For the original post see:  http://mchesleyjohnson.blogspot.com/2013/04/choosing-painting-workshop.html

As I write this, I'm at the Art Barn School of Art in Valparaiso, Indiana.  Spring has finally come to this part of the world – the woods are filled with a lacy fluttering of green, spring beauties carpet the ground,…

Not looking to replace my oils, gouache, acrylics...but, fun is fun...and I'm always intrigued by something new, different.  When at first difficult, I am even more intrigued and suddenly obsessed.  

Last night got out for an hour and painted this one...sitting in my truck, using an ipad 2...started with a stylus, but soon…

I find that being with another artist that I invite to paint with me, is a valuable experience beyond the act of painting or discussing our paintings.  Besides the obvious benefits of enjoying their company and sharing the experience, I enjoy the catalytic input that results.  It doesn't necessarily have to do with painting, techniques, critiquing or comments about art.  To me it is more about broadening my mind about everything.  There is a level of communication that I experience during…

Great news!  French Escapade is now offering a $500 discount to fill the remaining 2 spots in my Provence, France plein air painting retreat. Each day we'll travel to one of the "beautiful villages" to paint, have lunch, sightsee & maybe paint some more. May 21-28. For more info: http://www.frenchescapade.com/trips-painting-provence.html $2690 includes workshop, all meals including drinks/wine, ground transportation…

Nikolai came from Berlin Germany to paint with some of my favorite artists.  Here is the video of us at Gregg Caudell's Ranch last September.  If you would like to paint this amazing area this year call Lynne Haines 509-981-0139 and we'll put another one together.  It was FABULOUS.  See it on utube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvxGPSU0x2c&feature=youtu.be

Received word tonight that my five sessions live Go To Meeting Webinar with F&W Publications (North Light Shop) and on- Foundations to Improve Your Paintings - ...For Reasons Paintings Work, will be available as early as end of next week or shortly thereafter.

Those that…

Autumn is my favorite time of year. Today is my 64th birthday, and I can remember many birthdays when I was out painting on location in places like Yosemite, when I would schedule my vacation time to the end of October. As I look outside in my front yard here in Georgia, the leaves on the trees are all turning color…

Someone recently asked how one can create a sense of light when the day lacks brilliance.  When the sun has gone behind the clouds or the fog has rolled in, contrast lessens and edges soften.  You'll find that this more diffuse light will creep into shadows, weakening them. Things can began to look downright gloomy.  When this…

Have been asked to be ready to start teaching as soon as next month, October...and will be using "Go To Meeting" as the delivery vehicle.  The first lesson will be on Composition for the Painter...a live attendee instructional event, where I will use Power Point, Facetime to address questions, a…

“Let's Get Serious”

Landscape Workshop…

We had an absolutely wonderful time in Alaska, and I had the most wonderful students to work with.  Alaskan artists are geared, wired to embrace their weather.  Rain, chill, mist, whatever the forecast...a bit of a shrug of the shoulders and a smile of assurance,…

...sportin' a new look these days...(or, ran out of "Just For Men?" hahaa)...a bit white on the goatee now, and an Aussie style cowboy hat that is water resistant and good shade for the neck and eyes...

Getting ready now to leave for Alaska, this coming Thursday...teaching a…

Check out my article in this month's International Artist magazine. I thought you might enjoy it as fellow plein air painters. In the article I talk about finding my true voice as an artist and how plein air painting has been the best way for me to create paintings with passion and feeling. "Paint in the snow, get caught in the rain and see how your paintings will have a unique sense of not only the place, but of your experience."…

I am mostly a studio artist, working on commissions and subjects of personal choice.  It has only taken three plein air painting sessions for me to become a plein air addict. I haven't been able to get outside and paint since last Sunday because of house hold duties (my family has to eat and have clean clothes).  It will be days, maybe a week or two before I'll be able to get out of the house and paint...and it's killing me.  I look at my new pochade box stacked over in the corner in my…