Layne Johnson Studio

These days, it’s easy to find painting tutorials. A quick search on YouTube and you’ll find thousands of videos on every topic imaginable. And I think it’s great that so many people are sharing their love of painting. But here’s the problem: most of my students come to me after months—or even years—of cobbling together tips and tricks from random videos. And that can lead to a lot of frustration. Why? Because watching bits and pieces never gives you the full picture. One video might show you...

My biggest complaint about my college art experience is that even after taking Painting 101… I didn’t really learn much that I didn't already know. Frankly, I was expecting more. Let me explain. Back then, the “in” thing was expressionism, abstraction, and found-object painting. I walked into class with several years of painting already under my belt. Many classmates didn’t have that—and I watched them struggle. Two assignments have stuck with me: The newspaper clipping. We were handed tiny...

No matter how many times I tell myself “Trust the process!”—I still hesitate sometimes. Especially when I’m trying something completely new or challenging. So let me share how I cope with those fears (since I think this is pretty common for us artists). 1. Understand the real problem. Knowledge is the key to overcoming almost anything. The first step is figuring out what’s really going on. Sometimes we blow small issues out of proportion and make a mountain out of a molehill. (I know I do!)...

So you want to improve your painting skills... But, choosing the right teacher can feel overwhelming—especially when all you have are a few snippets from the internet. How do you know if their teaching style actually matches the way you like to learn? Back when I was starting out, your options were pretty limited: you either found a local class or traveled to a workshop. These days, there are so many options (including online) —which is great, but it can also make it even harder to know which...

The first time I packed up to go plein air painting, I spent a lot of time just figuring out what supplies to bring. I leaned on recommendations from other painters—and that was helpful—but over time, I’ve refined my kit into something that works for me. If you’re interested in painting outdoors too, I thought I’d share a few things that might help you get started (or simplify your setup if you’ve already tried it). 🎒 First up: What’s in my plein air kitIn my newest video, I’m showing you...

Not every sky has to be dramatic to be beautiful. In my newest video, I’m painting a subtle sky filled with high-altitude cirrus clouds. It’s quiet, peaceful—and painted in real time. Just brushstrokes and beautiful music as the layers build. Sometimes it’s nice to simply watch the process unfold.If you’ve ever wanted to sit in the studio with me and see how I approach a sky like this, here's your chance. 🎨 Watch the new video here ▶ Painting Clouds | Real-Time Oil Painting of Cirrus Clouds...

One of the biggest struggles when you begin painting is not knowing what you don’t know. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to focus on to improve, I’ve created a resource that will help. "Setting Yourself Up for Success" will help you identify where you are in your painting journey and what steps to take next—so you can build your skills with confidence. Think of it as your own personal success roadmap. 📥 Click here to get your copy. It’s about progress, not perfection… and the way you...

Hey Reader – This week, I’ve got not just one, but two new videos for you. 📌 Painting Cactus in the Texas Hill Country Cactus seems to find its way into almost every painting I do—and for good reason. It’s everywhere in the Texas Hill Country! In this demo—from my painting Enchanted Light—you'll watch me paint this distinctive and prickly cacti. Enjoy! 📌 A Conversation with Painter Charles Pero I recently sat down with one of my students to hear about his painting journey. His story is truly...

One of the things I love most about starting a new year is the chance to reflect on the past and reset for what's ahead. It’s a fresh start—an opportunity to take a good look at what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. "You're going to keep getting what you've been getting, if you keep doing what you've been doing."—Dave Ramsey My wife, Sondra, is the analytical one in our partnership. She’s all about spreadsheets and lists, and let me tell you—she’s been in full-on planning...