CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR by TOM BROWN

“THE YELLOW HOUSE”
9x12 inch Impressionist Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the view and have a wonderful day!

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR by TOM BROWN

“A DAY IN THE SUN”
8x10 inch Impressionist Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

SOLD

Come join my new Plein Air Workshop if you live in the area. It begins this coming weekend, and we will meet for 5 sessions at a variety of locations. See yesterday’s blog entry for more details.

Thanks for looking. Have a wonderful day!

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR by TOM BROWN

“PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS”
6x8 inch Impressionist Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

This was done as a demonstration painting during a Plein Air Class I taught last weekend in Laguna Canyon. As I finished the painting a small bird alighted on top of the cactus. It added a nice touch to the painting and I included him.

If you have ever wanted to try your hand at outdoor painting, here is your chance. Next weekend I begin teaching a 5-session Plein Air Workshop, and there is still time to register. If you are a beginner this is the perfect introduction to outdoor painting.

The first class is held in a large studio at the Irvine Fine Arts Center. If you don’t own an outdoor easel you can come to the first class without one. At that class I will demonstrate a variety of inexpensive outdoor painting kits, equipment, materials and techniques that will interest you. (I will show you one easel setup is actually FREE. It’s a great way to see if you like Plein Air Painting without spending a cent on special equipment.)

In this workshop I’ll show you why outdoor painting is so EASY and FUN, even if you are a first-time artist. I supply lots of personal guidance for each artist as needed, so you will fit right in!

All mediums are welcome but I will be demonstrating in oils. We meet at a breathtaking new location each Saturday morning, where I show you how to create your own plein air painting of each exciting vista.

You'll also learn:

-- How to make a plein air kit that's virtually free and goes anywhere.

-- My personal color mixing secrets and shortcuts.

-- 6 tips for creating plein air winners every time.

-- How to master values, composition and brushwork.

-- 4 ways to find inspiration in any scene.

We will paint at a variety of breathtaking locations around Orange County. Remember, I share all my inside tips and techniques and I give lots of one-on-one personal guidance. All skill levels are welcome.

For registration details, email me at [email protected]

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR by TOM BROWN

“INTO THE CANYON”
6x8 inch Impressionist Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

SOLD

I feel very privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the country. Mountains, farms and rolling hills surround my home. There are endless landscapes begging to be painted.

Now that warmer weather is here I encourage every artist to get outside and work directly from nature. If you live in Southern California come join my new Plein Air Workshop that begins May 2nd (next Saturday).

We will paint at a variety of breathtaking locations around Orange County during a series of 5 Saturday Workshops. I share all my inside tips and techniques, including color mixing, values, composition and brushwork. All mediums are welcome, but I will be working in oils.

For more details, email me at [email protected]

You will soon see why Plein Air painting is one of the great joys of life.

FRUIT, FLOWERS CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST ART by TOM BROWN

“THE COLORS OF SUNLIGHT”
6x6 inch Impressionist Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

SOLD

I enjoy painting still life subjects like this in my back yard. The bright California sunlight and clear skies bring out the vibrant colors of fruit and flowers. Even the shadows are filled with reflected color, which you can see in the detail images.

This one was a joy to paint. There were also bonuses like a gentle breeze in the palm trees and the scent of flowers in the air. Hummingbirds fed among the brightly colored bushes at the edge of my yard while I painted, and several bright green parrots flew overhead.

This painting is a little jewel that will bring a colorful ray of sunshine to any room of your home. Let me know if you want this painting and we’ll make it yours. [email protected]

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the view and have a wonderful day!

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR by TOM BROWN

“ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE”
6x8 inch Impressionist Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

I feel very privileged to live in such a beautiful part of the country. Mountains, farms and rolling hills surround my home. There are endless landscapes begging to be painted.

A brief drive from my home in Southern California is the ocean and surf, palm trees and sandy beaches. It’s the perfect setting for a day of painting or just to have a picnic and relax.

A short distance in another direction is the desert, with its own brand of rugged natural beauty. There is far more here to discover than one would imagine, and I always enjoy a painting trip to the desert.

If I choose to head in yet another direction I can soon be high atop a majestic mountain range. Wherever I look, it’s a plein air painter’s dream. And every day feels like another day in Paradise.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the view and I hope you have a wonderful day!

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST LANDSCAPE by TOM BROWN

“THE COLORS OF SUNSET”
8x10 inch Impressionist Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

SOLD

This canvas is loaded with rich, juicy strokes of oil paint and bold color. The late afternoon sunlight rakes across hills and mountains, imbuing the landscape with a sense of wonder and drama.

This painting will bring a brilliant ray of sunshine to any room of your home. Let me know if you want this colorful piece and we’ll make it yours. [email protected]

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the view and have a wonderful day!

PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“A MAGIC MOMENT”
6x8 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]
SOLD

I always encourage artists to get outside and paint directly from nature. Absorb the experience with all the senses. The sensations will be reflected in your painting, and your day will be much richer for the experience.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the view and have a wonderful day!

PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“LAST LIGHT”
4x8 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

SOLD

Sunsets are one of my favorite times to paint outdoors. Every sunset is different, even if I’ve painted the same scene on a previous occasion.

I always encourage artists to get outside and paint directly from nature. Absorb the experience with all the senses. The sensations will be reflected in your painting, and your day will be much richer for the experience.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the view and have a wonderful day!

PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“EARLY MORNING LIGHT”
9x12 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

This painting was done as a class demonstration during Saturday’s Plein Air workshop. It is a 9x12 inch canvas, larger than I usually work when on location.

In this piece I wanted to capture the soft morning light on the homes in the distance, as well as the rich variety of greenery in the foreground. My easel was set up at the edge of a local community park that was very peaceful and serene. I tried to put that feeling into the painting as well. I was pleased with the result, and I hope you like it as well.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the view and have a wonderful day!

CONTEMPORARY STILL LIFE by TOM BROWN

“FLOWERS AND FRUIT”
11x14 inch Original Oil Painting
by Tom Brown
SOLD

This painting was done as a class demonstration during a current workshop. It is now owned by one of the artists in the workshop but I wanted to show it on my blog anyway because I was quite pleased with how it turned out.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the view and have a wonderful day!

LARGE PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“NORTH LAKE REFLECTIONS”
12x20 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

SOLD

This painting was done as a class demonstration, entirely on location.

I encourage every artist to get outside with your paints and work directly from nature. Enjoy life; absorb the experience with all your senses. It will be reflected in your painting, and your day will be much richer for the experience.

I begin teaching a new 5-session plein air workshop in Southern California on May 2nd. Come join the group if you live near Orange County. We will meet 5 Saturday mornings at a new location each time and paint a variety of landscapes.

I give lots of individual attention to each artist, and all skill levels are welcome. You're sure to enjoy yourself.

Email me for details: [email protected]. I'd love to see you all there.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the view and have a wonderful day!

PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“DRY CREEK BED”
6x8 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

SOLD

I encourage every artist to get outside with your paints and work directly from nature. Enjoy life; absorb the experience with all your senses. It will be reflected in your painting, and your day will be much richer for the experience.

I begin teaching a new 5-session plein air workshop in Southern California on May 2nd. Come join the group if you live near Orange County. We will meet 5 Saturday mornings at a new location each time and paint a variety of landscapes. I give lots of individual attention to each artist, and all skill levels are welcome. You're sure to enjoy yourself.

Email me for details: [email protected]. I'd love to see you all there.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the view and have a wonderful day!

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“NEGLECTED”
8x10 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

SOLD

I encourage every artist to get outside with your paints and work directly from nature.

If you’re a newcomer and you’re feeling timid, here’s a tip I give my new plein air students: LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS. (You won’t find that in any self-help books.)

Nothing serious is at risk. Loosen up and realize you’re simply out there to enjoy yourself. Relax and drink in the moment; absorb the experience with all your senses. It will be reflected in your painting, and your day will be much richer for the experience. Happy painting!

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the view and have a wonderful day!

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“A PEACEFUL DAY IN THE COUNTRY”
8x10 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
SOLD

This was such a beautiful day. I encourage every artist to get outside with your paints and work directly from nature. Plein air painting captures a unique excitement and energy in the work because it engages all the senses at once.

The feel of balmy breezes on your skin, the sweet scent of country air, the sounds of birds in the trees all become a part of the painting.

It’s a very rewarding experience for any artist, and plein air paintings are prized because they seem to bring fresh air and sunshine directly into a room.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy the view and have a wonderful day!

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“A CLOUDY DAY AT MINNOW CREEK”
8x10 inch Plein Air Painting by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

SOLD

Plein air painting is one of the most enjoyable forms of art because it engages all the senses and infuses the painting with an energy and sense of authenticity not found in studio work.

A note to fellow artists: You can try your hand at outdoor painting without spending a cent on equipment.

Many artists want to try plein air painting, but aren’t sure if they will like it. So they don’t want to buy a French easel or equipment they may never use again.

I created a simple solution to this for my new plein air students. It’s a self-contained kit that anyone can make (without tools). And it’s literally free.

It travels well, it’s easy to use, and it lets you experience the fun of plein air painting with no financial risk.

I also compiled lots of other valuable tips. My students were so impressed they suggested I make this available to artists everywhere.

I did, and it’s now available as an electronic handout for just $10. It's like a mini-book that is readable on the computer or can be printed out for permanent reference.

Here’s what it covers:

How to make the FREE self-contained plein air kit.

Details about two other very inexpensive plein air setups I use on location. Each of these is a more durable, permanent plein air setup:

1) The extremely lightweight, inexpensive easel shown on my blog recently. It’s perfect for times when I want to travel VERY light, on long hikes into canyons or mountains for example. This setup is ideal for small panels, from very tiny up to about 8x10 or 11x14 inches.

2) The easel I use on my TV show. It’s also inexpensive and lightweight, but larger. It handles any sized canvases from very tiny to very large.

My plein air working methods. I show two step-by-step demonstrations painted and photographed on location. You can see how each painting evolved from the very first stroke to the final piece.

A complete packing list. This tells you how to pack light for location work, without sacrificing any essentials. I even include notes on how to dress for plein air painting.

An innovative way to solve perspective problems. I show how to make a unique tool that will solve problems of accurately capturing lines of perspective on location. This is perfect for creating the correct angles of a country road in your paintings. Or accurately drawing buildings and streets, or the angles of a wandering path.

This is perfect for all skill levels. The handout contains loads of information about plein air painting that you can use to get started right away. It solves many problems facing the new plein air painter, and it even includes tips for experienced painters who want to refine their working methods.

“USEFUL TIPS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING” is now available for $10. It is a PDF file that will be emailed to you so you can get started on the right path, right away.

Email me for details: [email protected]. Thanks for looking. Have a wonderful day!

HARBOR SUNSET ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“HARBOR SUNSET”
11x14 inch Original Oil Painting
by Tom Brown
SOLD

This is a sunset view of the same harbor where other artists and I painted this past weekend. This painting was done in the studio from a photograph rather than outdoors on location.

In this painting I wanted to capture the rich colors in the sky and water that occur at sunset. Light glistens like little jewels on the water and the boats are bathed in golden light. I was pleased with the way it turned out; I hope you like it.

A note to artists who follow my blog:
You can try outdoor painting without spending a cent on equipment.

Many artists want to try plein air painting, but aren’t sure if they will like it. So they don’t want to buy a French easel or equipment they may never use again.

I created a simple solution to this for my new plein air students.
It’s a self-contained kit that anyone can make (without tools). And its literally free.

It travels well, it’s easy to use, and it lets you experience the fun of plein air painting with no financial risk.

I also compiled lots of other valuable tips.
My students were so impressed they suggested I make this available to artists everywhere.

I did, and it’s now available as an electronic handout for just $10. It's like a mini-book that is readable on the computer or can be printed out for permanent reference.

Here’s what it covers:

How to make the FREE self-contained plein air kit.

Details about two other very inexpensive plein air setups I use on location. Each of these is a more durable, permanent plein air setup:

1) The extremely lightweight, inexpensive easel shown on my blog recently.
It’s perfect for times when I want to travel VERY light, on long hikes into canyons or mountains for example. This setup is ideal for small panels, from very tiny up to about 8x10 or 11x14 inches.

2) The easel I use on my TV show.
It’s also inexpensive and lightweight, but larger. It handles any sized canvases from very tiny to very large.

My plein air working methods.
I show two step-by-step demonstrations painted and photographed on location. You can see how each painting evolved from the very first stroke to the final piece.

A complete packing list.
This tells you how to pack light for location work, without sacrificing any essentials. I even include notes on how to dress for plein air painting.

An innovative way to solve perspective problems.
I show how to make a unique tool that will solve problems of accurately capturing lines of perspective on location. This is perfect for creating the correct angles of a country road in your paintings. Or accurately drawing buildings and streets, or the angles of a wandering path.

This is perfect for all skill levels.
The handout contains loads of information about plein air painting that you can use to get started right away. It solves many problems facing the new plein air painter, and it even includes tips for experienced painters who want to refine their working methods.

“USEFUL TIPS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING” is now available for $10. It is a PDF file that will be emailed to you so you can get started on the right path, right away.

Email me for details: [email protected]

Thanks for looking. Have a wonderful day!

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“A WINDING COUNTRY ROAD AMONG THE OAKS”
8x10 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

SOLD

I encourage every artist to get outside with your paints and work directly from nature. The key to enjoying it is to pack correctly. Don’t take too much, and don’t take too little.

For this painting I used my innovative (and economical) plein air kit at a remote location. It’s one of my favorite outdoor painting kits because it’s so light and easy to carry anywhere – even on long hikes.

The paint box costs a fraction of most commercial models and it mounts on any standard camera tripod. It sets up instantly, travels well and the entire kit weighs only three pounds (including the tripod).

Full details about this kit are in “USEFUL TIPS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING,” an electronic handout originally created for my plein air students. (Now available for just $10 via email.)

The handout also gives an overview of my plein air working methods complete with two step-by-step demonstrations. And I provide a complete packing list, tips on how to dress for painting outdoors, and details on an innovative tool for solving perspective problems on location. Email me at [email protected] if you’re interested.

Thanks for looking. Have a wonderful day!

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“WINDSWEPT SKIES”
8x10 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

This is another landscape created with the economical plein air kit shown in yesterday’s blog. The paint box costs about $20 and it mounts on any standard camera tripod. It sets up instantly, travels well and the entire kit weighs only three pounds (including the tripod).

Full details about this kit are in “USEFUL TIPS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING,” an electronic handout originally created for my plein air students. (Now available for just $10 via email.)

The handout also gives an overview of my plein air working methods complete with two step-by-step demonstrations. And I provide a complete packing list, tips on how to dress for painting outdoors, and details on an innovative tool for solving perspective problems on location. Email me at [email protected] if you’re interested.

Thanks for looking. Have a wonderful day!

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“CALIFORNIA HILLS”
8x10 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

SOLD

For today’s painting I used the economical plein air paint box shown here. The paint box costs a fraction of most commercial models (about $20) and it mounts on any standard camera tripod. It sets up instantly, travels well and the entire kit weighs only three pounds (including the tripod).

Full details about this kit are in “USEFUL TIPS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING,” an electronic handout originally created for my plein air students. (Now available for just $10 via email.)

The handout also gives an overview of my plein air working methods complete with two step-by-step demonstrations. And I provide a complete packing list, tips on how to dress for painting outdoors, and details on an innovative tool for solving perspective problems on location. Email me at [email protected] if you’re interested.

I encourage every artist to get outside with your paints and work directly from nature. The key to enjoying it is to pack correctly. Don’t take too much, and don’t take too little.

Thanks for looking. Have a wonderful day!

PLEIN AIR HARBOR PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“SILVER WATERS”
6x8 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown

SOLD

To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

I liked this sparkling glare of sun on the water when I arrived on location, and made this the subject of my first painting of the day.

Good friends and perfect painting conditions made the day a wonderful, relaxing experience when I met with a group of other artists at the harbor for a plein air workshop Saturday.

We found an ideal spot on the far corner of a little island where we could paint inspiring scenes with few interruptions. Each of us came away with successful paintings and warm memories of the day.

Thanks for looking. Have a wonderful day!

CALIFORNIA IMPRESSIONIST PLEIN AIR OIL PAINTING by TOM BROWN

“CALIFORNIA SUNSET”
8x10 inch Plein Air Painting
by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]
SOLD

I encourage every artist to get outside with your paints and work directly from nature. The key to enjoying it is to pack correctly. Don’t take too much, and don’t take too little.

For today’s painting I used one of my favorite lightweight plein air paint boxes on location. The paint box costs a fraction of most commercial models and it mounts on any standard camera tripod. It sets up instantly, travels well and the entire kit weighs only three pounds (including the tripod).

Full details about this kit are in “USEFUL TIPS FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING,” an electronic handout originally created for my plein air students. (Now available for just $10 via email.)

The handout also gives an overview of my plein air working methods complete with two step-by-step demonstrations. And I provide a complete packing list, tips on how to dress for painting outdoors, and details on an innovative tool for solving perspective problems on location. Email me at [email protected] if you’re interested.

Thanks for looking. Have a wonderful day!

PLEIN AIR HARBOR, BOAT BY TOM BROWN

“RESTING QUIETLY”
6x8 inch original oil painting by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

Good companionship and perfect painting conditions made the day a wonderful, relaxing experience when I met with a group of other artists at the harbor for a plein air workshop Saturday.

We found an ideal spot on the far corner of a little island where we could paint inspiring scenes with few interruptions. Each of us came away with successful paintings and warm memories of the day.

I liked this particular boat with the shiny black hull as it rested at its mooring and enjoyed capturing it in this final painting of the day.

Thanks for looking. Have a wonderful day!

PLEIN AIR HARBOR, BOATS BY TOM BROWN

“HARBOR SPARKLE”
6x8 inch original oil painting by Tom Brown
To purchase this painting, email me at: [email protected]

SOLD

At first glance I saw nuances of color and light in this harbor scene that were too subtle for the camera to record. Boats reflected golden light in the harbor water. Palm trees rose in the distance against a periwinkle sky. Before that impression could fade I set up my easel and captured it in this little gem.

The accompanying photo was shot as I was near the finish of the painting. By that time the light had changed and the magic had vanished. I was happy to have caught it in time.

Thanks for looking. Have a sparkling day!

LARGE LANDSCAPE BY TOM BROWN

“HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS”
11x14 inch original oil painting by Tom Brown

“That’s where I would like to live,” someone commented when viewing this painting. It’s an idyllic setting, with a cozy white house nestled beneath sheltering trees and hillsides rolling out in all directions. I think this will bring a sense of peace and serenity to any room in your home. If you would like to make this yours, email me at: [email protected]

By the way if you’re an artist living in Orange County, California you may want to join my group of plein air painters this Saturday morning. I’m teaching a private workshop at a harbor near the ocean, and newcomers are welcome. There is a small fee for the day’s session; email me for details if you’re interested: [email protected]

Thanks for looking. Have a beautiful day!

CHEESECAKE PAINTING BY TOM BROWN

“STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE”
6x8 inch original oil painting
by Tom Brown

SOLD

Tidying up after painting is the part I like best about doing a painting like this. Yummm! To purchase this tasty piece of art, email me at: [email protected]

If you’re an artist living in Orange County, California you may want to join my group of plein air painters this Saturday morning. I’m teaching another private workshop in a new location near the ocean, and newcomers are welcome. There is a small fee for the day’s session; email me for details if you’re interested: [email protected]

Thanks for looking. Have a beautiful day!