 I was asked if students can bring objects from home to paint in class. Yes! Here are some things to consider: • Make sure that the objects you bring to class aren't busy with lots of complex details and patterns. Keep it simple. • Plan to have your painting done in 2 hours, the length of the class. That way, you will be painting under the lighting conditions in the classroom that day; there's no saying the same light conditions will be there next week. • Bring items to paint and we'll make it happen! To paint a still life from observation, begin by arranging objects under consistent lighting. Use a viewfinder or mark your canvas edges to establish composition. Sketch the basic shapes lightly with pencil, brush, or charcoal, focusing on proportion and placement. Identify the light source and block in shadow masses first to establish value structure. Mix and apply middle tones next, keeping paint thin in the early stages. Observe color temperature shifts and refine edges—keep some sharp, others soft to suggest depth. Use a limited palette to control harmony and mix colors accurately, based on observed color, not assumptions. Work across the whole painting, not object by object, to unify the composition. Avoid overworking; maintain brushstroke intention. Finally, step back often to assess relationships and make corrections. Let it dry between sessions if using oils. Clean tools thoroughly when finished.  Above is a setup I made at home. It would make a fun painting.  I have a big @ symbol. It would also be fun to paint.  Above is a more complex arrangement. Notice the lighting was carefully adjusted.  Here, the painter has kept the strokes loose.
Give it a try.
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 Plein air painting is the practice of painting outdoors, where artists directly observe the landscape. Artists bring their materials to the site and work on location to capture natural light, color, and atmosphere. This method requires quick decision-making due to the changing weather and lighting conditions. It challenges artists to simplify forms and focus on essentials. Plein air painting improves observation skills and deepens understanding of color relationships and spatial depth. Artists often complete studies on-site and may refine or expand them later in the studio. It’s a practical exercise that builds technical skill, visual memory, and confidence in working efficiently under natural conditions. Here are three of my recent plein air paintings: "Rose Garden in July." I was mesmerized by the flowers' soft colors.  "Rose Garden 2". Toward the far side of the Rose Garden, there is a small wooded area. I set up there to avoid the crowds.  "Woodland Park". Every direction you turn—trees! This one took about an hour.  Watch for more plein air paintings in future posts!
 Some paintings attract us more than others due to psychological, emotional, cultural, and aesthetic factors. While taste is subjective, certain elements engage our attention and emotion on a deeper level. These include composition, color harmony, emotional resonance, symbolic content, and the viewer’s personal experiences or cultural background. In the below paintings, observe what each painting evokes in you: Visual composition plays a foundational role in our response to paintings. We are naturally drawn to visual balance, rhythm, and clarity. A well-composed painting guides the viewer’s eye through the image in a way that feels satisfying or intriguing. The placement of elements within the frame can create tension, harmony, or curiosity. This subconscious visual organization can make a painting feel “right” even before we understand its content.
Color is another powerful attractor. Warm tones such as reds, oranges, and yellows create excitement or warmth, while cool tones like blues and greens evoke calm or introspection. Artists often use color to evoke emotion, and we are often unconsciously drawn to hues that resonate with our internal states or emotional needs. Beyond formal elements, emotional resonance is a major reason why some paintings attract us. A painting may reflect a mood we’re experiencing or longing for—joy, melancholy, nostalgia, wonder. We are drawn to art that mirrors our emotional world or gives voice to feelings we cannot easily express. This is especially true of figurative or symbolic art, where facial expressions, gestures, and settings invite empathy or contemplation. Cultural and personal background strongly influence what we find attractive. A painting that references a viewer’s heritage, beliefs, or lived experiences will often strike a deeper chord. Likewise, personal experiences—such as a memory of a place, a relationship, or a trauma—can create a magnetic pull toward certain subjects or styles. This makes the viewing experience unique for every individual. Lastly, the mystery or originality of a painting can be a powerful attractor. We are naturally curious beings, and when a painting challenges our expectations, invites interpretation, or contains ambiguity, it compels us to look closer. Innovative techniques, unusual perspectives, or imaginative concepts stimulate both the intellect and the imagination.  All paintings below by Dennis Congdon A musician friend once said, "The advantage of making music over art is that once you are finished performing your music, it goes away, but when you finish a painting, it just sits there, out in the world." So what is an artist to do?  Keep it - Collect your own art. I have paintings I did 40 years ago that I still love looking at. Not because I think highly of myself, but because I’m still amazed that I somehow managed to paint them. It's OK to be amazed by your accomplishments and fill your walls with them.  Recycle your art Embrace an honest assessment of a painting and determine if it is really, really a keeper? If not, paint another painting over it with a clear conscience. (Cover the painting with a solid tint of color first, before painting on it.) This has been a practice by many great artists throughout art history, so you're in good company.  Give your art as a gift Someone may not appreciate your thoughtful gift of a 10' x 10' (305 x 305 cm) painting, but they may be super excited to receive a smaller one. Offer your art at auctions Many organizations host fundraisers and are seeking items to auction off. Help their cause and bring happiness to those lucky people who buy your art.. (Caveat: your art must be your original creation, not a painted copy of another person’s photograph or painting.)  Art Galleries and coffee shops If you are accomplished enough and consider yourself an artist, find art galleries, gift shops, or coffee shops that will display and sell your artwork. If no sales happen, at least people will see your amazing artwork. (Caveat: your art must be your original creation, not a printed copy of another person’s photograph or painting.)  Studio Sale
Once a year, have an art party and studio sale at your house. Bring out all of your paintings and spread them out everywhere, on the walls, on tables, leaning on furniture—everywhere! Make the whole place look like the studio of a mad artist. Then, invite all your friends to come over. Offer works for rock-bottom prices. Offer two paintings for the price of one. Refuse no offer! |
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Patrick Howe, Artist, Author and Educator Seattle, WA. Contact: [email protected] |
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