Jonathan McPhillips

Fine art painting is often held at arm’s length as something only for those with “talent”. I find that having an inate ability for any creative outlet certainly gives one a head start. However, painting can be an endeavor of joy and expression for anyone who can let the painting process be a learning experience for personal growth that lifts the spirit. That said, exponential improvement can be surprisingly fast and rewarding. That is where the work comes in! Keeping a check on frustration and letting mistakes be a necessary part of improvement is a mindset that can be nurtured. Repetition of technique and process leads to longer stretches of success and productive acceptance of setbacks.

Through my series of videos, I will touch on the big picture, and all the little pictures within. I will cover basic process and material selection, as well as discuss finding purpose in subject matter. We will review selecting the right materials and supplies, while simplifying the myriad of choices. I will describe my approach to the various elements of representational scenes and subjects, including painting those subjects to exemplify their differences and similarities. I will discuss what the rest of the world might see in our individual work, and how we as creators can paint with clear intent, as well as a bit of mystery and storytelling.

This are just a small slice of the topics I will address, and I am open to requests and suggestions as the series evolves.

Jonathan is an award-winning painter with over 30 years of study and experience. He has taught oil painting workshops from Hilton Head, South Carolina to Rockport, Massachusetts. Jonathan travels near and far to work “en plein air”, and also paints in his studio in Rhode Island.

Jonathan McPhillips Artist Photo

If we haven’t yet covered a topic you’d like to see let us know and we’ll add it to the list  Thanks! Send us an email

Free Videos

1 video found
Jonathan McPhillips painting
1:11:41
202views
Paint along with Jonathan as he paints the inner threshold of a historic building with a view to the outside.

Coming Soon:

SPECIAL EVENTS:

JON MCPHILLIPS – OIL & WATERCOLOR – IN PERSON WORKSHOP

Sept 20, 9:00-4:00 Eastern Time

One Day In Person Plein Air Workshop

Join artist Jonathan McPhillips for an immersive plein air painting workshop hosted on the grounds of Epiphany Fine Art in Norton MA. In this workshop, Jonathan will cover the essential techniques for capturing the beauty of the outdoors directly and “en plein air”. Discover how to effectively utilize light, color, and composition in order to achieve growth and improvement. Open to all media. Jonathan will demonstrate mostly in oil, but will also have his watercolors on hand. A perfect primer for the Fall painting events in New England and Beyond.

PRICE: $150

DATE: September 20, 9:00am – 4:00pm Eastern Time
ACCESS: One year access to archived video of event demo after the event

IF YOU HAVE AN EPIPHANY LOGIN YOU MUST LOGIN BEFORE PURCHASING A DEMO

Jeanne Rosier Smith pastel painting

On the day of the event the studio will be open by 8:30. Optionally, Epiphany will collect lunch orders and cash for the nearby Bagel and Cream restaurant. We will pick up and have your lunch ready for the break. Park in the parking lot in the front of the property (there will be signs) and walk to the rear of the property behind the brown building. Enter through the rear. The event will take place at the Epiphany Fine Art Studios in Norton MA.  Directions and to the event and contact information will be sent to attendees.  Recommendations for nearby hotels available upon request.

A recording of the demo will be available for one year to attendees.

Silver Subscription Videos

Videos Added in the Past Three Months

9 videos found
JM-Live Plein Air Demo at Epiphany Fine Art
1:32:46
6views
Join artist Jonathan McPhillips for an immersive plein air painting workshop hosted on the grounds of Epiphany Fine Art in Norton MA. In this workshop, Jonathan will cover the essential techniques for capturing the beauty of the outdoors directly and ...
JM-Fog Warning: Disrupting the Process Through Subject Exploration
1:06:12
6views
In this video I discuss the benefits of changing up subject and content to find new inspiration and creative outlets. Although trying new techniques and processes is a great way to learn, so is shuffling up one's subject choices. Choosing unexpected ...
Plein air painting by Jonathan McPhillips
40:43
7views
Join Jonathan McPhillips for a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Reliable Passage, a 12" x 9" oil painting capturing the iconic train bridge over the Cape Cod Canal. In this video demonstration, watch as Jonathan brings to life the structural ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
55:25
9views
In Contemporary Canyons I switch gears to the city streets of Providence Rhode Island. I address how to keep energy in the depiction of static buildings, as well as the importance of indirect light.
Oil painting plein air by Jonathan McPhillips
52:11
9views
In this demonstration Jonathan will depict two working fishing boats in Chatham Massachusetts.  He will address the challenges of form and depth, as well as color and value.  Deviating from photo reference in order to achieve interest and excitement ...
Plein Air oil painting by Jonathan McPhillips
52:57
5views
In this demonstration Jonathan will depict two working fishing boats in Chatham Massachusetts.  He will address the challenges of form and depth, as well as color and value.  Deviating from photo reference in order to achieve interest and excitement ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air oil painting
1:07:08
10views
Join me for a step-by-step video demonstration of "Twice a Day," where I walk you through how I painted this peaceful boat scene. In the video, I share simple techniques and tips for capturing light, reflections, and textures that anyone can try. ...
Plein Air oil painting by Jonathan McPhillips
38:41
8views
In this plein air demonstration, Jonathan will discuss the use of color and brushwork to enhance emotion in a painting. "East Gloucester Morning" was created late September during the American Impressionist Society 25th National in Rockport, MA.
A plein air painting of a boat by Jonathan McPhillips
43:46
7views
In this demonstration for the painting "The Right Tide," I covered several key techniques and processes. This was recorded with a live audience at Addison Art Gallery in Orleans, MA. I begin with a discussion on selecting the color palette to reflect ...

Archived Live Demos and Workshops

3 videos found
JM-Live Plein Air Demo at Epiphany Fine Art
1:32:46
6views
Join artist Jonathan McPhillips for an immersive plein air painting workshop hosted on the grounds of Epiphany Fine Art in Norton MA. In this workshop, Jonathan will cover the essential techniques for capturing the beauty of the outdoors directly and ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air workshop demo
1:29:45
19views
Day two demo. This workshop is for the painter looking to enhance their skills while depicting the beautiful scenery of the Epiphany Fine Art Campus in springtime splendor. An inspirational and encouraging environment will be fostered through ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
1:47:31
12views
Day one demo.  This workshop is for the painter looking to enhance their skills while depicting the beautiful scenery of the Epiphany Fine Art Campus in springtime splendor. An inspirational and encouraging environment will be fostered through ...

En Plein Air

30 videos found
Plein air painting by Jonathan McPhillips
40:43
7views
Join Jonathan McPhillips for a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Reliable Passage, a 12" x 9" oil painting capturing the iconic train bridge over the Cape Cod Canal. In this video demonstration, watch as Jonathan brings to life the structural ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
55:25
9views
In Contemporary Canyons I switch gears to the city streets of Providence Rhode Island. I address how to keep energy in the depiction of static buildings, as well as the importance of indirect light.
Plein Air oil painting by Jonathan McPhillips
38:41
8views
In this plein air demonstration, Jonathan will discuss the use of color and brushwork to enhance emotion in a painting. "East Gloucester Morning" was created late September during the American Impressionist Society 25th National in Rockport, MA.
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
1:02:30
10views
In this video, Jonathan will be painting plein air in Watch Hill, RI. He will discuss the challenges and opportunities that painting outdoors can offer. "Dunes in June" is an organic painting with sand, vegetation and sky. Jonathan will discuss ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
33:05
7views
In this video Jonathan addresses the issues in painting a complicated scene on a small 8x16 canvas. Additionally, he addresses how to convincingly depict a busy and crowded boat yard in a simplified fashion
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
25:18
7views
In this video Jonathan addresses the issues in painting a complicated scene on a small 8x16 canvas. Additionally, he addresses how to convincingly depict a busy and crowded boat yard in a simplified fashion
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
27:50
6views
In this video Jonathan addresses the issues in painting a complicated scene on a small 8x16 canvas. Additionally, he addresses how to convincingly depict a busy and crowded boat yard in a simplified fashion
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting of a train
5views
In parts 1 and 2 of "Holiday Transit" Jonathan demonstrates another holiday themed painting. Along with technical advice and instruction, he will describe the story behind the painting, and what he looks for in a subject. He will discuss how a ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting of a train
4views
In parts 1 and 2 of "Holiday Transit" Jonathan demonstrates another holiday themed painting. Along with technical advice and instruction, he will describe the story behind the painting, and what he looks for in a subject. He will discuss how a ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
7views
In part one if this plein air series, Jonathan talks about choosing a subject and establishing a composition when in the field and on location. Part one carries through establishing dark and light shapes, and the beginning stages of color ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
3views
In part two of this plein air series, Jonathan moves through the latter stages of a plein air scene. Color, atmosphere, and edges are part of the process layering on top of the established composition and shapes, exemplifying the colors and energy of ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
6views
The third and final installment of this series takes the outdoors to the indoors where Jonathan explains his analysis process of plein air paintings. He pinpoints the areas of improvement and where good aspects can be enhanced even more. It is a look ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting demo
8views
In this video Jonathan reworks a painting that had a foundation in Plein air, but needed some changes to bring it to a place of stronger impact and interest. Also, he casually discusses some of his experience and offers some helpful suggestions for ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting demo
8views
Watch as Jonathan McPhillips paints in his en plein air style the beautiful back yard and shed he discovered while staying at a friend's home.
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting demo
5views
Watch as Jonathan McPhillips paints in his en plein air style the beautiful back yard and shed he discovered while staying at a friend's home.
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting demo
3views
In the third and final installment of "Retirement Plans", Jonathan will carry through to completion this charming painting of an old watercraft next to a boat shed. The painting almost serves as a portrait of the property owner, without depicting the ...
Jon
12views
Follow along with Jonathan as he paints a couple working fishing boats en plein air in Stage Harbor, Chatham Massachusetts on Cape Cod.
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting demo
12views
Follow along with Jonathan as he paints a couple working fishing boats en plein air in Stage Harbor, Chatham Massachusetts on Cape Cod.
Jonathan McPhillips en plein air painting of a shellfishing skiff
13views
Join Jonathan as he paints a lovely scene of shellfishing skiffs en plein air in lovely Wickford Rhode Island. Paint along with him as he describes what he's doing and why.
Jonathan McPhillips painting en plein air
10views
Jonathan continues to travel Rhode Island painting en plein air. Today he's at lovely Galilee Docks in this two part series. Part 1
Jonathan McPhillips painting en plein air
7views
Jonathan continues to travel Rhode Island painting en plein air. Today he's at lovely Galilee Docks in this two part series. Part 2
Jonathan McPhillips plein air demo painting
10views
Join Jonathan as he paints live en plein air at the Benson Preserve in lovely Rhode Island. Paint along with him as he describes what he's doing and why. Part 1
Jonathan McPhillips plein air demo painting
8views
Join Jonathan as he paints live en plein air at the Benson Preserve in lovely Rhode Island. Paint along with him as he describes what he's doing and why. Part 2
Jonathan McPhillips paints plein air at Lafayette Falls Rhode Island
14views
In this video Jonathan travels to Lafayette Falls Rhode Island, where he continues his plein air trek across the state
Jonathan McPhillips Plein Air painting at Wickford Harbor Rhode Island
25views
Join Jonathan McPhillips as he continues to plein air paint across Rhode Island.  Today's session is a painting of a beautiful green sailboat with lovely reflections in Wickford, RI (part 1)
Jonathan McPhillips Plein Air painting at Wickford Harbor Rhode Island
22views
Join Jonathan McPhillips as he continues to plein air paint across Rhode Island.  Today's session is a painting of a beautiful green sailboat with lovely reflections in Wickford, RI (part 2)
Jonathan McPhillips Plein Air paints the schooner tree of life
21views
Join Jonathan McPhillips as he continues to plein air paint across Rhode Island.  Today's session is a painting of the Schooner "Tree of Life".
Jonathan McPhillips Plein Air Painting
16views
In this video Jonathan McPhillips paints the Gilbert Stuart museum "en plein air".  Watch along and see how he sets up and blocks in his initial painting and then finishes a completed painting in 50 minutes!
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting of Fort Wetherill Rhode Island
24views
Jonathan continues plein air painting across Rhode Island with this lovely painting of the rocks at Fort Wetherill harbor.
Jonathan McPhillips Plein Air demo at Beavertail State Park RI
15views
Please join Jonathan as he travels to beautiful Beavertail State Park in Rhode Island to paint today's plein air demo

Studio Demonstrations

30 videos found
JM-Fog Warning: Disrupting the Process Through Subject Exploration
1:06:12
6views
In this video I discuss the benefits of changing up subject and content to find new inspiration and creative outlets. Although trying new techniques and processes is a great way to learn, so is shuffling up one's subject choices. Choosing unexpected ...
Oil painting plein air by Jonathan McPhillips
52:11
9views
In this demonstration Jonathan will depict two working fishing boats in Chatham Massachusetts.  He will address the challenges of form and depth, as well as color and value.  Deviating from photo reference in order to achieve interest and excitement ...
Plein Air oil painting by Jonathan McPhillips
52:57
5views
In this demonstration Jonathan will depict two working fishing boats in Chatham Massachusetts.  He will address the challenges of form and depth, as well as color and value.  Deviating from photo reference in order to achieve interest and excitement ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air oil painting
1:07:08
10views
Join me for a step-by-step video demonstration of "Twice a Day," where I walk you through how I painted this peaceful boat scene. In the video, I share simple techniques and tips for capturing light, reflections, and textures that anyone can try. ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
1:17:37
8views
A Painting Recovery Project. In this video I will try to revive an older painting that I had abandoned a while back. I will discuss and show my process for looking at a painting that was never quite complete with a fresh outlook and new ideas.
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
54:40
12views
Join Jonathan in a fun and informative video where he shows you how to use texture and shading to make your paintings pop with depth. See how various brush strokes and value changes can give life to a scene, making it look like you could walk right ...
Jonathan McPhilliips plein air oil painting
1:17:09
7views
Overtime" presents a portrait of a working boat, captured with the rich textures and nuanced interplay of light that are hallmarks of Jonathan McPhillips' coastal oil paintings. This piece showcases his mastery of maritime subjects, emphasizing the ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air oil painting
46:21
4views
In this video, Jonathan starts with a blank white canvas, setting the stage for a lively oil painting of the Sagamore Bridge on Cape Cod. He dives right in, using direct painting to bring out the excitement of the scene with energetic brushwork and ...
Jonathan McPhillips oil painting
58:53
16views
How brush strokes can convey energy and life in seascape and coastal paintings.
Jonathan McPhillips painting
1:11:41
202views
Paint along with Jonathan as he paints the inner threshold of a historic building with a view to the outside.
Jonathan McPhillips painting
41:18
10views
In this video, Jonathan showcases his techniques while painting a picturesque scene of a ship builder's homestead in Essex, MA. Jonathan will discuss brushwork and color choices, and the decision making process that brings the scene to life on the ...
Jonathan McPhillips painting
40:10
8views
In this video, Jonathan showcases his techniques while painting a picturesque scene of a ship builder’s homestead in Essex, MA. Jonathan will discuss brushwork and color choices, and the decision making process that brings the scene to life on the ...
Jonathan McPhillips Painting
30:50
4views
In this two part series, Jonathan will demonstrate a rare-for-him subject matter. He will discuss taking on an unfamiliar subject as well as some thoughts on looking for the small vignettes in complicated scenes. Zooming in can help keep the focus ...
Jonathan McPhillips Painting
26:00
2views
In this two part series, Jonathan will demonstrate a rare-for-him subject matter. He will discuss taking on an unfamiliar subject as well as some thoughts on looking for the small vignettes in complicated scenes. Zooming in can help keep the focus ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting
34:13
12views
In this video Jonathan will discuss his use of the various parts of the painting as compositions within themselves, which can provide added impact to the whole, and in many instances, make the design process easier. He will discuss the seascape genre ...
Jonathan McPhillips watercolor painting
8views
In this first watercolor demonstration video Jonathan will be discussing his recent return to a medium rooted in the very beginnings of his artistic journey. He will go over some of the basic watercolor techniques, as well as a few of his own ...
Jonathan McPhillips watercolor painting
4views
In part two of this watercolor demonstration, Jonathan will continue to discuss the various techniques he is employing with watercolor, while relating his process to his work in oil painting. This carries through to a finished 10" x 8" watercolor on ...
Jonathan McPhillips painting
7views
In part one of this two part series Jonathan will demonstrate a Christmas themed painting and the considerations that go into thematic work. He will also discuss why paintings centered around the holidays have been a tradition for him, and how he ...
Jonathan McPhillips painting
12views
In part two of this two part series Jonathan will continue with his Christmas painting and the considerations that go into thematic work. He will discuss the latter stages of wrapping up a narrative painting, and demonstrates that twinkle of light in ...
Jonathan McPhillips on mixing greens demo
7views
In this video Jonathan will explain one of many ways to mix luscious green colors in oil paint. Using basic primary colors in Blue and Yellow, however with "warm" and "cool" options, he will show a basic "green" palette that can be applied to many ...
Jonathan McPhillips painting demo
7views
Watch this first part of a three part series as Jonathan McPhillips demonstrates how he paints a schooner leaving harbor in lovely Camden Maine
Jonathan McPhillips painting demo
4views
Watch the second part of this three part series as Jonathan McPhillips demonstrates how he paints a schooner leaving harbor in lovely Camden Maine
Jonathan McPhillips painting demo
5views
Watch the third part of this a three part series as Jonathan McPhillips demonstrates how he paints a schooner leaving harbor in lovely Camden Maine
Jonathan McPhillips Plein Air painting
10views
Watch and paint along with Jonathan as he paints a take out shack in lovely Maine. This video is the first half of a two part studio demonstration, allowing Jonathan to delve deeper into the process of his direct style painting.
Jonathan McPhillips painting of a seaside take out shack
8views
Watch and paint along with Jonathan as he paints a take out shack in lovely Maine. This video is the second half of a two part studio demonstration, allowing Jonathan to complete his deep dive into the process of his direct style painting.
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting demonstration painting
18views
In this first of two studio demonstration videos Jonathan demonstrates how to convincingly capture air, a foggy coastal New England boat scene.
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting demonstration painting
11views
In the final segment of this two part studio video we see Jonathan complete his demonstration of how to convincingly capture a foggy coastal New England boat scene.
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting demo
27views
Watch as Jonathan breaks down his painting process into three parts. In the first part Jonathan goes into detail how he sets up and starts a painting, blocks in the elements of the painting, follow his decision making process, and watch as the ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting demo
20views
Watch as Jonathan breaks down his painting process into three parts. In the first part Jonathan goes into detail how he sets up and starts a painting, blocks in the elements of the painting, follow his decision making process, and watch as the ...
Jonathan McPhillips plein air painting demo
27views
Watch as Jonathan breaks down his painting process into three parts. In the first part Jonathan goes into detail how he sets up and starts a painting, blocks in the elements of the painting, follow his decision making process, and watch as the ...