CALIFORNIA LIVE OAKS by TOM BROWN

“CALIFORNIA LIVE OAKS”
Click Here to Bid (starts at $20)

DAILY PAINTING, CITY SCENE BY TOM BROWN

“CITY SIDEWALK”
5x7 inch original oil painting
Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net to purchase this painting.

Thanks for stopping to look.

FARMHOUSE AND BARN DAILY PAINTING, LANDSCAPE BY TOM BROWN

“RURAL CHARM”
6x8 inch original oil painting
Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net for purchasing details.
SOLD

APPLES & ORANGES, 8x10 INCH OIL PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“COMPARING APPLES TO ORANGES”
8x10 inch original oil painting
SOLD
To purchase this painting email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net

The part of this composition that most intrigued me was the refracted image that is seen through the glass of water. The orange is distorted in strange ways similar to objects seen through a fishbowl. It was a challenge to capture these effects in a convincing manner while maintaining a loose, painterly quality.

This painting will look great in any room of your home. Email me if you would like to make it yours. tombrownstudio@cox.net

PALM TREES & MOONLIGHT BY TOM BROWN

“MOONLIGHT AND PALMS”
10x4 inch original oil

SOLD

Remember the sense of peace you felt relaxing outdoors in the moonlight? The world is quiet. The air is sweet. A gentle breeze cools your face. Memories like those are what I wanted to bring to this painting. If this painting helps you recall those feelings, then I have succeeded. Thank you for taking the time to stop by.

If you would like to make this painting yours, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net. Enjoy your day.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Romantic settings

HONEY JAR, CHERRIES, FLOWERS BY TOM BROWN

“SWEETNESS & LIGHT”
8x4 inch original oil painting

Emotional impact in a painting is more important than mere details to me. I paint from the heart, and what I wanted to capture in this little gem was simply color and light.

I loved the illumination of the honey jar and how the colors of these flowers contrasted with it. This one will add a joyful color note to any wall in your home. If you simply cannot live without it, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Finding joy in every day

ANTIQUE KODAK CAMERA CASE DAILY PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“A KODAK MOMENT”
8x10 inch original oil painting
This painting isn’t for sale; it’s a gift for a friend.

My friend found this ancient Kodak camera case in an antique store. He mended the handle and polished the worn leather before sending it to me as a surprise gift. I now have the case hanging on my studio wall and thought it would make a nice subject for a painting.

Ironically, when I was small my parents had a camera that fit this case. I still remember it well and this brings back wonderful memories for me. When this painting is dry I will ship it to my friend as a thank you. I think he might like it.

Have a wonderful day, and don’t forget to make some memories along the way.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Surprise gifts from good friends

FREEWAY LANDSCAPE DAILY PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“BEAUTY IS EVERYWHERE”
8x10 inch original oil painting
Click images for a larger view.
To purchase this, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

SOLD

I was attracted to this scene by the contrast between graceful organic shapes of nature and geometric shapes of man made elements. I also liked the soft shadows on the freeway overpass that were cast by the trees, as well as the billowing clouds in the sky.

I feel that sometimes we tend to overlook beauty in the commonplace things like this that surround us on a daily basis. Thanks for looking; enjoy the view.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Finding unexpected beauty

PEACHES, CONTEMPORARY DAILY PAINTING

“JUST PEACHY”
5x10 inch original oil painting
Click image of the full painting or detail for a larger view.

A neighbor’s peach tree was the inspiration for this one. The tree is loaded with ripe peaches that just beg to be put into a painting or pie. Since I’m a disaster in the kitchen I chose to make a painting with these peaches.

Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net if you have a taste for this one, or if you’re interested in my DVDs or CDs on oil painting. Thanks for stopping to look; have a delicious day.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Juicy peaches, fresh off the tree

PALMS & HISTORIC ADOBE, PLEIN AIR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“HISTORIC MONTANEZ ADOBE”
6x8 inch original oil painting

When I approached the caretaker for permission to paint on this property with my students, I was welcomed with a smile and told, “Make it your home.” It was the beginning of another wonderful day.

The Montanez Adobe is located in the historic Los Rios district of San Juan Capistrano near the famous mission. It was built in 1794 and is listed on the National Historic Register. Painting on this property was like touching a piece of history.

In this painting I was interested in capturing a special quality of light and color. It has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated, but if you click the images for a larger view you will get a better sense of the lush color and brushwork.

Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net if you would like to buy this painting or if you’re interested in DVDs of my TV shows where I am filmed painting on location. (By the way, thanks to everyone for the kind comments about my recent DVDs. Glad you like them!)

Today’s thought to smile about:
People with kindness in their hearts

MOONRISE, WATER, DAILY PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“MOONLIGHT MAGIC”
5x7 inch original oil painting
SOLD

In this painting I particularly wanted to capture the soft colors and tones of the early evening as the moon was rising. I wish the computer monitor could properly capture the subtle nuances in this piece. It has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated, but I wanted to share this with you anyway. This is another of my personal favorites. Click the images for a larger view.

Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net if you would like to buy this painting or if you’re interested in DVDs of my art instruction TV shows or my art CDs. (By the way, thanks to everyone for the kind comments about my recent DVDs. Glad you like them!) Thanks for stopping to look.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Moonlight reflections in water

PAIRS OF PEARS, CONTEMPORARY DAILY PAINTING

“PAIRS OF PEARS”
20x5 inch original oil painting

I hope you’re enjoying my “long horizontal” still life paintings as much as I enjoy painting them. They have a very contemporary look and fit well with any decor. Click the images for a larger view, and check the “detail” image to see the loads of juicy, rich color and brushwork!

Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net if you have a taste for this one, or if you’re interested in DVDs of my art instruction TV shows or my art CDs. (By the way, thanks to everyone for the kind comments about my recent DVDs. Glad you like them!) Thanks for stopping to look.

Today’s thought to smile about:
The juicy taste of fresh fruit

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO & HUELL HOWSER

“SILVER SKIES OVER SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO”
6x8 inch original oil painting

SOLD

Just after completing this painting on location in San Juan Capistrano I met Huell Howser, who was filming a segment of his TV program "California Gold."

Here is a photo I shot as Huell was interviewing Stephen M. Rios during the show. We were on historic Los Rios Street, which was named for Stephen‘s great-great grandfather.

The Rios Adobe (shown in the background here) is the oldest continuously occupied residence in California and it has been occupied by the descendents of the original family for over 200 years. It was a memorable morning.

If you wish to purchase this painting email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net

Today’s thought to smile about:
Coming in contact with history

PALM TREES, OCEAN, PACIFIC COAST PLEIN AIR PAINTING

“KEYHOLE ROCK”
10x4 inch original oil painting

Parrots were making a racket outside my window as I packed for the plein air class where I did this painting. Parrots are really loud, did you know that? But they’re beautiful, especially when sitting on palm fronds in the morning sunlight.

I used to live in the Midwest, and I enjoyed painting outdoors there also. But I prefer Southern California. It’s truly a paradise, with scenery and color like this.

Putting emotion into your painting is what I feel plein air painting is all about. And capturing a true sense of the place. That’s something you can’t get in the studio.

When you try it you will realize there is nothing like the thrill of coming home with a painting that actually shows what you saw and felt that day!

It will always bring back fond memories like the cries of seagulls or the smell of the ocean breeze at this location. (At one point we stopped to watch a small lizard that scurried past our feet and paused to bask in the warm sun.) This is why I call plein air painting “making memories.”

We had a great workshop here and a wonderful day together. One woman brought a home-made cake baked to look like a sand castle, with brown sugar sprinkled around the base to simulate sand. Yummm. (Thanks Kathy!)

But back to painting. A strong painting starts in your head, not on canvas. And here I showed my students how to clearly identify what you want to express on canvas before picking up your brush.

For example I wanted to capture the panoramic grandeur of this scene, so I chose this long horizontal panel from among an assortment I had with me. I also showed everyone how to draw attention to the “keyhole,” a unique opening formed by erosion in the base of the cliffs.

(This place feels like something right out of South Seas Pirate novels like Treasure Island. In fact a small island to our right is actually named Treasure Island.)

To draw the eye to the keyhole formation I showed how we could view the scene from a vantage point where a strong contrast in light and dark values would naturally attract the eye. And I demonstrated how to anchor this dark and light pattern during the initial sketch while the idea was fresh.

Once we all had a good start on our canvases I continued helping everyone by explaining recipes for effective color mixtures, how to use the brush differently for various effects, when to use thick or thin paints and why, plus lots of other things.

One of the students suggested I should call my workshops “Plein Air Painting for Dummies,” because I make everything so easy. It IS fun and easy if someone shows you what to do. That’s what I do for my students, and it’s probably the reason my workshops are always full of happy painters.

In fact this is what has made my TV show catch on so quickly. I explain everything you need to know, from how to lay out your paints to how to hold the brush. I tell all my secrets, tips and techniques.

Recently I’ve been able to make 4 of these TV shows available on DVDs. The response has been overwhelming and I’m happy to be able to help so many artists get off to a good strong start with plein air painting.

The DVDs cost $30 each and I’m excited about all of them, but if you want to get just one I would suggest “BACK BAY.” In the “BACK BAY” video I show how to make a simple outdoor painting kit that costs nothing. It’s great, because you can try your hand at outdoor painting without wasting lots of money on unnecessary things like a French easel.

If you want all 4 DVDs I can give you a discounted price of $100 for the full set. To order just email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net. I accept PayPal or personal checks, whichever you prefer. Shipping is free anywhere in the USA.

If you are an artist I strongly urge you to try painting outdoors directly from nature. You’ll bring home valuable memories from every outing and you’ll be glad you tried it.

Happy painting!

Today’s thought to smile about:
Sand castle cakes

LANDSCAPE DAILY PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“SERENITY”
8x10 inch original oil painting
SOLD

There is nothing like the experience of painting outdoors directly from nature. In the videos of my TV shows I share the secrets, tips and techniques of how I paint on location. In the “Back Bay” video I use a special outdoor painting kit that doesn’t cost a cent. It’s perfect for a first-time outdoor painter because it eliminates the need for costly equipment like French easels or other specialized gear.

Each video shows a demonstration painted entirely on location and filmed in real time as I develop the picture from a blank panel to a finished oil painting. It’s the next best thing to being on location with me!

My first 4 DVDs are available at $30 each, with free shipping (to the US only). For a limited time I am offering all 4 for just $100 (a $20 savings). To order, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Today’s thought to smile about:
Getting outside and enjoying the beauty of nature

BARN, BIRD NEST DAILY PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“ALWAYS OPEN”
9x12 inch original oil painting

SOLD

I couldn’t resist doing a quick study of this when it caught my eye. In the side of an abandoned barn a bird’s nest was snugly nestled into a small opening between splintered boards.

I was interested in the contrast between the delicate texture of the nest and the weathered barn wood. Slanting shadows called attention to the placement of the nest in the side of the barn and accentuated the fragility of the nest.

Since this was merely intended as a study to capture the moment, the edges of the canvas are not completely painted. But I thought this was such a charming piece I wanted to share it with you. Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net if you wish to buy it.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Intimate glimpses of nature

SUNSET SEASCAPE PLEIN AIR PAINTING

Today’s painting: “SERENE SEASIDE SUNSET”
Size: 5x7 inch original oil painting
SOLD

There is nothing like the experience of painting outdoors directly from nature. In my TV shows I share all the secrets, tips and techniques of how I paint on location. And these shows are now available on DVD.

Each video shows a demonstration painted entirely out on location and filmed in real time as I develop the picture from a blank panel to a finished oil painting. It’s like being on location with me!

For a limited time you can get a full set of 4 shows on DVDs for just $100. This set includes the special show where I demonstrate an outdoor painting kit that doesn’t cost a cent. It’s perfect for the beginning plein air painter because it lets you try your hand at working outdoors without investing in any special equipment.

To order, email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Today’s thought to smile about:
A walk on the beach at sunset

CALIFORNIA OCEAN & PALM TREES PLEIN AIR PAINTING

Title: “COASTAL CONNECTION”
Size: 10x4 inch original oil painting

SOLD

An interesting story inspired the title for this painting. An elderly Japanese couple who were visiting the area watched as I set up my equipment to paint this piece. The gentleman struck up a conversation and asked permission to stand close and photograph the painting in progress.

His wife rarely spoke but I found the gentleman very outgoing and interesting, and we had an enjoyable time exchanging ideas on a wide variety of topics. It was instant chemistry; a natural connection.

He used the smallest camera I ever saw. The camera was about the size of a thumb-drive and he shot dozens of photos as I painted two different scenes. One painting was quite large, and they seemed to connect with it immediately. They bought it wet, right off the easel.

We had exchanged business cards and when I returned home I was amazed to find that he had already emailed me about 20 photos of this painting as it developed. I decided to share a few of them with you so you could see what they saw. Enjoy!

Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net if you would like to own this painting.

If you’re an artist, you might enjoy my CDs or the new set of DVDs that were shot live as I painted on location during the filming of my TV shows. Email me for details.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Connecting with new friends

BLUEBERRY MUFFINS, CONTEMPORARY STILL LIFE DAILY PAINTING

“THE BLUES BROTHERS”
10x4 inch original oil painting
SOLD

I hope you’re enjoying my “long horizontal” still life paintings as much as I enjoy painting them. They have a very contemporary look and fit well with any decor. Click the images for a larger view, and check the “detail” image to see the loads of juicy, rich color and brushwork. Very tasty!

Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net if you hunger for this one, or if you’re interested in DVDs of my art instruction TV shows or my art CDs. Thanks for stopping to look.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Good conversation

GRAPES, CONTEMPORARY STILL LIFE DAILY PAINTING

“THE GRAPE ESCAPE”
10x4 inch original oil painting
SOLD

I hope you’re enjoying my “long horizontal” still life paintings as much as I enjoy painting them. They have a very contemporary look and fit well with any decor. Click the images for a larger view, and check the “detail” image to see the loads of juicy, rich color and brushwork. Very tasty! Email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net if you hunger to have this on your wall.

If you’re interested in my new DVDs on plein air painting, email me for ordering information. Each video is priced at $30, or the set of 4 is available for $100 for a limited time. (Scroll down for details on recent blog posts.)

For details about my instructional CDs on OIL PAINTING FOR THE BEGINNER or my CD on PLEIN AIR PAINTING click the headline above. Complete information is on my website.

Thanks for stopping to look.

Today’s thought to smile about:
Geese flying in formation
(A great many flew over our home yesterday; it was quite a sight.)