{"id":461,"date":"2026-08-19T04:35:55","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T04:35:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?page_id=461"},"modified":"2026-08-19T07:46:35","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T07:46:35","slug":"blog","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?page_id=461","title":{"rendered":"Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-query is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow\"><ul class=\"wp-block-post-template is-layout-flow wp-block-post-template-is-layout-flow\"><li class=\"wp-block-post post-636 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=636\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painters Guide to Creativity &#8211; Easel Talk #63<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=636\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HHMuw3FA5Tg?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights Welcome to Easel Talk #63. In this session, we dive deep into the concept of creativity, a subject that can mean different things to many people. For the sake of our discussion, let\u2019s define it clearly: Creativity is the ability to bring something new into being by connecting seemingly unrelated elements,&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-10-16T00:00:00+12:00\">October 16, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-627 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=627\" target=\"_self\" >Woodland Stream 4\u00d76 \u2013 Live painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=627\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Owc-0HsoIQg?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights Good morning, evening, or afternoon to all my friends. I\u2019m going to paint a kind of forested creek scene today, something quite atmospheric. I actually painted this subject a long time ago, and it was really successful; I thought it turned out beautifully. However, I gave that painting away, so here&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-10-14T00:00:00+12:00\">October 14, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-631 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=631\" target=\"_self\" >Woodland Stream 4&#215;6 &#8211; 15 Min Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=631\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Avi0LSo5M0U?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights The painting I\u2019m bringing you today is called Woodland Stream, painted on a 4&#215;6 board. Recently, I decided to focus on producing several 4\u00d76 paintings, which is a standard frame size and excellent for studies or miniatures. Personally, I have always preferred the 5\u00d77 format because it offers slightly more room&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-10-11T00:00:00+12:00\">October 11, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-624 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=624\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painters Guide to Feeling in Art &#8211; A Quality of Meaning &#8211; Easel Talk #62<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=624\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0iB0M_Dn9yQ?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights Welcome to Easel Talk #62. Today, we are diving into a topic that sits at the heart of why we create: feeling and art as a quality of meaning. There are so many feelings we have that words cannot easily describe. It is easy to overlook this because we are thinking&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-10-09T00:00:00+12:00\">October 9, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-619 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=619\" target=\"_self\" >Hole in the Rock 7&#215;14 \u2013 15 Min Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=619\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/t9KDXQXscmw?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript &amp;Key Insights Today I am sharing a painting called &#8220;The Hole in the Rock.&#8221; It is a 7&#215;14 piece that I completed last week, and I am super happy to share it with you. We have painted this scene before, one of my three big paintings from last year alongside Whangarei Heads and Poor&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-10-04T00:00:00+12:00\">October 4, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-615 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=615\" target=\"_self\" >Hole in the Rock 7\u00d714 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=615\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qJwqTSERgts?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights Good morning, evening, or afternoon. It is your painter in residence, Michael Francis McCarthy, and we are going to make a painting today, actually, over the next few days. This is a commission for a good friend of mine, an early supporter who bought some of my first paintings ever before&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-10-04T00:00:00+12:00\">October 4, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-612 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=612\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter&#8217;s Guide to Not Overworking Paintings &#8211; Easel Talk #61<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=612\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qxWT6iSIQfo?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights Welcome to Easel Talk number 61. Today, we are tackling a topic I have extensive experience with: overworking your paintings. I have made this mistake many times, pulled myself out of it, and now possess insights, tips, and tricks to share. Overworking paintings is one of the most insidious challenges facing&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-10-02T00:00:00+12:00\">October 2, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-603 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=603\" target=\"_self\" >Sunset Serenade 5&#215;10 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=603\" target=\"_self\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1919\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Painting-Thumbnail-2026-Live.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Sunset Serenade 5&#215;10 \u2013 Live Painting Session!\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Painting-Thumbnail-2026-Live.jpg 1919w, https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Painting-Thumbnail-2026-Live-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Painting-Thumbnail-2026-Live-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Painting-Thumbnail-2026-Live-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Painting-Thumbnail-2026-Live-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Painting-Thumbnail-2026-Live-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1919px) 100vw, 1919px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights We are beginning our session on Sunset Serenade, a 5&#215;10 piece. Before diving into the brushwork, I want to establish the foundation of what we are working with. You obviously seen the completed painting in the thumbnail, but right now, you are looking at my underpainting color. It is essentially burnt&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-30T00:00:00+12:00\">September 30, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-609 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=609\" target=\"_self\" >Sunset Serenade 5X10 &#8211; 15 minute painting session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=609\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/M9XpGWAO3DA?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights The painting featured in this session is titled Sunset Serenade, a five by ten-inch piece completed just last week. It is essentially a sky painting, a subject I have explored extensively over the past fifteen years through what I call the &#8220;Sky Series.&#8221; The concept behind this series arose from collecting&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-27T00:00:00+12:00\">September 27, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-600 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=600\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter&#8217;s Guide to Painting Rocks &#8211; Easel Talk #60<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=600\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OSRH-EjI3c4?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights Painting rocks can be an exceptionally difficult aspect of landscape painting. This particular challenge seems to be especially thorny for many artists. Just about any painting done by an amateur painter is going to have problems with the rocks. Maybe you&#8217;ve even avoided rocks in your paintings because of the problems&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-25T00:00:00+12:00\">September 25, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-592 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=592\" target=\"_self\" >Coastal Cypress \u2013 Evening 5\u00d77 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=592\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xVNXoGlLxYo?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights I&#8217;m doing a cool scene today, so I&#8217;m starting with an underpainting color. Black on its own can feel a little ugly, so I&#8217;m mixing Prussian blu, which is quite transparent, with black to create a blue-black. Ivory black would work, but it&#8217;s such a slow dryer that when I go&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-23T00:00:00+12:00\">September 23, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-597 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=597\" target=\"_self\" >Coastal Cypress Evening 5&#215;7 \u2013 15-Minute Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=597\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/siJjoPa1ZTo?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights This painting started with an unconventional choice: a gray underpainting instead of the usual rich soil or reddish-brown we typically paint on. I used a tester pot from the paint store, inexpensive and effective. You can grab one yourself and look at the chips to decide what colors you might want&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-20T00:00:00+12:00\">September 20, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-589 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=589\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter&#8217;s Guide to Making a Good Start &#8211; Easel Talk #59<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=589\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GcsDo20z1E0?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights Creating successful paintings begins before the first brushstroke. Over my 15 years of nearly daily painting, I&#8217;ve developed a consistent approach that helps me get started effectively. The principles of making a good start remain consistent, regardless of the many other factors involved with painting. The Mental Approach to Starting Don&#8217;t&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-18T00:00:00+12:00\">September 18, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-581 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=581\" target=\"_self\" >After the Rain 4\u00d76 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=581\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kvLyCeXx0y4?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights We\u2019re still in 4&#215;6 mode right now. I wouldn\u2019t mind doing another 5 to 10 of these before moving on. When you get hooked into an idea, it can be very powerful, you can just let it carry you along for a while. It\u2019s all about imagination and whatever\u2019s inspiring you&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-16T00:00:00+12:00\">September 16, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-585 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=585\" target=\"_self\" >After the Rain 4\u00d76 \u2013 15 Minute Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=585\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Sl56987eHps?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights I painted this last week based on a photo I took back in 2012 during a trip to England. I\u2019ve made several paintings from this reference over the years, all of them bigger than this one. Back then, I was doing a five by seven study followed by an eight by&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-13T00:00:00+12:00\">September 13, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-577 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=577\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painters Guide to Indication vs. Delineation \u2013 Easel Talk #58<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=577\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/m01dth5_QyI?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights What I like to do with my painting is indicate the forms and features of the landscape that I might be painting. I work in a somewhat loose, fractured manner that is still highly indicative of the forms being portrayed. However, I do not care to delineate. By delineating, I mean&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-11T00:00:00+12:00\">September 11, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-575 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=575\" target=\"_self\" >Quiet waters 4&#215;6 &#8211; 15 Min Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=575\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/b5sLnYF27L8?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights I painted this a couple days ago, and I\u2019m real happy with it. I want to tell you the whole story of this little painting. I had the basic reference image sitting around for months and months, and there was something about it I really liked, but something about it that&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-09T00:00:00+12:00\">September 9, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-570 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=570\" target=\"_self\" >Quiet Waters 4\u00d76 &#8211; Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=570\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WZ7mQjfANoA?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights Good morning. I\u2019m doing a painting a day each four by six. I\u2019m building up a good inventory of these little ones. This one\u2019s quite interesting. The reference is beautiful. I\u2019ve had it for ages. It was very low resolution and chunky. The sensibility I have for composition has definitely improved.&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-06T00:00:00+12:00\">September 6, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-567 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=567\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter\u2019s Guide to Strategic Color Placement \u2013 Easel Talk #57<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=567\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rHe5nVxH5gc?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights The difference between a painting that feels alive and one that feels flat often comes down to strategic color placement. You have your basic composition, your framework of the landscape, that\u2019s absolutely critical. But you don\u2019t need to constantly reinvent new structures. A solid composition like the big mass, little mass&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-04T00:00:00+12:00\">September 4, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-559 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=559\" target=\"_self\" >Where Light Gathers 7&#215;12 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=559\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qcsQOaLUsd8?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights This is a riff on a painting by George Inness. I went through dozens and dozens of iterations of the reference to get here. I want to be able to give due to the inspiration for this image that I\u2019ve created, but it\u2019s very far away from the original painting \u2018Early&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-02T00:00:00+12:00\">September 2, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-564 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=564\" target=\"_self\" >Where Light Gathers 7&#215;12 \u2013 15 Minute Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=564\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/i6JjozDrAhg?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights This is a riff on a painting by George Inness called Early Autumn Montclair, which is probably my favorite painting of all time. It\u2019s directly inspired by his painting, but it makes some very big divergences, namely it has a pond instead of a grassy area in front. The trees are&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-08-30T00:00:00+12:00\">August 30, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-556 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=556\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter\u2019s Guide to Painting Foliage \u2013 Easel Talk #56<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=556\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YikWsJDupxU?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights While trees always have foliage, at least in spring and summer, many other landscape elements do as well. There\u2019s a lot of overlap with trees here, but there\u2019s a lot of other just random foliage in the landscape. Just like every other aspect of landscape painting, there are challenges and tips&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-08-28T00:00:00+12:00\">August 28, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-537 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=537\" target=\"_self\" >Afternoon Stillness 6\u00d78 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=537\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/s3wI_Nd79uY?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights We\u2019re doing a fall painting today, a six by eight. The reference came together through my process of working with master images and digital means to arrive at a composition. Fall scenes like this aren\u2019t exactly common here in New Zealand. Up north, it\u2019s all trees that don\u2019t change color, so&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-08-26T00:00:00+12:00\">August 26, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-554 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=554\" target=\"_self\" >Afternoon Stillness 6\u00d78 \u2013 15 Minute Painting Session<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=554\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kJp_V_-XPSM?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights I painted this six-by-eight on three mil MDF, my favorite surface to work on. It\u2019s totally smooth, very secure, and very inert. I like working on hardboard, but it has a subtle lump depending on the sheet. MDF doesn\u2019t have that problem. Just don\u2019t get it around water, ame constraint you\u2019d&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-08-23T00:00:00+12:00\">August 23, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-448 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=448\" target=\"_self\" >The Quiet Passage 6\u00d78 \u2013 15 min Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=448\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KwHz16umJKw?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights First off, I want to mention that I had to do the underpainting twice because I didn&#8217;t focus the camera properly the first time. But the lesson here isn&#8217;t about camera work; it&#8217;s about our relationship with reference images. One of the main reasons I make these videos is for legacy,&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-08-15T00:26:43+12:00\">August 15, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-445 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=445\" target=\"_self\" >The Quite Passage 6&#215;8 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=445\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3hyVQv2wQ0Q?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights We\u2019re going to make a painting today. I\u2019ve got my colors pre-mixed, and we\u2019re starting fresh with the drawing because the camera wasn\u2019t focused on the first attempt. The Reference and Setup This reference comes from a folder I keep of forest scenes, it\u2019s clearly my favorite type of scene. It\u2019s&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-08-15T00:22:58+12:00\">August 15, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-441 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=441\" target=\"_self\" >Northland Cove 5&#215;7 &#8211; 15 Minute Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=441\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qlBuJBqnCFY?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights Northland Cove is a five-by-seven oil painting I painted a few days ago. While this video is a sped-up version of the live session available in the members area (which includes the color mixing and reference image), what you see here remains faithful to the original process. The Core Concept: Geometry&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-08-09T02:18:31+12:00\">August 9, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-436 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=436\" target=\"_self\" >Northland Cove 5&#215;7 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=436\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/H11uuhMnkPw?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights Good morning, evening, or afternoon. Here we are with a bit of potential right now: this board. We&#8217;re making paintings here, so let&#8217;s get into it. The Reality of Painting vs. Digital I downloaded this reference at random. It&#8217;s not really going to be tonal, except I can&#8217;t escape being tonal,&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-08-07T09:36:43+12:00\">August 7, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-433 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=433\" target=\"_self\" >The Landscape Painter&#8217;s Guide to Mastering Greens in Landscape Art \u2013 Easel Talk #54<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=433\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/si8AEO-2zuc?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights A primary challenge in creating an attractive landscape painting lies in the proper handling of the myriad greens present in the natural world. For many beginning painters, this represents a significant hurdle; nearly two-thirds of the colors perceived in a typical landscape are variations of green. The human eye possesses an&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-08-07T08:55:00+12:00\">August 7, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-428 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=428\" target=\"_self\" >Woodland Passage 6&#215;8 \u2013 15 min Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=428\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jaxiv09NsR8?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights The painting I\u2019m bringing you today is called Woodland Passage. It\u2019s six by eight inches; I painted this a couple of days ago and I really like it. Hopefully, you will too. What attracted me to this scene was the contrast, the light against the darks. That is one of the&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-08-02T03:56:54+12:00\">August 2, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-421 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=421\" target=\"_self\" >Woodland Passage 6&#215;8 &#8211; Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=421\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YaUywiS1Eak?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights It\u2019s your painter in residence, Michael Francis McCarthy. Today I think I\u2019m a little ahead of schedule because instead of scrolling through Reddit this morning, I decided to go through my mounds of reference material. I didn\u2019t know exactly what I wanted yet, so I went for it and came up&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-31T21:52:11+12:00\">July 31, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-417 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=417\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painters Guide to &#8211; Why There Is Nothing New in Painting \u2013 Easel Talk #53<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=417\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gtLRkqhc-D4?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights Welcome to Easel Talk number 53. I hope you enjoyed our anniversary episode #52 last week; it was perhaps a little rambly, sorry about that, but there are valuable insights all the way through. If you are here for painting information, you will always get a plenty of good tips. Fact&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-31T21:50:04+12:00\">July 31, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-412 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=412\" target=\"_self\" >Light Through the Trees \u2013 15 Minute painting session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=412\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Qc_gEvoFpTc?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights The painting I\u2019m bringing you today is called Light Through the Trees. It\u2019s a 5&#215;7 painted last week, and I really like this painting. I hope you like watching me put it together. This is the sped-up version of the live session, available in the Members area with a color-mixing portion&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-28T03:29:24+12:00\">July 28, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-403 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=403\" target=\"_self\" >Light Through the Trees 5&#215;7 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=403\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/y-FxyNlWBfg?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">I\u2019m creating a tonalist painting based on a California landscape reference I took almost 20 years ago. The original photo captured early morning light filtering through an oak forest, and I\u2019ve simplified the complex scene to focus on what matters, light, shadow, and atmosphere. Transcript and Key Insights The reference has a confusing tree placement&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-24T02:48:32+12:00\">July 24, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-395 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=395\" target=\"_self\" >River\u2019s Edge 7&#215;12 \u2013 15 Minute Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=395\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VfGl9UcH1Pc?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Welcome back to another installment of my 15-Minute Painting Sessions! In this edition, I\u2019m excited to share with you the process behind &#8220;River&#8217;s Edge,&#8221; a 7&#215;12-tonal landscape oil painting that I completed last week. The Inspiration and Challenges This piece is a revisit and refinement of an idea that has been floating around in my&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-24T02:46:23+12:00\">July 24, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-398 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=398\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painters Guide to 52 weeks on the Easel &#8211; Easel Talk #52<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=398\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VE_xP3Di4qE?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">I\u2019ve been in this studio since 2011, roughly 15 years now. We\u2019re over 10 years into the channel, and this 52nd Easel Talk marks a full year of weekly conversations about painting. The Foundation: Process Over Mastery Painting isn\u2019t hard, and it isn\u2019t easy. It\u2019s somewhere between the two, leaning toward wherever your head is&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-24T02:30:23+12:00\">July 24, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-386 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=386\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter\u2019s Guide to Why You Need Black in Your Paintings &#8211; Easel Talk #51<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=386\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_PTwhB-JDPo?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">A lot of modern painters do not use black pigment in their process. This is a legacy handed down from the impressionists who famously banished black from their palettes. However, tonalism definitely employs black, and once I started using it wholeheartedly, my work became more authentically tonal. I learned with two guys who had no&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-17T02:19:00+12:00\">July 17, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-389 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=389\" target=\"_self\" >Rivers Edge 7&#215;12 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=389\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/A92Fzt4xSmo?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights Good morning, evening, or afternoon. It&#8217;s your painter in residence, Michael Francis McCarthy. And I\u2019m going to be painting an all-in-a-row scene with some strategies for alleviating that. It&#8217;s a pond scene with trees, blue sky, give or take. The reference photo has been tinted yellowish, but it\u2019s unabashedly green. Although&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-16T05:42:59+12:00\">July 16, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-382 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=382\" target=\"_self\" >The Winding River 4&#215;6 \u2013 15 Minute Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=382\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JtSbu_3AAyY?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Hello and welcome to another Tonal Landscape Oil Painting Demonstration. Today, I\u2019m your painter in residence, Michael Francis McCarthy, bringing you a piece called The Wading River. This four-by-six-inch painting was completed last week and exemplifies the Tonalist style. In this demonstration, I\u2019ll walk you through my process, color choices, and philosophies behind creating this&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-11T10:03:17+12:00\">July 11, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-377 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=377\" target=\"_self\" >The Waiting River 4&#215;6 &#8211; Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=377\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OzCwr00O0dk?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights The reference image came from a multi-step process using modern tools. I used AI image generation to help compose what would otherwise just be an empty field that doesn&#8217;t work visually on its own. I cut out a section and asked for a country road, and the AI did a better&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-11T10:00:01+12:00\">July 11, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-371 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=371\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter\u2019s Guide to &#8211; Painting More and Caring Less &#8211; Easel Talk #50<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=371\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xR48zSPAGNg?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Many aspiring painters fall into the same trap: they believe masterpieces simply emerge from natural talent. This misconception paralyzes them. They sketch grand visions, a 4&#215;6 painting of hedgehogs at an amusement park, meticulously planned, worked on for years, but never finish because the scope is too ambitious. Here\u2019s the reality: you can\u2019t lift 500&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-09T00:40:06+12:00\">July 9, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-357 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-music\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=357\" target=\"_self\" >My Latest Album &#8211; Morningstar<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Click on the Cover Art image to listen on Bandcamp or click Morningstar <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-04T05:57:05+12:00\">July 4, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-352 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=352\" target=\"_self\" >The Winding Way 6&#215;8 \u2013 15 Minute Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=352\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FrGY5gztJnc?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">The painting I\u2019m bringing you today is called The Winding Way, 6&#215;8. I really liked this painting and couldn\u2019t wait to share it with you. The Ground Color Maybe you\u2019ve noticed the tone of the board is not quite the same as the rich soil we\u2019ve been doing for the last year. I had a&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-04T02:37:32+12:00\">July 4, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-348 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=348\" target=\"_self\" >The Winding Way 6&#215;8 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=348\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UVpl9AMFSrU?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights This photo is from about 12 to 13 years ago, just a basic image of a field with a couple of trees in the background. On its own, it\u2019s laughable. But I set it aside a few weeks back because I really liked those trees. Here\u2019s where modern tools come in&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-04T02:34:07+12:00\">July 4, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-345 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=345\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter\u2019s Guide to \u2013 Developing Your Own Style Easel Talk #49<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=345\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gn7EBhU0v4o?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Style is something I think a lot of painters starting out really care about: developing your own style. You can do it, and you will do it, if you stick with it. I relate artistic style and influences very closely together. Style is one of the aspects of a painting that we can most readily&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-02T01:07:46+12:00\">July 2, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-342 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=342\" target=\"_self\" >Matapouri Bay at Dawn 5&#215;10 \u2013 15 Minute Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=342\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gH5sJ0d2Iek?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">You don\u2019t need a bunch of different blues. You only need one blue, use your favorite. I like either phthalo blue or prussian blue. What I love about prussian blue is the history of it. It\u2019s the first synthetic pigment made available to people. Prior to prussian blue, the only blues available were extremely expensive,&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-28T02:18:00+12:00\">June 28, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-337 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=337\" target=\"_self\" >Matapouri Bay Dawn 5&#215;10 &#8211; LIVE Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=337\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WnHiCA4tcJ4?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript &amp; Key Insights I\u2019m working on a 5&#215;10 today, and I want to keep it loose and impressionistic. The goal is that daylight, fresh morning quality without getting bogged down in detail. I\u2019ve done this many times, but I want it to have that impressionistic interpretation of the scene. Starting with the sky: very&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-26T07:37:48+12:00\">June 26, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-334 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=334\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter&#8217;s Guide to Working with Color &#8211; Easel Talk #48<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=334\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JG_clSyNaLk?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">The Sky: Blue With Intention The sky presents itself in layers of possibility. Blue at the top, lighter as it descends, this is your starting point, not your destination. As painters, we amplify what\u2019s there. That predominant blue you see isn\u2019t static. It\u2019s darker at the top, always, and lighter at the bottom. Play that&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-26T02:19:00+12:00\">June 26, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-329 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=329\" target=\"_self\" >Where Shadows Meet Light 7&#215;12 &#8211; 15 Min Painting Session<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=329\" target=\"_self\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Live-Thumbnail-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Where Shadows Meet Light 7&#215;12 &#8211; 15 Min Painting Session\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Live-Thumbnail-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Live-Thumbnail-scaled-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Live-Thumbnail-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Live-Thumbnail-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Live-Thumbnail-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Live-Thumbnail-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Live-Thumbnail-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">The painting I\u2019m bringing you today is called Where Shadows Meet Light. It\u2019s a 7&#215;12, and I painted this last week. The Foundation: Board Prep We\u2019re working on hardboard primed with several coats of house paint and some transparent gesso. One of the main reasons that you want to prep your board with a color&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-21T02:24:36+12:00\">June 21, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-326 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=326\" target=\"_self\" >Where Shadows Meet Light 7&#215;12 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=326\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ltZOyhatGyE?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcription &amp; Key Insights This is a row of trees with a little path coming through. One, two, three, four trees here, then one, two, three, four trees there. There\u2019s a bunch of masses I\u2019m gonna have to pull off, and one tree that\u2019s going right there, I\u2019m gonna open that up a little. I\u2019m&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-20T02:07:30+12:00\">June 20, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-323 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=323\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter\u2019s Guide to Enjecting Emotion into Your Paintings &#8211; Easel Talk #47<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=323\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kRAi-2At6P8?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Emotion is the Container Unlike working with the human figure where emotion can be portrayed by a pose or facial expression, landscape art relies on more subtle ways of imparting emotional content. I\u2019m all about painting emotions. That\u2019s my thing. People think I\u2019m into trees or skies, but these are the container, the conveyor of&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-18T00:06:23+12:00\">June 18, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-316 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=316\" target=\"_self\" >Whisper of the Forest 8&#215;12 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=316\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/o7gOUJNRK5I?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Good morning. I did a painting yesterday, not the most terrible thing I\u2019ve ever done, but it wasn\u2019t the easiest struggle either. It was a 7&#215;12 based on a reference from 2022 that I\u2019d painted before on texture board and gave to my bishop. I missed that painting, so I decided to do it again.&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-16T06:04:35+12:00\">June 16, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-318 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=318\" target=\"_self\" >Whisper of the Forest 8&#215;12 \u2013 15 Minute Painting Session<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=318\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ADzba5U6CtA?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Today I\u2019m bringing you Whisper of the Forest, an 8 by 12 inch painting I completed last week. The Story of Redemption This is a story of redemption. I painted this scene before in 2022 on textured board, and I was super happy with it. I gave the painting away and missed it ever since.&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-16T06:03:31+12:00\">June 16, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-313 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=313\" target=\"_self\" >The Landscape Painter\u2019s Guide to Focusing on the Big Shapes &#8211; Easel Talk #46<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=313\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/I7SrJRxMz5Q?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Everything in your painting is just shapes. A mountain isn\u2019t an intimidating subject, it\u2019s a large series of triangular shapes subdivided by smaller triangular-type shapes. That odd-looking tree is just a collection of organic shapes. Water, paths, skies, you can paint all of it because the problem isn\u2019t the subject. It\u2019s how you\u2019re seeing it.&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-13T03:24:04+12:00\">June 13, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-305 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=305\" target=\"_self\" >Tutukaka Dawn 5&#215;10 \u2013 15 Min Painting Session<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=305\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RMYaGn-_HmY?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">The painting I\u2019m bringing you today is called Tutukaka Dawn. It\u2019s a 5 by 10, and I painted this about a month ago. We\u2019re working on HDF hardboard primed with three coats of house paint, and we\u2019re doing our underpainting color with some Burnt Number, looks like it\u2019s got a little bit of Mars black&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-06T08:41:04+12:00\">June 6, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-302 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=302\" target=\"_self\" >Tutukaka Dawn 5&#215;10 &#8211; Live Painting Session<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=302\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/t6XYo4jhulo?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights This is basically a sky painting. The hills in the middle distance are from Tutukaka over there, so that\u2019ll add some interest for those folks. We\u2019re gonna do the drawing today and then I\u2019ll come back tomorrow and do the rest. We\u2019re using HDF hardboard primed with three coats of house&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-06T08:38:21+12:00\">June 6, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-299 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=299\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter&#8217;s Guide to Building Internal Compositions &#8211; Easel Talk #45<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=299\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ce7sv1nha2I?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">When I first started creating landscape paintings on the computer, back around 2005, 2006, I thought digital tools would solve everything. I had the undos, the infinite possibilities, the comfort of working without consequence. I&#8217;d been a commercial illustrator for 13 years, comfortable with digital workflows. So I figured: why not just paint a tree,&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-03T03:25:35+12:00\">June 3, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-295 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=295\" target=\"_self\" >Woodland Passage 5&#215;10 \u2013 15 minute Painting Demonstration!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=295\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iDRkBbYzwJU?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">This week\u2019s painting is called Woodland Passage, a 5\u00d710 inch oil on panel. The genesis was simple: I caught some B-roll in a video, liked the pattern of the trees, got rid of the people and the buildings, and went to work. I had to composite in the path and figure out what to do&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-03T03:24:04+12:00\">June 3, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-292 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=292\" target=\"_self\" >Woodland Passage 5&#215;10 &#8211; Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=292\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Mk8sVc8Kmxc?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Today we are painting a forest scene of a woodland with a path cutting through. This started as a screen capture I pulled recently. The original had some different elements, but the tree structure caught my attention. I ran it over to my assistant this morning to add a path. Much cleaner than the original.&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-29T21:32:29+12:00\">May 29, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-288 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=288\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter&#8217;s Guide to\u2014Embracing Imperfection and Perfection &#8211; Easel Talk #44<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=288\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gYsc-07vZVk?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">There&#8217;s a paradox at the heart of painting that every serious artist eventually confronts: the pursuit of perfection will either propel you forward or paralyze you entirely. The difference hinges on a single concept, functioning perfectionism, and understanding it might be the most liberating realization of your artistic career. I&#8217;ve always had a perfectionist streak.&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-29T07:26:53+12:00\">May 29, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-282 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=282\" target=\"_self\" >Arcadian Road 4&#215;6 &#8211; 15 Minute Painting Session<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=282\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kZjArLH_g3k?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">The painting I&#8217;m bringing you today is called Arcadian Road. It&#8217;s a 4&#215;6 and I painted this a couple weeks ago. The Palette and Reference Philosophy This is our palette. I have a palette with all the tags on it in the video, and if that helps somebody, I reckon it&#8217;s a good thing. The&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-23T07:02:58+12:00\">May 23, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-278 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=278\" target=\"_self\" >Arcadian Road 4&#215;6 &#8211; Live Painting Session<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=278\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/n7ctzw2E-zI?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights We painted this scene before. It came out really excellent. A lot of times that can be the spark behind painting something again. I wanted to do a 4&#215;6. Wanted to make it tonal. Wanted to make it something kind of related to here. This image was run through one of&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-23T06:52:15+12:00\">May 23, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-270 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=270\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter&#8217;s Guide to Using Nature, Not Imitating It &#8211; Easel Talk #43<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=270\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qlgqdBM2vHI?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Welcome to Easel Talk 43. The topic for Easel Talk 43 is: Using nature, not Imitating it. This goes for reference photos, working plein air, whatever you&#8217;re trying to do. Imagination Without Reference In the absence of reference or working outside, you could just make paintings strictly from your imagination. I tried doing that when&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-23T04:37:17+12:00\">May 23, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-264 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=264\" target=\"_self\" >Violet Dusk 7&#215;12 &#8211; 15 min Painting Session<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=264\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MuDgQ_TgEqM?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">A Painting That Needed a Second Pass Welcome to another Tonal Landscape Oil Painting Demonstration. I&#8217;m Michael Francis McCarthy, and the painting I&#8217;m bringing you today is called Violet Dusk. The Reference and Its Problems This painting is based on a photo I found, but it had some major issues. The main problem\u2014what I call&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-17T02:19:00+12:00\">May 17, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-268 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=268\" target=\"_self\" >Violet Dusk 7&#215;12 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=268\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SrcrTVXskhA?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Transcript and Key Insights It&#8217;s morning, 9:32 on the 29th of April, 2026. Clear blue sky, no clouds. We&#8217;re going to make a painting now. This reference has one big issue. What I call all in a row syndrome, distant row of trees and hills, just a horizontal slab of whatever in the foreground. But&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-16T07:30:15+12:00\">May 16, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-260 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=260\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter&#8217;s Guide to Pigments(Part 2) &#8211; Easel Talk #42<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=260\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YBFzfYujG8c?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Every color on your palette should earn its place Welcome back. This is part two of our palettes and pigments deep dive, we&#8217;re picking up where we left off with the oranges and reds. I&#8217;ve got two solid outlines to get us through the remaining colors, and while I could stretch this into three parts,&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-15T06:03:38+12:00\">May 15, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-227 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=227\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter&#8217;s Guide to Tonalism &#8211; Easel Talk #39<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=227\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rb_yWCbg0Eg?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Tonalism, art history&#8217;s forgotten movement (Part 1) This is going to be a two-part talk about Tonalism. This is a subject near and dear to my heart. I&#8217;m not an art historian, and I&#8217;m not much of a writer either, but we make our efforts and we feel it. That&#8217;s the whole thing with painting.&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-15T02:20:00+12:00\">May 15, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-255 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=255\" target=\"_self\" >Violet Woods 6&#215;8 \u2013 15 min Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=255\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/C04c8ToD1ms?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Today, I&#8217;m sharing Violet Woods, a 6&#215;8 I painted last week. It&#8217;s based on a landscape I painted in around 2019, you can still find that wider version on the channel. This is a cropped, more intimate take on that same scene. The title came first, as it often does. Violet was on my mind&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-09T23:26:46+12:00\">May 9, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-248 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting category-talks rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=248\" target=\"_self\" >A Landscape Painter&#8217;s Guide to Palette &amp; Pigments &#8211; Easel Talk #41<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=248\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-oJoNhQ7DYE?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">The colors you choose matter profoundly. They&#8217;re not just tubes of paint sitting on your palette, they&#8217;re the foundation of every decision you&#8217;ll make during the painting process. Today I&#8217;re the foundation of every decision you&#8217;ll make during the painting process. Today I want to walk you through my palette and the logic behind each&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-08T02:20:00+12:00\">May 8, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-252 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=252\" target=\"_self\" >Violet Woods 6&#215;8 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=252\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9qItg_OxhHc?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">I painted Violet Woods back in 2019. Today we&#8217;re painting it again, and this time I want to explore something that fascinated me about the original: the use of violet in the underpainting, mixed into burnt umber and burnt sienna. It&#8217;s an approach that challenges the conventional wisdom about shadow color, and it opens up&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-08T00:54:20+12:00\">May 8, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-245 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=245\" target=\"_self\" >Woolly&#8217;s Bay Afternoon 5&#215;7: 15 Min Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=245\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KyrKt9aDqp0?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Welcome to another tonalist landscape oil painting demonstration. This is Woolies Bay Afternoon, a five by seven I painted last week. I want to talk about why I painted it and what it shows about how painting actually works. The Postcard I&#8217;ve been thinking about making a small postcard featuring a coastal scene for a&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-03T03:20:10+12:00\">May 3, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-240 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-painting rsfv-has-video\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=240\" target=\"_self\" >Woolley\u2019s Bay Afternoon 5&#215;7 \u2013 Live Painting Session!<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/?p=240\" target=\"_self\" ><div class=\"rsfv-shortcode-wrapper\" data-rsfv-video=\"true\" data-rsfv-source=\"embed\" data-rsfv-type=\"youtube\" style=\"clear:both\"><div class=\"rsfv-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"rsfv-iframe-wrapper\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16:9\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rsfv-video\" width=\"100%\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Kr7uIFQFBbU?autoplay=0&#038;controls=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Revisiting a coastal scene I&#8217;m painting a five by seven postcard-sized piece today. It&#8217;s Willy&#8217;s Bay, a scene I&#8217;ve been thinking about for a while. There&#8217;s a gallery I like near there\u2014good people\u2014and I want to create a card they can use to promote their business. That&#8217;s the kind of thing I&#8217;m into. The Setup&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-02T06:48:45+12:00\">May 2, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-461","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/461","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=461"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/461\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":497,"href":"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/461\/revisions\/497"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mfrancismccarthy.art\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}