Five Unique Benefits of Plein Air Painting
Michael Alford can’t do without the discipline of painting outdoors. Here he outlines the five unique benefits of plein air painting and explains why he couldn’t be the artist he is without it.
Michael Alford’s Lightweight Plein Air Kits for the Road
Light, lighter, lightest. Michael Alford reveals the contents of his four main setups for plein air painting in any situation, from the wilds of Oman to your local park.
Paint Media for Plein Air Painting: Compared
Image: Michael Alford plein air painting in Amorgos, Greece. By Michael Alford For me, plein air painting is a natural thing to do. It combines my passion for the great outdoors with my love of painting, and it’s fair to say I’ve been doing it most of my life. The...
The Nearest Guard: A Portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Rory Ingleby-Mackenzie
Michael Alford discusses a recent commission for a portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Rory Ingleby-Mackenzie. Who is this portrait of?Lieutenant Colonel Rory Ingleby-Mackenzie. After serving in the Scots Guards, he served as Standard Bearer of His Majesty’s Body...
New London Cityscapes 2023: Capturing Moments of Transition in an Ever-Changing City
“I painted the majority of the cityscapes during the late winter/early spring. I favour this transitional time of year for scenes of London because the quality of light is interesting to me. The changeable weather adds a degree of mystery to familiar places and prospects.” Michael Alford