Author Archives: Michael Lynn Adams

Composing Art Using Harmonic Symmetry

I often use a harmonic symmetry armature to check and refine my compositions and as a guide for drawing my composition onto a canvas. Here, I explain with text and video, what it is; and why and how I use harmonic symmetry.

Zorn Limited Palette

Andres Leonard Zorn (1860-1920) is known for using a limited palette. It is believed that Zorn reduced his palette to as few as three rather earthy colors – Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red Medium, Ivory Black plus White. There seems to be some disagreement over the exact number of colors on his palette. Some lists add Vermillion, Viridian, and/or Cerulean Blue.

Step-by-step oil painting guide for Gardenia

From concept to finished painting, in this oil painting demo, Michael Lynn Adams explains why and how he captures its soft, luminous texture and intoxicating aroma by placing it on hundred-year-old art books.

Step-by-step oil painting guide for Meyer Lemons

We picked the lemons, and placed them on a wooden tray bathed in the warm glow of our kitchen window. We intended to craft margaritas, this spontaneous moment ignited my creative spirit, leading me to explore the world of art. In this step-by-step guide to painting Meyer Lemons, I’ll share my inspiration and the creative process behind this painting.