Fat Over Lean — Oil Painting's #1 Rule
Layne JohnsonThe fat over lean rule sounds technical, but it’s actually simple. Here’s what it means, why it matters, and how to use it correctly in your oil paintings.
How-tos, demos, and practical painting advice for landscape painters.
Layne Johnson
Painting clouds en plein air
Layne JohnsonI don’t always get to paint en plein air when I travel… but when I’m on a cruise ship surrounded by nothing but ocean, I bring a bit of Texas with me. And that typically means clouds are involved.
The missing piece in so many art programs
Layne JohnsonIf you’ve ever been told “just paint it” and felt lost, you’re not alone. My early art education left out the fundamentals—and that experience changed how I teach painters today.
Choosing the Right Painting Teacher
Layne JohnsonTrying to find the right teacher to help you improve your painting skills? It can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Focus on one key thing: how they teach versus how you learn. When those align, your artistic progress truly takes off.
Realistic Landscapes Without Painting Every Detail
Layne JohnsonYes, you can paint realistic landscapes without obsessing over every detail. Learn how simplification, values, and smart brushwork create stronger, more believable paintings.
Fix Your Composition: 4 Common Mistakes and How to Correct Them
Layne JohnsonNo matter how carefully you plan a painting, composition mistakes can sneak in—and when they do, they can quietly weaken an otherwise solid piece. Let's talk about four common landscape composition mistakes—and how to fix them.
© Layne Johnson Studio 2026