From the Latest Issue of PleinAir Magazine

Latest Articles

Photo reference: Cottonwood Creek Salt Lake City

Painting a Winter Scene

Snow has its challenges to be sure, but the rewards outweigh the discomfort when it comes to painting a winter scene en plein air.
"Down at the Lake," Andy Evansen, 2024, watercolor, 10 x 14 in., available from artist, painting plein air

Finding Simplicity in Lake Tahoe’s Overwhelming Beauty

A peek at Andy Evansen's plein air painting journey at Lake Tahoe, where he navigated the challenge of simplifying breathtaking vistas and capturing the lake's vibrant colors.

Artist Spotlight: Michael Gault

How did you get started and then develop your career? Michael Gault: I can’t remember NOT wanting to be an artist. I didn’t always know...
PleinAir Magazine FebMarch 2025 cover

What’s Inside PleinAir Magazine, February/March ’25

Discover the beauty and artistry of plein air painting in the February/March 2025 issue of PleinAir magazine. Explore stunning landscapes, insightful artist features, practical painting tips, and the latest events in the plein air community.

Featured Artwork

PleinAir Magazine FebMarch 2025 cover

What’s Inside PleinAir Magazine, February/March ’25

Discover the beauty and artistry of plein air painting in the February/March 2025 issue of PleinAir magazine. Explore stunning landscapes, insightful artist features, practical painting tips, and the latest events in the plein air community.
Paintings of Los Angeles - "Good Evening LA" (oil on canvas, 18 x 24 in.) by Simon Lok

Plein Air Perspectives on Los Angeles

These paintings of Los Angeles celebrate the dynamic energy and rich history of downtown L.A. and its surrounding environs, as seen through the eyes of the participating artists – Peter Adams, John Kosta, Simon Lok, Michael Obermeyer and Nancy Popenoe.
Painting with acrylics en plein air

The “Big Challenge” of Switching to Plein Air

“I’m not trying to build up a collection of paintings to sell to a gallery. The reason I paint is because it drives me, as an artist and as a human being, to be in nature,” says artist Sarah Burns.
From a paint out session at the Plein Air Convention & Expo

What You Need to Paint Outdoors: The Beginner’s Guide

Use this guide to help you get started plein air painting with tips from artists who are willing to share their knowledge and wisdom.
From Sebastian Thommen’s plein air landscape painting session

A Peek at the Plein Air Sessions from Watercolor Live

The 5th Annual Watercolor Live came to an end recently, wrapping up with even more of today’s best watercolor artists sharing all of their secrets, explaining their materials, methods, and more.
Opening Day Plein Air Class

How We Started a Local Plein Air Painters Group

Be inspired by the story of Jim and Annie Hames, who created a community through their local plein air painters group, inspired by PACE.
Explore the art of going big with this insightful case study-driven advice for large-scale painting techniques from plein air painter Christine Lashley.
How to paint with watercolor

Happening This Week: 5th Annual Watercolor Live

Watch and interact with world-renowned artists as they demonstrate their skills at Watercolor Live this week. We'll see plein air favorites such as ...
2025 LA Fires ways to help

The LA Fires: 7 Ways Artists Can Help Now

Our hearts are going out to everyone affected by the LA fires, and as an artist community, we all want to help. Following is a list of trusted resources; please take a moment to check them out and see which one (or more) you're moved to support.
Step 4

Creating a Soft Effect in a Landscape Painting

Discover the step-by-step process Shanna Kunz uses to create her atmospheric landscape paintings. From building a strong composition with grids to adding subtle textures with sandpaper, explore how she balances color, value, and detail to bring her art to life.
Here, we showcase seven paintings that celebrate the plein air artist at work — both in front of and behind the easel.

Print & Digital Edition

Digital Extended Edition

[/tdc_zone]