PLEIN AIR PAINTING AND POCHADE INFO BY TOM BROWN

"I REALLY DON'T KNOW CLOUDS AT ALL"
8x10 INCH PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE,
CLOUDSCAPE BY TOM BROWN
Email tombrownstudio@cox.net for purchasing details.

In reply to a deluge of inquiries about the pochade paintbox shown in my latest video I have prepared an eBook that is available for ten dollars from my Etsy store here.

The pochade paintbox has been adapted from a basic unit that was originally manufactured for a different function. The unit is readily available, often for less than twenty dollars.

My eBook contains full details telling where to get the unit and how to modify it to become the pochade paintbox I use. It also includes instructions how to attach it to your tripod just like mine does in the video. 

Happy painting.
- - Tom Brown

NEW VIDEO, NAPLES CANAL PLEIN AIR BY TOM BROWN

"NAPLES CANAL IN LONG BEACH"
6x8 INCH PLEIN AIR PAINTING
BY TOM BROWN
SOLD
To watch me paint this on video, click the type above the image.

As I created this painting a parade of paddle-boarders went up the canal and I caught them on the video too; have a look.

I was in Long Beach, California delivering a series of commissioned paintings to a collector. While I was there I took the time to enjoy the scenery.

This particular view was so appealing I grabbed my pochade paint box from the car to record it. Take a look at the video as I paint it. And if you would like to own this little jewel email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR by TOM BROWN

"A STREAK OF WHITE"
8x10 inch Acrylic Impressionist
Daily Painting by Tom Brown
For purchasing details email tombrownstudio@cox.net

This is unusual for me - it's an acrylic painting and I am an oil painter. But in the past I had worked extensively in acrylics as well and I have a familiarity with those paints too.

An artist friend who paints with acrylics asked for my help in trying to master my oil painting techniques in his own paintings while using acrylics. This is a demonstration painting I did for him while using his acrylic paints.

A special focus in this lesson was how to soften edges of forms with these quick-drying paints. This is often a problem for acrylic painters, which was the case with my friend.

In the detail image you can see how I used this technique where the white clouds meet the edge of the tree shapes. A soft edge here can help the eye move more easily from the shape of the tree into the sky and create greater unity within the overall painting.

Another area where this was important was in the sky area itself where the soft white clouds disappear into the blue sky, as well as where the blue sky softly blends into the layer of subtle color toward the bottom the the detail image.

I was pleased with the results in this acrylic painting and I thought it would be interesting to share it here with you.

As always if you would like to own this little treasure or other paintings on my blog, simply email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net.

Thanks for looking.
-- Tom Brown

LILY PADS, IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR by TOM BROWN

"LILY PADS & POND RIPPLES"

6x8 inch Plein Air Impressionist
Original Oil Daily Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase, email tombrownstudio@cox.net

A quiet, restful pond with lily pads and gentle ripples across the surface. This one speaks for itself. Once again I'm including a photo I shot as the painting was completed, for all my artist friends who enjoy the comparison between the camera's view of the scene and my interpretation.

If you would like to own this little jewel, email tombrownstudio@cox.net

Thanks for looking. Have a restful day.
-- Tom Brown

TWILIGHT, IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR by TOM BROWN

"THE ROMANCE OF TWILIGHT"

6x5 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
For purchasing details email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Artists are constantly seeking the spark of inspiration that makes the heart beat faster with possibilities. This one came unexpectedly at the end of the day when impossibly soft and subtle colors streaked quietly across the sky.

In moments my brush was flying across the surface to record this special twilight moment. All too soon it vanished from the sky - but I had preserved it here in this little jewel.

This one is very special. With the right frame it will become the focal point of any room. If you would like to own it, email me at tombrownstudio@cox.net

Thanks for looking. - Tom Brown

IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR by TOM BROWN

"ANCIENT SENTINAL"

6x8 inch Plein Air Impressionist
Original Oil Painting
by Tom Brown
For purchasing details: tombrownstudio@cox.net

The weathered trunk and peeling layers of bark on this ancient eucalyptus tree caught my eye. Roots had been revealed by erosion along the river bank where I spotted this scene, and I decided to feature these elements in my painting as well.

I found the age of this tree an interesting contrast with the newly-planted young tree nearby, and chose to include that in my painting.

Attached is a photo of the actual scene. The sun had gone behind a cloud when I shot the photo, but it provides a comparison of the scene as I painted it, and how a camera sees it.

I was pleased with this piece. Let me know if you like it too. Thanks for looking.
-- Tom Brown

ROCKY STREAM BED, PLEIN AIR by TOM BROWN

"ON THE ROCKS"
6x8 inch Plein Air Impressionist
Original Oil Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Here's another change of pace from my usual Plein Air landscapes; an intimate close-up of a rocky stream bed.

I was attracted to this subject by the interesting pattern of rocks. I wanted to capture the craggy feeling of these rocks while keeping the overall composition loose and free.

For comparison with my Plein Air painting I am attaching a photo of the scene that I shot while painting on location. This lets you see how I edited various elements of the scene to create a more compelling visual while maintaining the essence of the subject.

I am pleased with the result, and in fact I'm thinking of creating an entire series of paintings in this vein. Let me know your thoughts.

This is another painting that may appear in the book of my art to be released later this year. If you would like to purchase this painting at "pre-gallery" prices email me at: tombrownstudio@cox.net

Thanks for looking.
-- Tom Brown

URBAN PLEIN AIR ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING by TOM

"A HIDDEN SIDE OF BALBOA ISLAND"
5x7 inch Plein Air Urban Landscape
by Tom Brown
To purchase email: tombrownstudio@cox.net
SOLD

For a change of pace I decided to paint an urban plein air scene. I set up my compact little pochade easel along the streets of Balboa Island in Newport Beach. This view actually looks down a back alley of this charming little island beach town.

The variety of architecture and sparkling bits of color that were interlocked throughout the scene caught my eye. The phone poles and power lines created additional interest.

While I painted I took a photo for comparison with the finished painting. The amount of detail was a challenge to paint without losing the sense of freshness I wanted to maintain. But I feel I succeeded and I was very pleased with the results. Click on the detail image for a better look.

I have decided this painting will be included in the book of my art due to be released later this year. If you would like to purchase this little jewel at "pre-gallery" prices email me for details. tombrownstudio@cox.net

Later this year I will again be represented by brisk-and-mortar galleries, which will cause a rise in prices. Until then I can still release my paintings at online prices.

Hope you like this one. It was a pleasure to paint. Thanks for stopping to look.
-- Tom Brown