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PleinAir Magazine Dec23/Jan24

Latest Articles

Rex Brandt plein air watercolor painting

Rex Brandt (1914-2000), California Scene Painter

As a plein air artist, you are part of one of the largest art movements in history. Learn about "California Scene Painter" Rex Brandt here.
Plein Air Podcast - Eric Rhoads and Richard Sneary

Plein Air Podcast 255: Richard Sneary on the Worst Thing You Can Do When...

In this episode of the Plein Air Podcast, Eric Rhoads interviews Richard Sneary, who began painting as an artist primarily en plein air in 2011 after 40 years as ...
From Michele Usibelli's October 2023 painting workshop at the Sedona Arts Center

Be Bold, Be Fearless: A Poem for Plein Air

Artists are known to be creative in multiple ways, and such is the case with plein air painter Pamela Mathy, who was inspired to write the following poem as a parting gift to her workshop teacher, Michele Usibelli.
“Fading Light” by Patrick McGannon, 2022, oil, 12 x 16 in., Available from artist, Studio from plein air study

Go Figure: 5 Plein Air Paintings with People

As social creatures, we immediately focus on figures in a painting, expecting their gestures and expressions to unlock the meaning of the picture...

Featured Artwork

“Fading Light” by Patrick McGannon, 2022, oil, 12 x 16 in., Available from artist, Studio from plein air study

Go Figure: 5 Plein Air Paintings with People

As social creatures, we immediately focus on figures in a painting, expecting their gestures and expressions to unlock the meaning of the picture...
Margi Lucena (1954-2022), "Bonito Creek," pastel, 12 x 16 in.

A Memorial Art Exhibition Fundraiser

An invitation to family, friends, fellow artists, and interested parties. Donations will fund ...
plein air painting for beginners

New Watercolor Demo: Focus on Big Shapes and Contrasts

The following is part of a series featuring a leader in the art community who will be joining us on the faculty of Watercolor Live ...
PleinAir Magazine Dec23/Jan24

New Issue Sneak Peek: PleinAir Magazine, Dec ’23 / Jan ’24

Hot off the press > Expert insight and advice from today's plein air masters; News on art competitions; Interesting historical perspectives on landscape art; and more!
Step 1: Plein air painting setup

Refining a Plein Air Painting in the Studio

A step-by-step demonstration of how Jessica L. Bryant turns a plein air painting into a studio piece.
Alice Payne's collection of plein air studies from Fall Color Week

Lessons Learned at Fall Color Week

How one artist overcame her fears, learned new lessons through plein air painting, and found success.
Working on this exhibition for more than a year, this majestic body of work includes impressive studio paintings and several of the plein air studies that inspired them.
Artist Nancy Seamons Crookston, painting on location

Nancy Seamons Crookston: Missed By Many

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Utah-born, California-based artist Nancy Seamons Crookston.
Watercolor paper for beginners

Watercolor Paper – An Overview for Beginners

Learn about the three basic surfaces of watercolor paper, and why you might choose one over the others.

Gifts for Artists: Your 2023 Holiday Shopping Guide

This list has it all: gorgeous frames, beautiful paints, and a special section of gifts under $50!
A word of advice from Iain Stewart's Watercolor Live landscape painting demonstration.

Print & Digital Edition

Digital Extended Edition