Sometimes, if a painting remains unsold, it may be because it has yet to meet its ideal collector. “Midwinter Magpies” BEFORE However, there might be different factors at play. In such cases, I find it helpful to reassess the artwork. In the following article, I’ll share a recent experience, “Revisiting ‘Midwinter Magpies’: A Canvas Transformed.” Recently, I opted for an RTA (art gallery code for “return to artist”) for ‘Midwinter Magpies,’ a lovely 48″x24″ canvas painting that was still seeking a home. Upon revisiting this piece in my studio, I scrutinized it closely and realized it needed a ..read more

Space is a premium in a small studio and every square inch counts. That’s precisely why I was excited to find a fellow artist’s space-saving wall easel on Instagram – a clever solution that will help revolutionize your small art studio. This innovative space-saving wall easel doesn’t just save floor space; it brings flexibility and stability to any artist’s workspace. I’m eager to share with you all… Meet the Artist Gregory Erway is known for historical paintings, inspired by his love of the Great Plains where he was born and raised. Gregory’s approach to artistry is reflected not only in his ..read more

It’s a treat to share a recent enlightening article, “Light it Up!” by Christopher Volpe, which delves into the captivating world of Luminism in American art. Frederick Edwin Church, Morning in the Tropics “Light it Up” not only explores the serene and atmospheric qualities of 19th-century Luminist landscapes but also graciously includes my thoughts on bringing these ethereal light effects into contemporary art. ©2021 Lori McNee, “Western Winter” The popular article generated an enthusiastic buzz among artists who were not familiar with 19th-century Luminism. To quickly explain, Luminism is an ..read more

Artists are inherently compassionate beings, radiating an infectious zest for life and an ability to find beauty in nearly all facets of existence. This unique blend of qualities makes artists wonderfully intriguing companions. Here’s a refreshed take on why dating an artist could be the best decision you’ll ever make: Boundless Passion Let’s face it, a relationship without passion is like a painting without color—dull and uninspiring. Artists have a ceaseless quest for inspiration and a profound appreciation for life’s beauties. They infuse relationships with vibrant passion, ensuring that bo ..read more

For centuries, artists have been captivated by painting the perfect sunset. During the 19th century, Luminism, Tonalism, and Impressionism focused on light and color to capture the stunning moments of sunsets, blending serenity with energy. This fascination with sunsets continues with contemporary landscape painters today. Martin Johnson Heade (1819-1904), Sunset Marshland (1819-1904) However, capturing the perfect sunset takes a unique and subtle blend of warm and cool colors, plus depicting accurate light and shadow. But, this can be challenging to paint! Let’s delve into the nuanced approac ..read more

As we settle into 2024, the initial celebration of the New Year has given way to a more reflective period, an ideal time for goal-setting and intentions. While the buzz of New Year’s resolutions may have faded, the true work of sculpting our dreams into reality is timeless. ©2020 Lori McNee, “Western Winter” 19×43, oil on panelThe Art of Small Steps My artistic path has been paved with baby steps. I vividly recall the days of balancing the tender chaos of motherhood with the pursuit of art. Yet, it was during those bustling times that I discovered the positive impact of goal-setting, especial ..read more

Join me as I recap some favorite highlights from my plein air painting workshop in Greece. For this remarkable workshop adventure, I teamed up with Walk Europe to create a seamlessly blended artistic exploration with cultural immersion, a holistic journey of art and culture in Greece. Athens: The Beginning of Inspiration Our workshop group touring the majestic Parthenon Our journey began in the cradle of Western civilization, Athens, where we stood in awe of the Parthenon and painted the ancient streets of the Agora. For me, this was a bucket-list trip and I was awed to be basking in the same ..read more

One of the most significant benefits of painting with a limited palette is achieving color harmony. It forces artists to think more creatively and experiment with color mixing. Since my art blogging journey began in 2009, I have met and networked with many dedicated artists. One such artist is my friend, Ria Krishnan. This article shares Ria’s valuable discoveries of painting with a limited palette. In 2016, Ria sat in her art studio and decided to analyze and self-critique her finished oil paintings, which were stacked up against the walls. Ria asked herself two questions: 1. Did she like t ..read more

Throughout history, portrait paintings have shaped our perception of individuals and events. This was evident to me after watching the video “Anne of Cleves: Too Ugly for Henry VIII? Facial Re-Creations & History Revealed.” Over the centuries, portrait paintings have been used for propaganda, documentation, and commemoration. Portrait paintings can influence decision-making processes in fields ranging from politics to art. A great example of the importance of portrait paintings in history is Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife of Henry VIII. During the 16th century, monarchs and nobility comm ..read more

It’s been in the making for nearly thirty years! So, I’m extra pleased to announce Lori’s Fine Art Tips School and my first online course, “Transform Your Oil Painting Skills: Your Easy Guide to Water-Mixable Oils.”  Inspiration Awaits! Visit Lori’s Fine Art Tips School and discover my secrets of water-mixable oil painting. As an Ambassador for Royal Talens and Cobra Oil Paints, Unlock a healthier and more sustainable approach to oil painting in this fun and informative course which is designed for artists of all levels, from beginners to advanced painters who are excited to explore solve ..read more