Tip for the Month
    Although oil painting can be difficult, if broken down into six elements, you will be able to self diagnose problems in your work and obtain better success.  These are brushwork, composition, edges, color harmony, values and rhythm.  I will cover each of these items over the next six months (so come back to this site) but first the artist needs to visualize what they want to paint.  This process is a function of imagination and knowledge.
Relationship Between Imagination and Knowledge
    Executing a paintings (success) hinges upon knowledge of your subject matter. This comes about by observation.  The more the artist trains herself to observe (form, light, shadows, color) the better they are equipped to paint.  Hence,  visualizing what you want to paint becomes a function of your knowldege and imagination.  In other words, you tend not to visualize what you are incapable of painting.  The more skilled you are a mixing colors, understanding your subject matter (be it rocks, trees, water, etc) the better you will become at visualizing or imagining. Kevin McPherson uses a limited pallete and  one reason is to help  master color mixing.  That is why I became a plein air painter and do small studies out in the field before I come into the studio and do a painting.  The small studies are invaluable information and helps with value, color and form.  A limited palate  boosts confidence and, ultimately broadens the range of subject matter allowing for greater success.
  Studying old masters is another way to improve your skills.  For example, if you are wanting to paint rolling hills of California, see how William Went did it or Marion Wachtel.  These early California impressionists did some wonderful paintings so by looking at their work, you can learn how to master certain subject matter. You don't have to reinvent the wheel.  Look closely at their value system (darks and lights) and their color relationships  (bright up close, greyed down further back to develop perspective or movement back into a painting).  I hope this helps.  Take a workshop and, if not in my area, get some other students togther and have me come down to do one in your area.   
 Be sure and visit my blog for more detailed teaching tips at the link in my home or opening page (silvioscorner.blogspot.com).  Also, I do online critique of your paintings for  $25 per painting.  That can provide excellent information for your growth. Email or call to arrange a session.  I teach in Auburn on Fridays! Come join us.