From the Latest Issue of PleinAir Magazine

PleinAir Magazine AugSept2026

Featured Artwork

Latest Articles

Plein Air Painters of New Mexico - Jane Frederick, "Diablo Canyon," oil on panel, 8" x 10"

On View: PAPNM 18th Juried National Exhibition

The public and collectors are invited to view and purchase the artwork throughout the exhibition at the gallery and online.
Liz Steel, "The Servant’s Quarters Tearoom, Morpeth, Australia," ink, watercolor and colored pencil, A4 portrait Moleskine watercolor sketchbook

Create a Visual Narrative: An Urban Sketching Spotlight

I try to record something from every outing (even if it’s just a simple line drawing of the view when I park my car), so I carry my tools and sketchbook with me everywhere I go. But I also plan dedicated outings where I might sketch for a few hours or the whole day. In either case ...
Plein air paintings - OutdoorPainter.com

The Life-Like Plein Air Paintings of Jeremy Sams

Is there a “special secret” to creating great paintings? Maybe — see how Jeremy Sams came to plein air, what his advice is for others, and more, in this exclusive Q&A.
Stewart White, "Balboa," watercolor

Should You Plan Your Plein Air Painting?

Plein air watercolor artist Stewart White has a background in illustration and design, which shows in his paintings and his teachings. The following is his Q&A on the benefits of travel for artists, the use of edges in a painting, and thoughts on planning a plein air piece.
John MacDonald explains how to paint skies

Why John MacDonald is All About the Sky

Whether playing the lead or a supporting role in your paintings, understanding the nature of the sky and learning to paint it in all its manifestations is an important skill for any landscape painter.
Sue Ginter, plein air painting

How I Sold My First Painting

My goal was achieved because of persistence in the face of several obstacles, including ...
From Kathleen Hudson's oil painting demo

A Look Back As We Go Forward: Plein Air Live 2026

Every year, Plein Air Live is an unforgettable celebration of art, featuring days of camaraderie, hands-on workshops, paint-alongs, and masterclass demonstrations. For example ...
Salon Art Prize - First Place Overall: Kathleen Erin, “Companion,” oil, 24 x 36 in.

Eyes on the July Salon Art Prize

Master Artist Bill Davidson has revealed his selections for the July 2026 Salon Art Prize. They are ...
The artist painting on location

From Pixar to Plein Air

After a successful career in Hollywood, Harsh Agrawal now channels his creativity into landscapes that reveal both the poetry of place and the resilience of his own experience.
Plein air painting

Demo: Establishing a Strong Underpainting

Check out a short and simple landscape painting demo that focuses on the underpainting part of the process.
Check out these September 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.
Learn a practical approach for alpine landscapes with Allie Zeyer: soft wet-in-wet backgrounds, bold tree massing, light-and-shadow depth, and expressive branch details—without overworking your painting.
If you have questions about how to use water-mixable oils, start here with this Q&A from Christine Lashley.
Explore the process behind Liz Haywood-Sullivan’s "Zattere Rainy Reflections" in this insightful pastel landscape painting demonstration.

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