Determining the price of a painting
Most people interested in art wonder how in the world artist’s establish their prices; what factors determine the worth of a painting? There are at least six factors that can be easily identified: 1)...
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Composition and drawing
I am beginning a five-part video series that will take you step-by-step through the creation of a value study in preparation for an upcoming larger work. If need be, I will create several of these in...
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Value study block-in (Part 2)
Some would argue that beginning a painting with a linear outline is not really painting but more like filling in the spaces between the lines. It is better they believe to mass in broad value shapes,...
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Refining drawing and values (Part 3)
After many years of teaching, a common deficiency I have seen in most student’s work is a weakness of values. What I mean by that is that the paintings lack strength…the darks are often not dark...
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Adding details (Part 4)
As we approach the end of this 5-part monochromatic painting demonstration, I hope you have come to realize the importance of establishing a clear value structure in your paintings. Color alone will...
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Finishing up (Part 5)
This is the final installment of a five-part monochromatic painting demonstration. The purpose of the series is to show one of the preliminary steps I typically take as preparation, before creating a...
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Suzie Baker interview (Part 1)
I had the privilege of meeting Suzie Baker, briefly, at the Oil Painters of America (OPA) National Convention, held in Dallas, a few years ago. However, the first time I became acquainted with her work...
View ArticleOil Painting Demo – Part 1
In his first online painting demonstration, John tackles an 8″x 16″ canvas using an extended analogous palette of: violet, red-violet, red, red-orange, and orange. HERE The post Oil Painting Demo –...
View ArticleGive thanks
A group of ladies came to my door a few days ago, and after introducing themselves, asked: “John, What is the greatest gift in the world?” I think my answer probably surprised them as, sadly, most of...
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Suzie Baker interview (Part 2)
Suzie Baker is a prolific plein air painter. She just returned with a stack of paintings from Maui, Hawaii, after participating in the week-long Maui Plein Air Invitational. While she was away, the Art...
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Suzie Baker interview (Part 3)
In this final installment of Suzie Baker’s interview, she shares her color theory, how to achieve atmospheric perspective and color harmony. Finally, she addresses the subject of art marketing. As I’ve...
View ArticlePainting the America we all love
Some changes have been made to my website that will positively add to your experience. The most important change, which you see here, is to the blog page…lighter background, larger type…all to improve...
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Frank Vincent DuMond
Frank Vincent DuMond is an icon of American art and a noted teacher, having taught at the Art Students League in New York for almost 60 years. His teaching profoundly influenced those who would later...
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The creative process: “At Least the Reception is Good”
I often speak of the importance of having a concept before beginning a painting, in fact, I call it one of the necessary building blocks of painting. Admittedly, a painting’s concept is not always the...
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Just a man, or more?
There was a certain man who walked this earth many years ago who went about doing good. Some called him a prophet, others considered him a holy man and a great teacher; many recognized him as something...
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Death and rebirth
I don’t believe I’m unique among my colleagues in that I struggle with self-doubt regarding my work. I analyze and analyze some more its quality…and then if things aren’t selling…the anxious...
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John Cosby paints Laguna Beach
Graeme Stevenson, an Australian artist, hosts an extremely popular TV series called “Colour In Your Life.” The series is in its 16th season and is shown in 64 countries. Profiling artists from around...
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George Van Hook interview
One could easily assume by reading George Van Hook’s responses to my interview questions that he is a quiet, few words kind of guy, who carefully and thoughtfully ponders and measures each word very...
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Four qualities of “Value”
I’m sure many of you are familiar with the name and works of Andrew Loomis (1892-1959). If you’re a former commercial illustrator, as I was, you most likely have some of his books on your bookshelf…Fun...
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New pochade box
I share with you my latest painting equipment purchase…and also a discovery I made quite by accident. Even though this video may appear to be a paid endorsement for the products mentioned, I assure you...
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