Acrylic painting is a popular choice for artists of all levels because it is fast drying, water-soluble, and easy to clean up. However, some artists find landscape painting with acrylic paints a bit of a challenge.
For artist John D. Cogan, acrylic painting helps him capture the landscapes and wildlife of the American West. Balanced with the knowledge of a scientist and the eye of a plein air painter, John focuses on color and the effects of light on his subject. After many years of acrylic painting, John has developed his own signature style which has won him many awards.
Below, John methodically breaks down his advanced painting techniques into an easy-to-follow, step-by-step demonstration.
This demo is a little sneak preview from my upcoming North Light Book, Fine Art Tips, Painting Techniques and Professional Advice with Lori McNee where John and 25 acclaimed artists will be sharing their inside painting tips!
I hope you give this demo a try. Let me know what you think! ~Lori
Let’s meet in Atlanta, Georgia at my upcoming 2015 social media and oil painting workshops! Click here to learn more.  Hope to see you here > Fine Art Tips Facebook Fan Page, on Twitter, and on Pinterest. Be sure and check out and my fine art prints and notecards on Fine Art America.  Or see my art on my website,  LoriMcNee.com. Â
Fantasties
Hey Lori. I have always liked John Cogan’s work and appreciate that he continues to use acrylic. I enjoy painting in acrylic and actually prefer it to oil; however, It’s hard to convince some dealers and fellow artists that it’s a viable medium. This is an excellent tutorial. I look forward to buying your upcoming book.
I love his work. I don’t think I’ve seen exactly that approach before but I loved the way he preserved the brightness. It’s so easy to lose that luminosity (?). I also didn’t realize you are an Idaho girl too. I’ll be watching for the book.
Hello Debbie, where in Idaho are you? I like you Idaho Cowgrl email 😉 Glad you enjoyed this post. Yes, John is a master at painting light! Thanks for stopping by. ~Lori