Jerry Yarnell, Yarnell Studio & School of Fine Art, LLC

04/17/2026

🎨 **Why Do Some Paintings Look Flat… Even When the Colors Are Beautiful?**

If your artwork feels like it’s missing depth or impact, you might be making one of these common **composition mistakes in painting** 👇

❌ No clear focal point
❌ Too much symmetry
❌ Everything looks the same distance away
❌ Weak light and shadow
❌ Flat, lifeless color

The good news? These are easy to fix once you know what to look for.

👉 Learn how to **improve painting composition** and create real **painting depth** in your artwork with this blog:

Your next painting could be the one that finally *comes to life*.

Online Art Classes taught by accomplished artist and teacher, Jerry Yarnell. Learn expert painting techniques through our library of classes availa...

04/05/2026

Happy Easter! 🌷

Today, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope and renewal.

HE IS RISEN!

Wishing you all peace and happiness on this beautiful day! 🙏✨

03/20/2026

🎨 Why Do Some Paintings Look Amazing… Even Without Color?

Here’s the truth most artists discover too late:

👉 It’s not about color. It’s about value.

If your paintings ever feel flat, muddy, or just “off”…
there’s a good chance your value structure needs work.

In our newest blog post from Yarnell School of Fine Art, you’ll find:

✔ Why professional artists focus on value before color
✔ How grayscale painting studies sharpen your eye
✔ Simple value painting exercises that improve every painting
✔ How tonal studies make color easier (not harder)

💡 When your values work… your painting works — even in black and white.

And once you understand that, everything changes.

👉 Click Learn More to Read the full Post

Online Art Classes taught by accomplished artist and teacher, Jerry Yarnell. Learn expert painting techniques through our library of classes availa...

03/11/2026

🎨🎨 Why Do Some Paintings Look Flat While Others Feel Alive?

The answer often comes down to light and shadow.

Understanding value scales, tonal studies, and chiaroscuro techniques is one of the biggest breakthroughs artists experience in their painting journey.

In this new post from Yarnell School of Fine Art, you’ll learn:

✔️ How to simplify scenes into light and dark
✔️ Why tonal studies make paintings stronger
✔️ Underpainting techniques professionals use
✔️ How to control dramatic lighting in your artwork

If you want your paintings to have depth, atmosphere, and impact, this blog post is a must-read.

God Bless, Stay Inspired, and Keep Painting! 🎨

Online Art Classes taught by accomplished artist and teacher, Jerry Yarnell. Learn expert painting techniques through our library of classes availa...

02/19/2026

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02/13/2026

🎨 Struggling with muddy colors or flat-looking paintings?
The secret isn’t more paint — it’s better color mixing.

Our newest guide breaks down the color mixing basics every artist should know to create vibrant landscapes and realistic portraits with confidence.

✨ Inside, you’ll discover:
✔ How complementary colors create clean, natural neutrals
✔ When to use warm vs cool palettes for depth
✔ The key to strong color harmony
✔ How to mix realistic skin tones that actually look natural

When you understand color, everything changes — your depth improves, your paintings feel more alive, and your confidence grows.

👉 Ready to paint smarter and stop guessing with color?
Read the full guide and get started!

God Bless, Stay Inspired and Keep Painting!
Yarnell School of Fine Art LLC

Online Art Classes taught by accomplished artist and teacher, Jerry Yarnell. Learn expert painting techniques through our library of classes availa...

02/11/2026

THANKS FOR BEING AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR SUCCESS!

01/23/2026

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12/30/2025

Let's make it a GREAT Year!

12/25/2025

As we honor the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we wish you love, joy, and peace this Christmas. Also, we offer heartfelt gratitude for your support this year; it means the world to us.

11/26/2025

HAVE A SAFE AND BLESSED THANKSGIVING DAY. ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES.

10/22/2025

Last week YARNELL CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR DEBBIE MATTISON taught 2 workshops in OWASSO, Oklahoma. Most of the students had taken workshops and lessons from Jerry at his Skiatook Studio over the years. It was wonderful for Debbie to meet all of these students and share our memories and of course to paint together! During the second workshop we did some studies of how to paint form (see apples) and color mixing (see triangles). Here's just a few photos... All the students are pleading with Debbie to come back again in 2026! A big thank you also to Debbie Lee and Valerie Unruh for their support in helping make these workshops a huge success!