Mini Plein Air Painting with Remington Robinson

Landscape artist Robinson offers a nice guide to getting started with plein air, or outdoor, oil painting that focuses on portability, using an empty mint tin as an easel and palette. (His methods can be used indoors too.) The book contains a detailed supply list, and all the projects are scaled to fit in the palm of one’s hand. Beyond portability, keeping the scale small also reduces the cost of materials. Thus, the book is an accessible introduction to oil painting. Robinson first guides readers through setting up their tins. He then explains technique and offers a good mini lesson on color theory and how a limited number of paints can cover a lot of ground in miniature painting. There are also detailed tutorials walking readers through a number of painting styles. Some readers may not be able to replicate all the projects, but Robinson urges his audience to customize and create their own versions of each painting.