From the Latest Issue of PleinAir Magazine

The cover of our April/May 2026 issue of PleinAir Magazine; art by Anton Nowels

Featured Artwork

Latest Articles

"The Blackfoot" Clyde Aspevig landscape painting for Opera Montana "The River Runs Through It"

Clyde Aspevig And The Opera Come Together For “A River Runs Through It”

Discover how Clyde Aspevig’s new painting, “The Blackfoot,” brings Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It” to Opera Montana’s operatic stage—through light and color.
Olmsted Plein Air - Alex Eisenzopf

This Year’s Olmsted Plein Air Winners Are …

Award-winning paintings from Atlanta’s 12th Annual Olmsted Plein Air Invitational are here. The artists who placed in this year's event are ...
Painting atmosphere - Kathleen Hudson, "Rolling Surf," 2018, oil, 13 x 21 in., Collection the artist, Plein air

Creating Atmosphere: An 8-Step Landscape Painting Tutorial

"More than anything, I enjoy the sense of connectedness that painting on location brings,” says Kathleen Hudson. “My own sense of wonder in the landscape comes from my immersion in reading history. A place isn’t just scenery when you come to know its story, when you think of people from generations past who stood upon the same ground, taking in their surroundings just as you are.”
painting landscapes - "Homeward" by Steve Curry

Little by Little

My story starts like most. As a kid I always drew and created, but I was lucky enough to have grown up in a family of artists...
plein air painting - Inspired by their grit and “the fleeting moments that define their hard-earned livelihood,” Lyudmila Tomova Clark is drawn to scenes of fishermen at work.

Plein Air Stories: A Fisherman Saved My Brush

The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on Lyudmila Tomova Clark, who is inspired by the grit - and in this case, kind and quick consideration - of fishermen.
Creative Expression - Richard McKinley, "Tennessee Trees," 2015, pastel over watercolor, 12 x 9 in., private collection, plein air

7 Tips for Greater Creative Expression

Landscape painter Richard McKinley shares his "7 Tips for Greater Creative Expression," especially for those painting en plein air with pastel.
From Kathleen Hudson's oil painting demo

A 6-Second Tip Worth Reading

Last year, Plein Air Live brought together hundreds of artists from all over the world for an incredible three days of learning, painting, and inspiration. 🌿🎨Here's one of our favorite quick takeaways ...
Jack McGowan, set up for plein air painting along Route 66

Route 66 Turns 100: Painting the Mother Road’s Timeless Landscapes

Jack McGowan, PAPNM, OPA, shares insights on painting Route 66 en plein air, including what to include in your day pack. Plus, a special invitation from Eric Rhoads.
Shokoufeh Shadabi miniature paintings

I Paint Miniature Landscapes, and Here’s Why

Meet Persian artist Shokoufeh Shadabi, who paints miniature landscapes as her form of artistic expression.
Scott Christensen, Gouache Study, 2020, gouache, 8 x 8 in., Private collection, Plein air and studio

Scott Christensen on Establishing Key

Addressing connectivity from the outset of the design plan means setting aside the notion that the only way to make impact is through use of color.
Everyone says "paint what you see," but here's how Don Demers approaches a scene. Bonus: In "Painting Rocks and Water in Plein Air," you get to spend a full afternoon at his easel, learning how he works...
Many Signature PAPA members will be in attendance on the opening weekend. In addition to the main exhibition, many members will also participate in a sale of their field works painted during ...
With a keen interest in plein air painting, Hema Gupta's goal is to paint in a loose and impressionistic style. Here, she shares her advice for effectively including figures in your next landscape.
Check out these May 2026 plein air painting events and opportunities, highlighting art shows throughout the U.S. Bonus: Catch this month's deadlines so you don't miss out on upcoming opportunities.

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