Paint & Clay

Join us for a lively conversation with Eric Jacobson, an experienced painter and teacher with over 27 years of expertise. In this episode, Eric shares valuable insights into the challenges artists face, particularly focusing on shape drawing and color temperature. He emphasizes the importance of understanding positive and negative shapes and suggests practical exercises to improve drawing skills. Tune in to learn more about Eric's digital download series and upcoming online course with the Tucson Art Academy Online. Don't miss out on this enriching discussion! https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/eric-jacobsen-instructional-video-how-to-paint-landscapes About the Artist: Eric Jacobsen was born and raised in New England. He received a BA in History from Gordon College in Wenham, MA in 1989 and studied fine art at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, CT from 1991-1995. At the Academy he received training in the Beaux Arts tradition of drawing and painting from life. Eric's true inspiration is the amazing beauty that he sees in nature. Jacobsen is a “Plein Air” painter. He takes his oils wherever he goes, setting up on site, working until his painting is finished. To see more from Eric Jacobsen, visit: ⁠https://www.jacobsenfineart.com/⁠ If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at: ⁠https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/⁠ ⁠https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

Earlier this month, artists Mitch Baird, Eric Jacobsen, and Gabor met up at a Plein Air Painters of America convention. While there, they discussed why cultivating a crew of likeminded artists is so vital for the creative process. About the Artists: Eric Jacobsen was born and raised in New England. He received a BA in History from Gordon College in Wenham, MA in 1989 and studied fine art at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, CT from 1991-1995. At the Academy he received training in the Beaux Arts tradition of drawing and painting from life. Eric's true inspiration is the amazing beauty that he sees in nature. Jacobsen is a “Plein Air” painter. He takes his oils wherever he goes, setting up on site, working until his painting is finished. Mitch Baird is a Signature Member of the following organizations: Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Societ and current President of the prestigious Plein Air Painters of America (PAPA). As a representational painter he believes that painting is a celebration of life and the beauty that surrounds us. Seeking out this inspiration, Mitch works directly from life to capture the qualities and nuances of natural light and color harmony. He has a strong conviction that great artistic communication depends on solid draftsmanship, design and vision. If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at: https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

In the final part of the conversation between David, Colley, and Gabor, the three dive into the contemporary painters they admire and Colley asks David about some of the specific techniques he uses while painting. About the Artist: Born in Doncaster in 1948, David headed an engineering design team until 1988 when he became a full time painter. He was elected to the Royal Society of Marine Arts in 1983 and a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1988. In 1992 David won the first prize in the Singer & Friedlander/Sunday Times Watercolour Competition and the second prize in 1997. Essentially a ‘plein air’ and figurative painter, working in both oils and waterclours, he observes transient lighting conditions and effects of atmosphere in his compositions. David is the author of ‘A Light Touch, the Landscape in Oils’ and ‘The Landscape in Watercolour – A Personal View’ both published by David & Charles. To learn more about David Curtis, check out his website: ⁠https://www.djcurtis.co.uk/⁠ If you want to learn more about Colley's 365 Day Online Mentorship Course with TAAO, visit: ⁠https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/colley-whisson-online-workshop⁠ If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at ⁠https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline⁠

Continuing the conversation from last episode, Gabor, Colley, and David discuss how they feel inspired on the field, what music they listen to when they paint, and the importance of developing your drawing skills. About the Artist: Born in Doncaster in 1948, David headed an engineering design team until 1988 when he became a full time painter. He was elected to the Royal Society of Marine Arts in 1983 and a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1988. In 1992 David won the first prize in the Singer & Friedlander/Sunday Times Watercolour Competition and the second prize in 1997. Essentially a ‘plein air’ and figurative painter, working in both oils and waterclours, he observes transient lighting conditions and effects of atmosphere in his compositions. David is the author of ‘A Light Touch, the Landscape in Oils’ and ‘The Landscape in Watercolour – A Personal View’ both published by David & Charles. To learn more about David Curtis, check out his website: https://www.djcurtis.co.uk/ If you want to learn more about Colley's 365 Day Online Mentorship Course with TAAO, visit: https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/colley-whisson-online-workshop If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

It was our treat to record an insightful discussion between Gabor, Colley Whisson, and acclaimed British watercolour and oil painter, David Curtis. This conversation is broken up into three parts, the first of which is recorded here where the three consider the joys of painting outdoors and the benefits of sharing your work on the internet. About the Artist: Born in Doncaster in 1948, David headed an engineering design team until 1988 when he became a full time painter. He was elected to the Royal Society of Marine Arts in 1983 and a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1988. In 1992 David won the first prize in the Singer & Friedlander/Sunday Times Watercolour Competition and the second prize in 1997. Essentially a ‘plein air’ and figurative painter, working in both oils and waterclours, he observes transient lighting conditions and effects of atmosphere in his compositions. David is the author of ‘A Light Touch, the Landscape in Oils’ and ‘The Landscape in Watercolour – A Personal View’ both published by David & Charles. To learn more about David Curtis, check out his website: https://www.djcurtis.co.uk/ If you want to learn more about Colley's 365 Day Online Mentorship Course with TAAO, visit: https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/colley-whisson-online-workshop If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

All scenes are comprised of abstract shapes - the key is to spot them, and render them artistically. Artist Matt Smith and Gabor also discuss the difference between representing visual reality and photo-reality, pointing to the work of artist Daniel Sprick as a good example of someone who's work is highly rendered, yet still based in the foundational principles of composition. About the Artist: Matt Smith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Arizona State University. Somewhat frustrated with the abstract focus of the program at ASU, he began looking to outside sources for inspiration and guidance. These sources included fellow artists, fine galleries and museums. This is where his "real" education began. These days, Matt can often be found painting en Plein air from southern Arizona to the Canadian Rockies, from the California coast to the Rocky Mountains. "I appreciate traditional landscape painting and I am inspired by the pristine landscapes of the American West. I enjoy working in areas where one can travel for miles without seeing the influence of man. When I paint, I feel I've hit the mark when I've captured a balance between mood, look and feel. To see Matt's video tutorials through TAAO, visit https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/matt-smith-artist-instructional-video For more from Matt Smith see https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/matt-smith-online-workshop If you are interested in more free content make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

Not all oil painters are the cleanest when they get out into the field and paint. Matt shares with you some tips about how to organize and keep your brushes so you can get the best results on the canvas. About the Artist: Matt Smith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Arizona State University. Somewhat frustrated with the abstract focus of the program at ASU, he began looking to outside sources for inspiration and guidance. These sources included fellow artists, fine galleries and museums. This is where his "real" education began. These days, Matt can often be found painting en Plein air from southern Arizona to the Canadian Rockies, from the California coast to the Rocky Mountains. "I appreciate traditional landscape painting and I am inspired by the pristine landscapes of the American West. I enjoy working in areas where one can travel for miles without seeing the influence of man. When I paint, I feel I've hit the mark when I've captured a balance between mood, look and feel. To see Matt's video tutorials through TAAO, visit https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/matt-smith-artist-instructional-video For more from Matt Smith see https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/matt-smith-online-workshop If you are interested in more free content make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

One of the largest issues that Matt sees his students struggle with is perspective, specifically finding the horizon line. About the Artist: Matt Smith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Arizona State University. Somewhat frustrated with the abstract focus of the program at ASU, he began looking to outside sources for inspiration and guidance. These sources included fellow artists, fine galleries and museums. This is where his "real" education began. These days, Matt can often be found painting en Plein air from southern Arizona to the Canadian Rockies, from the California coast to the Rocky Mountains. "I appreciate traditional landscape painting and I am inspired by the pristine landscapes of the American West. I enjoy working in areas where one can travel for miles without seeing the influence of man. When I paint, I feel I've hit the mark when I've captured a balance between mood, look and feel. To see Matt's video tutorials through TAAO, visit https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/matt-smith-artist-instructional-video For more from Matt Smith see https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/matt-smith-online-workshop If you are interested in more free content make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

What is likeness? How do you achieve it? Simon Kogan recounts and experiment he did with his class where he distorted a photograph to accentuate certain features, demonstrating that creating an artistic portrait is not merely recording the facial features accurately. About the Artist: Since immigrating to the U.S. in 1991, [Simon Kogan] has steadily risen to national prominence as a sculptor whose widely acclaimed work - monumental to miniature - reflects a bold, yet poetic pursuit of the archetypal and renders an ethereal quality highly resonant with the viewer. A Fellow of the National Sculpture Society, Simon Kogan has long shared his artistic passion through the teaching of sculpture, painting, anatomy and drawing in the U.S. and abroad. If you are interested in Simon's mentioning course, or other offers through TAAO visit: ⁠https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/simon-kogan-online-figure-sculpting-workshop-course⁠ and ⁠https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/simon-kogan-portraits⁠ If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at: ⁠https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/⁠ ⁠https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

Today's topic is intent. If you have no master plan or purpose behind your painting, then you may find improving your work difficult. Randy discusses with Gabor what inspires him and how he allows his intent to shape his work. About the Artist: California based artist, Randall Sexton, is nationally known for the use of color and expressive brushwork in his oil paintings of “everyday” scenes. Raised in rural Connecticut, Sexton moved to San Francisco, CA in 1980 after completing a BFA from the University of CT, Storrs. He believes ,“Each painting is a simple sentence in an ongoing story that will take a lifetime to unfold. The tale is a compilation of images that reflect the magic of life itself and the mysteries of light, color, and shape as I respond to the world around me. Painting has enabled me to be more observant and appreciative of the beauty and richness in everyday life.” If you want to learn more about Randy's 365 Day Online Mentorship Course with TAAO, visit: https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/randall-sexton-oil-painting-online-art-workshop If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

As artists we are always learning, growing, and experimenting. In this episode, Randy discusses how exploring different types of brushes unlocked more of his creativity as a painter. About the Artist: California based artist, Randall Sexton, is nationally known for the use of color and expressive brushwork in his oil paintings of “everyday” scenes. Raised in rural Connecticut, Sexton moved to San Francisco, CA in 1980 after completing a BFA from the University of CT, Storrs. He believes ,“Each painting is a simple sentence in an ongoing story that will take a lifetime to unfold. The tale is a compilation of images that reflect the magic of life itself and the mysteries of light, color, and shape as I respond to the world around me. Painting has enabled me to be more observant and appreciative of the beauty and richness in everyday life.” If you want to learn more about Randy's 365 Day Online Mentorship Course with TAAO, visit: https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/randall-sexton-oil-painting-online-art-workshop If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

After a recent visit to the Sargent in Spain exhibition in San Francisco, Randy was struck by how often Sargent would copy other artists in order to better himself. He reflects on how this simple exercise can better every artist. About the Artist: California based artist, Randall Sexton, is nationally known for the use of color and expressive brushwork in his oil paintings of “everyday” scenes. Raised in rural Connecticut, Sexton moved to San Francisco, CA in 1980 after completing a BFA from the University of CT, Storrs. He believes ,“Each painting is a simple sentence in an ongoing story that will take a lifetime to unfold. The tale is a compilation of images that reflect the magic of life itself and the mysteries of light, color, and shape as I respond to the world around me. Painting has enabled me to be more observant and appreciative of the beauty and richness in everyday life.” If you want to learn more about Randy's 365 Day Online Mentorship Course with TAAO, visit: https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/randall-sexton-oil-painting-online-art-workshop If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

For nearly 30 years Randy Sexton has been teaching workshops and has surrounded himself with a community of artists, which has proven tremendously beneficial in his career. He finds that in community, he would learn more from his peers than he had in art school. About the Artist: California based artist, Randall Sexton, is nationally known for the use of color and expressive brushwork in his oil paintings of “everyday” scenes. Raised in rural Connecticut, Sexton moved to San Francisco, CA in 1980 after completing a BFA from the University of CT, Storrs. He believes ,“Each painting is a simple sentence in an ongoing story that will take a lifetime to unfold. The tale is a compilation of images that reflect the magic of life itself and the mysteries of light, color, and shape as I respond to the world around me. Painting has enabled me to be more observant and appreciative of the beauty and richness in everyday life.” If you want to learn more about Randy's 365 Day Online Mentorship Course with TAAO, visit: https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/randall-sexton-oil-painting-online-art-workshop If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

Matt Smith jokes that when he retires as a professional painter, he will become a full time plein air painter so he can spend all his time doing what he loves. Check out this episode to get some of his tips for new (and veteran) outdoor painters. About the Artist: Matt Smith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Arizona State University. Somewhat frustrated with the abstract focus of the program at ASU, he began looking to outside sources for inspiration and guidance. These sources included fellow artists, fine galleries and museums. This is where his "real" education began. These days, Matt can often be found painting en Plein air from southern Arizona to the Canadian Rockies, from the California coast to the Rocky Mountains. "I appreciate traditional landscape painting and I am inspired by the pristine landscapes of the American West. I enjoy working in areas where one can travel for miles without seeing the influence of man. When I paint, I feel I've hit the mark when I've captured a balance between mood, look and feel. To see Matt's video tutorials through TAAO, visit https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/matt-smith-artist-instructional-video For more from Matt Smith see https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/matt-smith-online-workshop If you are interested in more free content make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

Sometimes paintings "paint themselves" and other times painting can become laborious. The question then becomes: will you give up or keep going? About the Artist: "I have long believed “It’s not what you paint but how you paint it”. With this in the fore-front of my mind I’ve dedicated myself to developing my skills to the highest level possible. I’m aiming to tell a visual story with clarity and sophistication but I am also driven to distort and abstract the image as much as possible while still maintaining a realistic image. I am deeply honoured to be able to regularly hold exhibitions, tutoring appointments, judging and demonstrations in Australia and abroad. To carry the tag as quoted "one of Australia’s finest Impressionist painters" is a great personal achievement." If you want to learn more about Colley's 365 Day Online Mentorship Course with TAAO, visit: https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/colley-whisson-online-workshop If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

Often times in class, Matt sees his students struggle to design their paintings because it causes them to deviate from copying the photo. But there are rarely perfect scenes found in nature, so following the foundational principles becomes essential to adapting a photographic reference for painting. About the Artist: Matt Smith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Arizona State University. Somewhat frustrated with the abstract focus of the program at ASU, he began looking to outside sources for inspiration and guidance. These sources included fellow artists, fine galleries and museums. This is where his "real" education began. These days, Matt can often be found painting en Plein air from southern Arizona to the Canadian Rockies, from the California coast to the Rocky Mountains. "I appreciate traditional landscape painting and I am inspired by the pristine landscapes of the American West. I enjoy working in areas where one can travel for miles without seeing the influence of man. When I paint, I feel I've hit the mark when I've captured a balance between mood, look and feel. To see Matt's video tutorials through TAAO, visit https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/matt-smith-artist-instructional-video For more from Matt Smith see https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/matt-smith-online-workshop If you are interested in more free content make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

Colley Whisson recounts the time that someone once said to him, "You know what I love about your work? Your peaceful areas." At first he didn't understand what the person meant, but now he not only understands, he expounds upon the importance this idea. About the Artist: "I have long believed “It’s not what you paint but how you paint it”. With this in the fore-front of my mind I’ve dedicated myself to developing my skills to the highest level possible. I’m aiming to tell a visual story with clarity and sophistication but I am also driven to distort and abstract the image as much as possible while still maintaining a realistic image. I am deeply honoured to be able to regularly hold exhibitions, tutoring appointments, judging and demonstrations in Australia and abroad. To carry the tag as quoted "one of Australia’s finest Impressionist painters" is a great personal achievement." If you want to learn more about Colley's 365 Day Online Mentorship Course with TAAO, visit: https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/colley-whisson-online-workshop If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

Many beginners think in terms of objects and figures instead of thinking in terms of shapes. But seeing a painting as a collection of shapes can allow you to orchestrate the viewers attention. About the Artist: Matt Smith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Arizona State University. Somewhat frustrated with the abstract focus of the program at ASU, he began looking to outside sources for inspiration and guidance. These sources included fellow artists, fine galleries and museums. This is where his "real" education began. These days, Matt can often be found painting en Plein air from southern Arizona to the Canadian Rockies, from the California coast to the Rocky Mountains. "I appreciate traditional landscape painting and I am inspired by the pristine landscapes of the American West. I enjoy working in areas where one can travel for miles without seeing the influence of man. When I paint, I feel I've hit the mark when I've captured a balance between mood, look and feel. To see Matt's video tutorials through TAAO, visit https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/matt-smith-artist-instructional-video For more from Matt Smith see https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/matt-smith-online-workshop If you are interested in more free content make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

Imagine your favorite food. Now Imagine that you had to eat it every night. Eventually what you once loved will become at best something you find boring and at worst something you despise. In the same way, unless artists mix up their subject matter, they run the risk of becoming worn out and may become rusty. About the Artist: "I have long believed “It’s not what you paint but how you paint it”. With this in the fore-front of my mind I’ve dedicated myself to developing my skills to the highest level possible. I’m aiming to tell a visual story with clarity and sophistication but I am also driven to distort and abstract the image as much as possible while still maintaining a realistic image. I am deeply honoured to be able to regularly hold exhibitions, tutoring appointments, judging and demonstrations in Australia and abroad. To carry the tag as quoted "one of Australia’s finest Impressionist painters" is a great personal achievement." If you want to learn more about Colley's 365 Day Online Mentorship Course with TAAO, visit: https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/colley-whisson-online-workshop If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline

So often as a teacher, Colley sees his students face the the temptation to add more visual information in the hopes of improving their painting. But these are the wrong sorts of "details" to focus on when painting, and can actually serve as a distraction from the aspects of painting we should be considering. About the Artist: "I have long believed “It’s not what you paint but how you paint it”. With this in the fore-front of my mind I’ve dedicated myself to developing my skills to the highest level possible. I’m aiming to tell a visual story with clarity and sophistication but I am also driven to distort and abstract the image as much as possible while still maintaining a realistic image. I am deeply honoured to be able to regularly hold exhibitions, tutoring appointments, judging and demonstrations in Australia and abroad. To carry the tag as quoted "one of Australia’s finest Impressionist painters" is a great personal achievement." If you want to learn more about Colley's 365 Day Online Mentorship Course with TAAO, visit: https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/colley-whisson-online-workshop If you are interested in more free content from TAAO make sure to visit our blog at https://tucsonartacademyonline.com/blog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taaonline/ Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/TucsonArtAcademyOnline