artist studio blog

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

5 things I wish I'd known about oil painting

5 things I wish I'd known about oil painting

5 things I wish I'd known about oil paintingLayne Johnson

Tired of muddy layers and slow drying times? Learn 5 technical essentials—like the fat over lean rule—and discover a more relaxed, classical way to paint. Plus, sign up for my free "Realistic Landscapes" workshop to see the process in action.

Why Your Colors Look Right on the Palette But Wrong on the Canvas

Why Your Colors Look Right on the Palette But Wrong on the Canvas

Why Your Colors Look Right on the Palette But Wrong on the CanvasLayne Johnson

Have you ever mixed a color that looked just right on your palette… only to have it look completely wrong once it touched the canvas? If color mixing has ever felt frustrating, here's what you need to know.

The Simplest Way to Start an Oil Painting

The Simplest Way to Start an Oil Painting

The Simplest Way to Start an Oil PaintingLayne Johnson

Struggling with a blank white canvas? If starting your paintings feels like the hardest part, I've got the answer.

Fat Over Lean — Oil Painting's #1 Rule

Fat Over Lean — Oil Painting's #1 Rule

Fat Over Lean — Oil Painting's #1 RuleLayne Johnson

The 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.

Realistic Landscapes Without Painting Every Detail

Realistic Landscapes Without Painting Every Detail

Realistic Landscapes Without Painting Every DetailLayne Johnson

Yes, 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

Fix Your Composition: 4 Common Mistakes and How to Correct Them

Fix Your Composition: 4 Common Mistakes and How to Correct ThemLayne Johnson

No 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.