Category: Plein Air

Acrylic Painting Tip #2: The Advantages of Princeton Catalyst Polytip Brushes (A Hog Hair Alternative for Acrylic Painters)

When searching for the perfect acrylic painting brush, artists often face a trade-off between the traditional feel of natural hog bristles and the durability of synthetics. The Princeton Catalyst Polytip brushes solve this dilemma. Designed with advanced synthetic fibers that mimic the natural flags of hog hair, these brushes combine strength, precision, and responsiveness—making them a favorite among both acrylic and oil-style painters. Whether you’re layering impasto textures or blending delicate glazes, Polytip brushes offer the control and resilience modern artists need. Personally, I rely on them in both plein air painting sessions outdoors and longer, detailed studio work, and they perform beautifully in both settings.

What Makes Polytip Brushes Unique?

Princeton Catalyst Polytip brushes are made with synthetic fibers that are split at the tip, mimicking the natural flags found on hog bristles. This gives them a similar texture and responsiveness to natural hair while providing extra durability. The split tips increase the surface area, which means these brushes can:

  • Hold more paint for longer, consistent strokes.
  • Release paint evenly, without leaving streaks.
  • Mimic the stiffness and spring of hog bristles, perfect for thick acrylic or oil-like applications.

Advantages for Acrylic Painters

  1. Durability – Unlike hog hair, which can break down quickly in water or under the harsh polymers in acrylic paint, synthetic Polytip fibers hold up over time. They resist fraying and keep their shape even after heavy use.
  2. Versatility – Whether you’re working with heavy body acrylics, gels, or pastes, these brushes handle thick textures beautifully. They’re also great for blending and glazing.
  3. Natural Feel Without the Downsides – If you’re used to oil painting and love the feel of hog bristles, Polytip brushes offer a nearly identical tactile experience, but with none of the shedding, water damage, or stiffness loss.
  4. Cost-Effective – Synthetic brushes are generally more affordable than high-quality natural bristle brushes and last longer when used with acrylics.

The Bottom Line

Princeton Catalyst Polytip brushes bridge the gap between the traditional and the modern. They give acrylic painters the feel and control of a natural hog hair brush but with the resilience of synthetic fibers. If you want a brush that lasts, performs, and feels like the classics, Polytip brushes are an essential addition to your studio.

Making Time for Plein Air Painting with a Full-Time Job

Balancing a 40-hour workweek with painting isn’t easy — and when your focus is plein air, it gets even trickier. The best light often happens in the mornings or evenings, and those hours don’t always line up with a 9–5 schedule. Still, with some planning and a willingness to either work small or tackle a larger piece over several sittings, I’ve found ways to keep my plein air practice alive alongside a full-time job.

1. Weekday Evenings
After work, I don’t always have the energy for a full painting session — but even an hour outside can make a difference. I’ll either bring a small canvas (8×10 or 9×12) for quick studies, or a 16″ x 20″ and plan on several sittings. Both approaches keep me in the habit of observing light and color directly from life.

2.Keep it Local
To save time after work, I paint somewhere within walking distance of where I live. This cuts out the commute and scouting, and it makes it easier to squeeze in shorter sessions during the week.

3. Thumbnails to Save Time
Thumbnail sketches have become my secret weapon. They let me work out composition and value decisions before I even set up my easel. When daylight is fading fast after work, this preparation helps me start painting with a clear plan, instead of hesitating and losing precious minutes.

4. Weekends for Larger Sessions
Since weekday time is limited, I treat weekends as my opportunity for longer plein air sessions. I’ll pick a location, pack my gear, and spend several hours chasing light and working on larger canvases. The smaller weekday sketches often feed into these bigger works, giving me a head start.

Making time for plein air painting with a full-time job is never perfect. Some weeks are busier than others, and sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. But staying consistent, even in short bursts, is what keeps me growing. It’s not about waiting until I have endless free time — it’s about carving out space where I can, brushstroke by brushstroke.

Fourth Annual ArtVenture Plein Air Quick Draw 2024

First place winner at the 4th Annual ArtVenture Plein Air Quick Draw.

When: October 20th, 9am – Noon
Where: Dvoor Farmer’s Market
Frenchtown-Flemington Road, Flemington, NJ

The fourth annual ArtVenture Plein Air event took place this year at the scenic Dvoor Farm, a historic and beautifully preserved site that offers endless inspiration for plein air painters. With partial sun and a light breeze, the weather provided just the right mix of challenge and charm.

I’m honored to share that my painting was awarded First Place, selected by this year’s juror, the esteemed artist Barbara Kaiser. Her thoughtful and deliberate judging made the recognition especially meaningful, and I’m grateful to have been chosen from such a strong group of painters.

One exciting development this year was the growing reach of the event—we welcomed artists from outside the area, which added new perspectives and a fresh energy to the day. It’s clear that ArtVenture is gaining a reputation beyond the local scene, and it’s been exciting to watch the event expand year after year.

As always, ArtVenture did a fantastic job organizing the day. After three hours of focused painting, the post-event food spread was a much-appreciated treat and a great chance to unwind and connect with other participants.

It was a rewarding day of painting, community, and celebration. I’m already looking forward to next year.

Honorable mention at the Harford Plein Air Quick Draw part of the Harford Plein Air Festival

When: July – September, 2024
Reception: September, 15, 2024,
Bel Air Armory, Bel Air, MD
Where: throughout Harford County, MD

In September 2024, I was honored to receive an Honorable Mention at the Harford Plein Air Quick Draw competition, held as part of the larger Harford Plein Air Festival in Harford County, Maryland. I was also juried into the full plein air competition, which brought together a talented group of artists to paint on location throughout the county.

From July through the start of the exhibition, I spent time exploring and painting the varied landscapes of Harford County — from historic towns and rolling farmland to river views and quiet neighborhoods. The Quick Draw event, held during the festival’s closing weekend, was fast-paced and exciting, with artists creating a finished work in just a few hours for immediate judging and exhibition.

Winning an award in such a strong field of artists was incredibly rewarding, and the entire experience was made even more memorable by the welcoming community and scenic surroundings.

Plein air painting as a juried artist at “Artists on Location”, Knoxville, TN

When: April 15-20, 2024
Where: Knoxville, Tennessee

In April 2024, I was honored to be juried into Artists on Location, a prestigious plein air painting event held in Knoxville, Tennessee. This annual event brings together selected artists from across the country to paint on location throughout the Knoxville area, capturing the character and beauty of East Tennessee’s landscapes, neighborhoods, and landmarks.

The experience was both energizing and rewarding. The organizers were extremely friendly and helpful, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere throughout the week. I was also fortunate to stay with a wonderful host family who are deeply supportive of the arts and generously welcomed me into their home.

Being part of this event allowed me to connect with fellow painters, immerse myself in a new environment, and exhibit work created on-site in a culminating public show and sale. I’m proud to have been included among such a talented group of artists.

Third Annual ArtVenture Plein Air Quick Draw 2023

Me holding my third place painting titled "Building Blocks 2"
Third place winner Francisco Silva holding his painting titled “Building Blocks 2”

When: October 15th, 9am – Noon
Where: Dvoor Farmer’s Market
Frenchtown-Flemington Road, Flemington, NJ

This was the third year of the event and the competition seems to be improving year after year. The day began cloudy but the sun came out at around 11am although it became a bit windy. The juror was Jeff Charlesworth, a reputable painter from the Lambertville/New Hope area, who patiently took his time examining each painting. I was lucky enough to receive third place. After the awards were given out, Jeff offered constructive critiques to anyone that wanted them. As always ArtVenture did a great job on the food; after 3 hours of painting it’s always appreciated.

Harford Plein Air Competition 2023: A week of painting this beautiful Maryland county

My wall at the Bel Air Armory

When: September 15th-17th
Reception: September 15th, 6-9pm
Where: Bel Air Armory, Bel Air, MD

This is the second year that I was lucky enough to be juried into this event. I decided to take the entire week off and create 4 paintings during that week. As I live over 50 miles away, I’m able to bring a plein air painting from my area which gave me a total of 5 paintings. Additionally, we were able to paint at Ladew Topiary Gardens on Tuesday and we had an artist’s taco dinner at the Market Street Brewery in Havre de Grace followed by a nocturne paint out. The final event was a Quick Draw on Saturday morning. I decided to have fun and use Tombow Dual Brush pens for the Quick Draw and my drawing was sold immediately! Overall, the staff of Maryland Center for the Arts puts on a wonderful event that I’d happily participate in the future.

Painting this beautiful view of the marina in Harvre de Grace, Maryland

“Night” Exhibit at Outliers Gallery in Jersey City, NJ

View of my paintings currently at Outliers Gallery.

Where: Outliers Gallery, Studio 150, #246, 150 Bay Street, Jersey City, NJ
When: January 1 – February 28

The Outliers are currently having an exhibition with a “nighttime” theme at our gallery at 150 Bay Street. The four participating artist are: Dorie Dahlberg, Ed Fausty, Brad Terhune and myself. Each of us have our unique interpretation of the theme and and the exhibit is worth a visit. I have 2 plein air paintings and 2 studio paintings as part of the show.

2nd Annual ArtVenture Plein Air Quick Draw 2023: I was awarded an honorable mention

My painting “Orange Roof on Main Street” was awarded an honorable mention

When: October 8th, 9am – Noon
Where: 50 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ

This is the second year of the event and the level of talent has significantly improved in that short amount of time. The weather was perfect for autumn painting in quaint, downtown Flemington. After everyone painted, there was a free lunch with sandwiches, snacks, desserts and drinks (including hot coffee). The judge for the event was Roberto Osti, a university teacher and fellow plein air teacher/artist who was kind enough to stay afterwards to give honest, constructive critiques to anyone that wanted them.