In this presentation artist Michael Compton will demonstrate how to paint a realistic landscape in oil from a photo reference. A brief description of materials will be given including the support, color palette, brushers, solvents and medium used. Working quickly, the artist will demonstrate how to interpret the photo onto the canvas, develop a dynamic composition and create an underpainting. Finalizing the landscape through the use of color, light and dark values to capture a naturalistic sense of light, atmosphere, and depth.

Award winning artist Michael Compton was born in Portland Oregon in 1949. He studied art and graphic design at Colorado State University and The Minneapolis College of Art & Design. His paintings can be found in numerous corporate and individual collections. Michael has a studio in Somerville Massachusetts and his current interest and emphasis is on his plein air work with appearances at Plein air Easton, Cape Ann Plein Air and En Plein Air Texas. In 2020 Michael won an award of merit at the American Impressionist Society International show and was included in the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025 Oil painters of America salon exhibitions.