Just back from Chicago tonight, had a great time. Weather was perfect. The days before we arrived were unbearable, high heat, high humidity. We suffered some rain, but other than that, great weather. We lucked out! I was inspired by Katherine Tryrell’s recent travel sketches to do some of my own. I rarely use watercolor, … Read more

Here’s another plein air sketch from my recent long weekend at Lake Alta. I guess it’s a “dappled light” theme. Speaking of that, I just received a new book on Joaquin Sorolla (by Blanca Pons-Sorolla) that just amazing. Talk about a master of dappled light. Blog post on that coming soon. In the meantime, enjoy … Read more

Just back from Lake Alta (in the Sierras). I painted this week with my good friend Andy Skaff along the Trukee River.  I definitely went for “colorist” in this painting, as opposed to “tonalist“.  I have a few more that are drying that I’ll post later.  Off to Chicago tomorrow until 7/24, so probably won’t … Read more

Some time ago I wrote about “Reflections on a Pond” , then the latest book by accomplished plein air artist Kevin Macpherson. Well, Kevin has indeed been busy, as he’s just come out with a new DVD and has another instructional book close to publication. Wanda & Kevin Macpherson and Ed Terpening The new DVD, … Read more

I’m getting a shipment of 15 paintings ready to the Pheonix Topeka Gallery (in Kansas) and came across this painting of Lake Tahoe requested by Kyle, the owner. I love how a plein air painting can take you back instantly to the time and place, everything about the day. This painting does that for me. … Read more

We had a great turnout at today’s Verde Artist Guild paint-out. I’d guess at least 20 artists. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooporate. I got there at 9am and it was completely overcast, foggy. I thought I’d just do a quick “gray day” painting until it cleared up, but…no such luck. Even so, everyone painted away … Read more

A couple of my teachers (Jim Smyth and Ovanes Berberian come to mind) talk about the idea of using the left-over paint from a painting and doing a much smaller quick study aftewards. I was on Edgewood Road by my home the other day, finding places to paint. I ended up doing the 9×12″ painting … Read more

Painted this one yesterday, late afternoon, off Edgewood Road.  I’m finding some nice local spots again.  This weekend, I get to paint with the Verde Artist Guild, our local plein air group.  Should be fun! Edgewood Hillside – Oil on Linen – 9×12 

I study a lot with Colorists, because my direction for some time has been to use color to the fullest, as a form of expression equal to design, subject matter, and all the other things that influence the appeal of a painting.  I also go back-and-forth (or, perhaps this is just learning) between colors and … Read more