Though its exact geographic boundaries can be difficult to pinpoint, the American Heartland holds the soul of the nation. In the early 20th century, Regionalist icons like Grant Wood, John Steuart Curry, and Thomas Hart Benton rejected the prevailing trend toward abstraction in favor of painting everyday life in the heart of the Heartland — the Midwest. In this showcase, 13 contemporary plein air painters bring new life to that enduring narrative, offering fresh interpretations of the middle-American landscape.
1. Jason Bailey, “House on the Hill,” 2025, oil, 8 x 8 in., Available from artist, Plein air and studio2. Andre Lucero, “Sunny Days,” 2019, oil, 16 x 20 in., Available from artist, Plein air3. Allie Zeyer, “Swallows at Sunset,” 2025, oil, 16 x 16 in., Private collection, Studio4. Colette Pitcher, “LaSalle Elevator,” 2022, watercolor, 22 x 15 in., Private collection, Plein air and studio5. Mo Myra, “Loved for Generations,” 2023, watercolor, 9 x 12 in., Private collection, Plein air and studio6. Kevin Barton, “The Big Bale,” 2023, oil, 36 x 48 in., Private collection, Plein air and studio7. Jennifer Sampson, “Forgotten Spring,” 2025, oil, 9 x 12 in., Available from Bryan Memorial Gallery, Jeffersonville, VT, Plein air8. Kathleen Dunphy, “Guardian,” 2024, oil, 18 x 36 in., Private collection, Studio from plein air studies9. Bob Beck, “May 13th,” 2024, oil, 20 x 24 in., Available from artist, Plein air10. Kathleen Gray Farthing, “Barn on the Hill,” 2024, oil, 14 x 11 in., Available from artist, Plein air11. Stephen Wysocki, “Out Buildings,” 2025, oil, 8 x 20 in., Private collection, Plein air12. Jacalyn Beam, “On This Day,” 2024, oil, 12 x 16 in., Available from artist, Plein air13. Manon Sander, “Still Standing,” 2024, oil, 8 x 10 in., Private collection, Plein air
Editor’s Note: Join us for the 6th Annual Plein Air Live online art conference, featuring Kathleen Hudson, Kevin Macpherson, Kami Mendlik, and many more! The event takes place November 6-8, 2025, with an Essential Techniques Day on November 5. Learn more at PleinAirLive.com.
