NEWS: (updated 1-24-09)



1-30-09 Update: Here is one way to try painting outdoors without having to buy an outdoor easel, featured in the Painting Tips and Ideas section of this site.


1-24-09 Update: There are two more tips for painters in the Painting Tips and Ideas section of this site.


1-22-09 Update: There are two more tips for painters in the Painting Tips and Ideas section of this site.


1-21-09 Update: Please visit the Painting Tips and Ideas section of this site for two new tips for painters.


1-16-09 Update: Please visit the Painting Tips and Ideas section of this site.


Workshops and Painting Demonstrations
Jeffrey Swaluk will present painting demonstrations and workshops in Rochester, NY, and Fish Creek, WI in 2009.



Welcome
to my web site. I am a plein air painter, meaning I do my landscape paintings outside rather than in a studio. I enjoy the challenges and rewards of painting outside. And the challenges are many. I have to decide how I am going to compose my subject on the spot. I have a very limited amount of time before the light changes a lot and everything looks different. Sometimes I have to contend with a boat I'm painting leaving to go fishing. Other times someone parks their SUV right in front of my scene just as I am finishing up. Bugs love painters. So does the wind.
But it's all part of the experience, the experience of being outside in nature or in the middle of a bustling city, the adventure of not knowing what great painting subject lies just around the corner, the surprise of seeing a familiar scene made completely new and different by the light of a different time of day. These things aren't available to be experienced in a studio.
AllentownMariner St., Elmwood When the whole process works well it's exhilirating; the weather is great, the light is perfect, I don't take it too seriously and a good painting seems to paint itself. When this happens I don't even notice that it is coming out well until I stop. That's why I keep going out there. If you're a painter too, and are looking for some tips and ideas that could help you improve your paintings, I am always adding new thoughts, exercises and ideas on painting. I'm almost always thinking about some aspect of painting and I like sharing the discoveries I make and the things I learn. I also have a section of my paintings for you to peruse. In addition, there is a section listing upcoming shows that I'll be participating in. Future updates of this web site will include a list of workshops I'll be teaching. Thanks very much for visiting and I hope you enjoy your stay!