The Painter's Block
Welcome to 'The Painter's Block,' the art and outdoor blog that covers everything from art collecting to our relationship with nature. Here you'll find helpful information for artists and oil painting along with topics I love related to wildlife and the great outdoors. I share with you all the things I learn and experience through my journey as a traditional artist as well as what inspires my art.
Ever heard of alla prima and wondered how it's done or even what it is? Well let's first define what alla prima means. It's an Italian phrase that translates to "at first attempt." In other words, alla prima painting is...
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One of the biggest hurdles for getting started with oil painting is the complexity of both paint and medium choices that are available. To simplify this, let's break down what makes a good choice of paint and help you decide what's...
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If you're an artist then you know how important it is to have quality reference material. Painting from your own reference photos can be especially meaningful because it injects more feeling and emotion into your work. If you're on the search...
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For artists, painting en plein air, or painting outdoors, can be one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences. It really forces you to take the time to slow down and be fully present to appreciate every detail that nature...
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What you should consider when shopping for a hiking pack Choosing the right backpack for hiking in the mountains can feel like an overwhelming task for both beginners and experts. With so many options and new technologies and models available in the...
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As artists, we all know that frustrating feeling of being stuck and unable to create anything new. Artist's block can take on many different forms and whatever you might be going through in your process, it usually manifests itself as low inspiration....
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Have you ever heard "fat over lean" when researching oil painting and thought, what the heck is that?? We'll, don't sweat it, as this fundamental principle in oil painting can often be a source of confusion for many artists. Fat over...
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As an artist on a budget, finding the perfect easel can feel like a challenge. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which easel is not only affordable, but also provides the necessary features for your paintings....
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Have you ever wondered why artists start a painting with a warm tone like burnt sienna? Well, you're not alone. I used to wonder the same for years when I was starting out. So while toning the canvas might seem like...
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As an artist, I know firsthand the eagerness to dive right in and start adding color to a blank canvas. However, as I've grown my craft over the last 20 years, I've come to appreciate the importance of taking the...
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Oiling out is a technique that can help you achieve a smooth and vibrant surface in your painting. Many times while working in oils, the painting will dry unevenly which makes it difficult to see what you're working on. So...
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Blending is an essential technique for almost any type of painting. The right brushes can make all the difference. Whether you're working in oils, acrylics, or watercolors, the brushes you use will affect the look and feel of your finished artwork....
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