artist studio blog

How-tos, demos, and practical painting advice for landscape painters.

Oil Painting Rules: Which Ones Really Matter (And Which Ones Don't)

Oil Painting Rules: Which Ones Really Matter (And Which Ones Don't)

Oil Painting Rules: Which Ones Really Matter (And Which Ones Don't)Layne Johnson

Not every oil painting rule deserves the same weight. Learn which rules are essential for creating durable paintings — and which are simply artistic opinions you can confidently ignore.

How Do You Know When a Painting Is Finished?

How Do You Know When a Painting Is Finished?

How Do You Know When a Painting Is Finished?Layne Johnson

Knowing when to stop can be the hardest part. In this video, I’ll show you how I make subtle adjustments with glazing, test changes, and decide when a painting is finished.

How I create a sense of depth in a painting

How I create a sense of depth in a painting

How I create a sense of depth in a paintingLayne Johnson

If your landscapes feel flat, depth is often the missing piece. In this video, I’ll show you how I use atmospheric perspective and layering to create a stronger sense of space.

How to Paint Beautiful Clouds (Without Overcomplicating It)

How to Paint Beautiful Clouds (Without Overcomplicating It)

How to Paint Beautiful Clouds (Without Overcomplicating It)Layne Johnson

Clouds can be one of the most frustrating parts of a landscape, but they don't have to be. In this video, you’ll see how I create forms, light, and structure for more believable skies.

The First Thing I Do With Every Painting (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

The First Thing I Do With Every Painting (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

The First Thing I Do With Every Painting (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)Layne Johnson

When I start a painting, I always begin with an imprimatura–bistre underpainting. In this video, I’ll show you how I establish values early to create depth, atmosphere, and a more luminous result.

My favorite paint brushes

My favorite paint brushes

My favorite paint brushesLayne Johnson

I’ve been working on something behind the scenes for quite a while now… here's a sneak peek.