Blog
8/30/2023 6:27:14 AM
Kentucky artist Louise Dearborn shares her historic homeplace with artist friends and leads a tour highlighting one mile of stone fence.Members of Plein Air Artists of Central Kentucky demonstrate their expertise in pen, ink, pastel, watercolor, oil and even paper collage.John Dixon talks about a special art exhibit in Cincinnati.Please watch to the end to see the final paintings and my step-my-step timelapse of my oil sketch of a scene that instantly caught my eye.I thought I was focusing on a simpler scene when I zoomed in on the watering can and flower container on the front porch. But a lot [...]
8/27/2023 10:58:03 AM
Henry Botts Nature Park in Mt. Sterling, Ky. was the gathering place for Kentucky Appalachia Outdoor Painters.I loved the rolling hills in the background and the pond in the foreground.But what made this spot special for me was when the young husband, wife and son showed up to go fishing.Although they're just dots in the painting, I wanted to keep practicing where I can work figures into a painting.With their permission, the video includes a little interview with them.The great thing about outdoor painting is the unexpected that creates memories. Whenever I look at this painting, I'll remember the great weather, [...]
8/23/2023 7:27:14 AM
Jackie Damron serves at Sterling Meadows, an assisted living residence in Mt. Sterling, Ky.Jane, a resident in her 90s, got Jackie hooked on art and now Jackie paints with us as a member of Kentucky Appalachia Outdoor Painters.Jackie invited us to paint outdoors in the garden with residents and, of course, we all shared a meal together.I started my painting with a dark, purple tone to cover an older painting that didn't work out. I wanted rich darks so that the sun and vibrant color of the Rose of Sharon would pop.Pam was working on her painting in the background, so [...]
8/20/2023 10:57:13 AM
Oil, watercolor, and pen and ink were among the media used by Plein Air Artists of Central Kentucky as we painted at Waveland, a historic state park.I discuss how I simplified and focused on composition in my oil painting of the slave cabin. The property was the antebellum home of Joseph Bryan, built in the 1850s. The original slave quarters, smokehouse and ice house are still here along with the mansion.Wait until you see how one artist rendered the main house in oil.The video spends time with several of the dozen artists who showed up to paint together on this wonderful [...]
8/16/2023 12:17:16 PM
Meals, socializing and sharing the plein air experience.Donna Lindon hosted our paintout of Kentucky Appalachia Outdoor Painters. She's a wonderful artist and showed her equal talents as a chef for this get-together.Watch the joy of painting and socializing as we paint Kentucky in oil, watercolor, pastel, gouache and more.Some of the artists share their preparation and techniques and I conclude with my steps to finishing my painting of Donna's garden shed.This video is another step in my art journey, celebrating the beauty of life. [...]
8/13/2023 7:43:06 AM
Oil and watercolor were among the media used by members of Plein Air Artists of Central Kentucky during a June art-out at a Danville doctor's farm bordering the Kentucky River.
You will see the scenes selected and work of four artists, including details on how I began my oil painting of hydrangeas with Gamsol, Galkyd Gel and solvent-based oils.
I have been using water-mixable oils in recent years because of my sensitivities to odors and solvents. But I had a large collection of unused original oils that I've decided to use when painting outdoors.
This short video highlights the beauty of painting in Kentucky.
This [...]
8/6/2023 10:24:22 AM
"Hosta" was painted in plein air as part of the Danville garden club's 2023 show.
Kathy and Stuart Wilson hosted more than 150 visitors to their garden on this perfect Saturday in June.
Two artists from Plein Air Artists of Central Kentucky (PAACK) were invited to paint at each of the show locations. I painted with Joe Forgacs.
Take a quick look at the YouTube video of the painting and especially Kathy's garden. I also link to a previous day of painting at her garden with other members of PAACK.
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