These paintings were done from those sketches, and they bring back many colorful memories. I hope you like them, and if you’re interested in any of these small oil paintings, they’re just $15 apiece.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THESE $15 PAINTINGS while they’re still available:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/tombrownfineart?ref=seller_info

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE DOLLAR AUCTION, TREE, STREAM, 5x7-inch OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

I was fascinated with this complex root system along the bank of a stream, and wanted to capture it in a painting. Sometimes beauty can be found in the simplest of subjects if only we take the time to look for it.

Thanks for stopping by.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE-DOLLAR AUCTION. CLICK HERE:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  

AN OLD BARN SCENE by TOM BROWN

LET’S HAVE SOME FUN PAINTING THIS RURAL BARN SCENE TOGETHER.

This charming OLD BARN SCENE is the subject of my newest video, and I welcome you to paint along with me as you follow my step-by-step instructions.

You can work at your own pace, and even pause or replay the video whenever you wish. It’s almost better than a live workshop.

The lesson includes my palette of colors and other supplies you’ll want.

I’ll walk you through the entire painting as you watch how I hold the brush, how I use the knife to create interesting textures in trees and foreground, and lots more. You can even watch me add the three small birds in flight above the barn roof.

I think this is an art project you’ll really enjoy, and you can use the same techniques and materials to create many other paintings on your own.

Click this button to download it today:
“OLD BARN SCENE” ART LESSON VIDEO
(Running time is 24:37) $20.00


CLICK HERE FOR MY ONE-DOLLAR AUCTIONS:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  
Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE DOLLAR AUCTION, RED BARN, NOSTALGIA, AMERICANA, 5x7-inch OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

I was raised in rural Midwest farm country, and always enjoyed painting the aging barns in the surrounding area. Each one seemed to have a story to tell, as seen by traces of the many active lives connected to these ancient buildings.

This was painted from sketches that I had done on-site many years ago, and I felt a renewed connection to that time and place.

It was a simpler time, before computers and the internet. Things moved at a slower pace that were governed by the seasons rather than the clock.

I hope you feel the serenity in this humble scene, and if so I hope it brings you a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE-DOLLAR AUCTION. CLICK HERE:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  

URBAN DOORWAY, CITY STREET SCENE, 6x8 inch ORIGINAL OIL by TOM BROWN

I have always been fascinated with painting doorways and windows.

 

They often seem as if they're on the verge of offering a glimpse of some hidden world or private mystery waiting just inside.

 

This is one of those examples. I was pleased with how this painting turned out and hope you enjoy it also.

 

Thanks for looking.

Tom Brown

tombrownstudio@cox.net

 

CLICK TO BID ON THIS PAINTING OR MY

ONE-DOLLAR AUCTIONS:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg  

ONE-DOLLAR AUCTION, THE CANNERY IN NEWPORT BEACH, 6x8 PLEIN AIR by Tom Brown

CLICK HERE TO BID ON THIS PAINTING:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg

If my art makes your day a bit brighter, or brings back a treasured memory, or gives you a moment's respite from the hectic pace of life, then I've succeeded to some small degree.

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

RODEO COWBOY by TOM BROWN

There’s a huge difference between “fine art” drawing and sketching as reference to paint from.

For example THE COWBOY shown here was created to be framed as fine art. But THE BIG SUR COAST sketches were done pre-planning for oil paintings.

Many artists don’t distinguish the difference and as a result they fail to enjoy the tremendous benefits of using pre-planning sketches for their paintings. I see this all the time in Plein Air Workshops I teach.

Once I show them the difference they’re suddenly painting “keepers” almost every time.

Pre-planning sketches are a very effective tool, but only if they’re done the right way. It can be the most valuable few minutes an artist spends.

My Workshop artists have often told me I should make a video so everyone can benefit from this, and I finally have.

In the video I explore a number of pre-planning sketches that tell me if the value pattern works well, the best arrangement of shapes to use, how to effectively emphasize what I want to feature, and other keys to understand before painting.

Then you’ll watch me go on to create an entire painting from start to finish using one of these sketches.

I even include a gallery of other paintings and the sketches I used to create them. Many of them were done during Plein Air Workshops I taught for other artists.

If you think you could benefit from guidance in this, just click the instant-download button here.

“PAINT BETTER BY SKETCHING FIRST”
(Running time is 10:26) $11.00


CLICK HERE to bid on my available paintings:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE-DOLLAR AUCTION, COLORFUL EUROPEAN WINDOW and FLOWERS by Tom Brown

 

Sketching for the purpose of creating paintings is VERY different than sketching for the purpose of framing the sketch itself.

This painting began with a few quick pencil sketches to organize my ideas for the composition, which is something I teach other artists how to do during my live workshops. Especially when painting outdoors (en plein air), because Nature provides us with an overwhelming abundance of detail.

Done correctly, a few moments with a pencil and paper can avoid disappointments and guarantee many more “keepers.” It can be the most valuable few minutes you ever spent.

In fact, at the urging of many artists who attend my workshops I have created a video that specifically addresses this approach. It’s called (appropriately) “PAINT BETTER BY SKETCHING FIRST.”

And in this video you can watch me explore several potential compositions for the same subject with quick pencil sketches the way I recommend doing them.

Following those demonstrations you’ll watch me develop one of the sketches into a finished painting. For comparison, I also show some pencil renderings that actually WERE done as “FINISHED ART” in their own right (which is very different from the pencil roughs for painting purposes).

And I even include a gallery of other paintings and my planning-sketches for them, to give you further inspiration.

You can order this video and start TODAY to take YOUR OWN ART to the next level.

“PAINT BETTER BY SKETCHING FIRST”
(Running time is 10:26) $11.00


$1 AUCTION FOR TODAY’S PAINTING; CLICK HERE:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

GREEN TREES, LANDSCAPE, SKY, ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING by Tom Brown

A pleasant day in the open air and beautiful countryside. What could be more pleasant?

In my paintings I try to emphasize the beauty and joy I see in life. If my art makes your day a bit brighter, or brings back a treasured memory, or gives you a moment's respite from the hectic pace of life, then I've succeeded to some small degree.

CLICK HERE TO BID ON THIS PAINTING:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

NOSTALGIA, AMERICAN BUNGALOW, RETRO, CRAFTSMAN STYLE 8x10-inch ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING by Tom Brown

 

 

 

CLICK HERE TO BID:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg

“AMERICAN DREAM” 8x10 ORIGINAL OIL
by TOM BROWN

I enjoy collecting old magazines and books, and while browsing through a 1908 issue of "Craftsman" magazine (see photo above), I was inspired to create a series of paintings featuring American Bungalows.

A bit of history: Between 1901 and 1916 Gustav Stickley published this artistic magazine which included plans for the simple, economical, and extremely popular Bungalow.

Around the turn of the century these small houses were taking America by storm. They helped fulfill many Americans’ wishes for their own home, and they symbolized for many the best of the good life.

Bungalows promoted the idea that simplicity and artistry could harmonize in one affordable house while allowing families to live close to nature with charming hand-crafted style.

And that nostalgic feeling is what I wanted to recapture in this painting.

If my art makes your day a bit brighter, or brings back a treasured memory, or gives you a moment's respite from the hectic pace of life, then I've succeeded to some small degree.

Thanks for looking
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

CARS, PALM TREE, CALIFORNIA URBAN PLEIN AIR PAINTING by Tom Brown

 

 

 

 

Artists who follow my blog often comment that they enjoy seeing the original subject matter that inspired my paintings. For their benefit I thought I’d share the background on this one.

To many artists the edge of a parking lot may not seem like a suitable subject for a painting. But when I saw this I was struck by the light and shadow on the cars and the interesting background that included a giant palm tree.

It seemed to have potential so I quickly did a rough pencil sketch to clarify my thoughts about what I wanted to include in the composition. Using the sketch as a guide I launched confidently into my painting. I decided to use a very loose, painterly brush technique in this painting and simplify much of the background.

The pattern of light and dark values of the cars had initially caught my eye, and that’s what I wanted to emphasize. I’m including detail images of the cars and also the distant palm tree so you can see this effect more clearly.

After completing this painting I pulled out my camera and shot a photo of how the scene had changed while I was painting. I was glad I had done the initial rough sketch because by this time several cars had moved and been replaced by others.

I often caution my Plein Air Workshop students to begin by carefully noting anything that could change while they’re painting, like the direction of light and shadows, clouds, and in this case the cars. I call this “capturing the fugitives.”

  I was pleased with this painting and hope you like it too. Let me know if you enjoyed this little glimpse behind the scenes.

CLICK HERE TO BID ON THIS PAINTING:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE DOLLAR AUCTION, CITY SCENE, PALMS, FREEWAY by Tom Brown

HOW TO CREATE MORE EXCITING PAINTINGS is something I’m often asked by artists in my workshops.

Sometimes it’s a matter of being able to see the possibilities, and using the most effective techniques to bring that out in an eye-catching way. Or it can involve brush stroke technique, color usage, formats and compositional design, surface texture . . . or a wide variety of other key elements.

For years I’ve been teaching other artists how to do this with very effective results.

Now I’ve finally put those concepts into a video any artist can use right away to quickly take their work to the next level . . . and HAVE MORE FUN PAINTING.

Click this button to download the video and get started today.
“ADDING EXCITEMENT TO YOUR PAINTINGS”
(Running time is 10:16) $11.00


ONE DOLLAR AUCTION – “TRUCK STOP”
CLICK HERE TO BID ON TODAY’S PAINTING:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net

ONE DOLLAR AUCTION, PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING by Tom Brown

HOW TO CREATE MORE EXCITING PAINTINGS is something I’m often asked by artists in my workshops.

Sometimes it’s a matter of being able to see the possibilities, and using the most effective techniques to bring that out in an eye-catching way. Like this painting.

Or it can involve brush stroke technique, color usage, formats and compositional design, surface texture . . . or a wide variety of other key elements.  

For years I’ve been teaching other artists how to do this with very effective results.

Now I’ve finally put those concepts into a video any artist can use right away to quickly take their work to the next level . . . and HAVE MORE FUN PAINTING.

Click this button to download the video and get started today.
  “ADD EXCITEMENT TO YOUR PAINTINGS”
(Running time is 10:16) $11.00


ONE DOLLAR AUCTION
CLICK HERE TO BID ON TODAY’S PAINTING:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/tombrownfineart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg

Thanks for looking.
Tom Brown
tombrownstudio@cox.net