The Studio Journal

thoughtful writing for anyone interested in the art of looking

Notes on Seeing
Essays on painting, perception, art history, and the quiet act of looking.
ARTICLES
The Collector's Library
Thoughtful guidance for collecting, living with, and caring for art.
ARTICLES
From the Easel
Sketches, new work, and reflections from the studio.
ARTICLES
Field Notes
Museum visits, exhibitions, and conversations that continue long after leaving the gallery.
ARTICLES
In the Studio
Process notes, material lists, and techincal considerations for classical oil painters.
ARTICLES

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The Studio Journal

Field Notes

Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, Rembrandt, and More at the Mauritshuis

By Robyn Palescandolo

I’ll confess. I visited the Mauritshuis with one objective: to see Johannes Vermeer‘s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Following my visit to...

Field Notes

A Visit to Delft, Birthplace of Johannes Vermeer

By Robyn Palescandolo

A few weeks ago, I went to pick up my husband from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. As we passed the exit for Delft,...

In the Studio

How to Create a Wipe-Out Underpainting in Oil

By Robyn Palescandolo

When working with oil paint, a solid underpainting sets the stage for success. The wipe-out or bistre method of underpainting is one...

In the Studio

Oranges and Abstraction: Combining Realism with Abstract Oil Painting

By Robyn Palescandolo

This post is the tenth and final post in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie...

In the Studio

The Reader: Incorporating Music and Memory into Oil Painting

By Robyn Palescandolo

This post is the ninth in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

The Nutcracker Suite: Incorporating Music and Memory into Oil Painting

By Robyn Palescandolo

This post is the eighth in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Isabella, Overexposed: Sight Exercise for Oil Painting

By Robyn Palescandolo

This post is the seventh in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Magnolia, Overexposed: Sight Exercise for Oil Painting

By Robyn Palescandolo

This post is the sixth in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Deconstructed Portrait of a Woman: Oil Painting in the Style of Adrian Ghenie

By Robyn Palescandolo

This post is the fifth in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Portrait of Damiano: Oil Painting in the Style of Adrian Ghenie

By Robyn Palescandolo

This post is the fourth in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Selective Focus in the Style of Gerhard Richter: An Oil Painting Tutorial

By Robyn Palescandolo

This post is the second in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Porcelain Figure Oil Painting Tutorial

By Robyn Palescandolo

This post is the first in a series of oil painting project tutorials derived from coursework completed at Academie Noord in Brasschaat,...

In the Studio

Using Imprimatura in Oil Painting

By Robyn Palescandolo

Learn how to use imprimatura in oil painting with artist Robyn Palescandolo.

The Collector's Library

Original Paintings vs Limited Edition Prints: A Guide for New Art Collectors

By Robyn Palescandolo

Original paintings and limited edition prints offer different ways to live with art. This guide explores what makes each meaningful, helping new...

From the Easel

Back of a Woman, Pencil Figure Drawing Study on Paper

By Robyn Palescandolo

Our times are populated by mass imagery, mostly intended to shock, challenge, push boundaries. The pictures are loud. They are confrontational. They...

From the Easel

Graphic Eilandje, Monochrome Oil Painting of the MAS Museum Antwerp

By Robyn Palescandolo

Being an expat is an every day adventure. Saying all-too-frequent good-byes is one of it’s highest price tags. After moving back to...

From the Easel

Profile Portrait of Damiano, Small Scale Oil Painting on Canvas

By Robyn Palescandolo

I began this portrait of Damiano at the same time as the Portrait of Isabella. I used the same process and techniques,...

From the Easel

Profile Portrait of Isabella, Small Scale Oil Painting on Canvas

By Robyn Palescandolo

This little oil painting has been in the works for many months. It started with a profile sketch about two years ago,...

From the Easel

Souvenir, Pencil Drawing on Paper

By Robyn Palescandolo

A snowglobe from New York City, a beret from Paris, a water canteen from the Grand Canyon. When most people think of...

From the Easel

Graphic Orchids, Monochrome Oil Painting on Canvas

By Robyn Palescandolo

Orchids are among my favorite flowers. They are simultaneously so elegant, durable, and frail. In this oil painting, I attempted to juxtapose...

Notes on Seeing

Painting Toward the Light

By Robyn Palescandolo

How we see light can change over a lifetime. In this reflection on painting, illness, California, and healing, I trace the shift...

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