Many artists aspire to create a vibrant, impressionistic style of painting. Master painter Kevin Macpherson has developed an effective approach to capturing nature's glorious colors and luminosity in oils, and here he shares his techniques in complete step-by-step demonstrations.

Following his use of bold, direct brushstrokes and careful composition, artists will learn to work in a loose, painterly style as they create spectacular oil paintings with rich, glowing tones.

A master of painting outdoors and a regular instructor at the Scottsdale Artists' School, Kevin knows the best way for one artist to learn from another artist is on the canvas. He lets his paintings do a lot the teaching in this book—including step-by-step demonstrations, painting exercises, and galleries of his work. You'll learn how to capture the character of a still life or landscape scene quickly and accurately, in bold, direct brushstrokes. Includes terrific chapters on PLEIN AIR and POCHADE painting.

Kevin is a founding member of the prestigious Plein Air Painters of America, and an Honorary Member of the Oil Painters of America. His work is represented by galleries in Arizona, New Mexico, California, Wyoming and Texas.

My art reflects an appreciation of nature's colors. They are the inspiration for my painting.

Anyone can learn to paint. My first attempts painting outdoors were horrible. My friends criticized and ridiculed my attempts. They called me the "far-away painter," for they had to be yards away to make sense of my paintings. I did not let their teasing discourage me enough to stop. Had my ego gotten in the way, or if I had not set goals and paced myself, this book would not be a reality.

Through years of producing my own work and teaching, I have developed a simple approach to painting. I take the mystery our of it and make it easy to understand. This book teaches you to see beautiful color. It teaches you to see as an artist. It reaches you a procedure. And it helps build your confidence.

You will learn the power of a limited palette, understand light and shade, and construct your paintings simply and strongly from the start. You will learn to master your equipment. The step-by-step demonstrations help you understand how co approach any subject. Learn to paint boldly and assuredly through projects and examples. Those who wish to paint with rich, clean colors and learn to see nature in a whole new light will find this book very valuable.

My goal is to teach you the language of color through figure exercises, and observation skills through still lifes. These basics strengthen your paintings. You will then express this knowledge outdoors, en plein air, and back in the studio. With your new color sense, emphasis on the basics of picture making, and practice, you will learn to capture the mood and essence of a scene quickly and accurately.

Many students have visions of becoming professional artists. Others pursue painting for pleasure. Whatever your goal, if I can teach you to see color and put it down with confidence, your road to finished gallery paintings or enjoyment at the easel will be smoother, with better results."