6 Vibrant Paintings of Fairs and Festivals
For plein air painters, fairs, festivals, and amusement parks offer unique opportunities to indulge in bold, vibrant color and flex the creative muscles needed to capture the energy and excitement on full display.
Artist Spotlight: Colette Pitcher
Colette Pitcher:
Where do I find inspiration? The way light glints off a surface, seeing something new while traveling, an attractive repeating pattern - these...
Why Plein Air Painting Is Essential To Me
Olga Abramova lives and works in Moscow. She is best known for her soft, atmospheric paintings created with pastel and charcoal. Here, she shares her process for plein air painting in preparation for studio works.
4 Favorite Quotes From PACE ’26
As you read this, artists around the globe are still glowing from the largest gathering of plein air artists in the world: The Plein Air Convention & Expo, held in beautiful Branson, Missouri. Before we dive into these favorite quotes from the dozens of painting demonstrations that took place, know that the next one is going to be at ...
7 City Sights
The paintings of city scenes showcased here encourage us to slow down and enjoy the complex beauty that can be found amidst ...
An Approach to Painting Landscapes, In Studio and Plein Air
An interview with Brian Blood on how you can benefit from painting landscapes en plein air and in the studio; his approach to color, and more.
Painting On Location and Visual Veracity
Artist Don Demers shares his insights, motivations, and creative process for his maritime and landscape paintings.
What Is Color Temperature?
Learn how warming up or cooling down areas of your painting can provide unity and balance in your work. Bonus: Includes a step-by-step demo!
5 Compelling Pastels by Jill Stefani Wagner
For this dedicated painter, artistic growth comes from seizing on a compelling scene, painting with speed, then looking ahead to the next experience.
How Plein Air Painting Sets Me Up For Success
In this art snippet, Raj Chaudhuri, who has been on the faculty of the Plein Air Convention & Expo, shares his inspiration for plein air painting, specifically in India, where he grew up. He now travels the world teaching and painting.
American Women Artists Paint at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Recently, American Women Artists hosted a Plein Air Paint Out in Nashville. Works created that day were eligible for a $2,250 in-kind grand prize donated by PleinAir Magazine, and the winner was ...
“Sunrise With Moonset,” and 7 More Paintings From the Seashore
From crashing waves and colorful beach umbrellas to vast calm waters, the scenes depicted here capture the many moods of the place where land meets sea.
No need for FOMO if you’re not in MO
We know not everyone who wants to come to the Plein Air Convention & Expo can make it in person this week, so we’re doing something new.
Stolen Brushes!
We love to hear from the Plein Air Today community! The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting...
2026 Summer Camp for Artists
We've been running this retreat for 15 years now. And every summer — without fail — something happens out there that reminds us why we keep doing it. Painters leave transformed. People who came as strangers leave with friendships they'll carry for life.
Get Used To It
A word of advice from plein air painter Carla Bosch, who will be joining us at the 2026 Plein Air Convention & Expo!
Looking for Vibrancy, and How I Found It
"I want my paintings to be so vibrant they pop out of the frame," says Steve Browning. "I enjoy seeing brush marks on the surface, and the way a painting can come to life with just a few strokes."
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 stage—through light and color.
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 ...
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.”
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 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.
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.
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 ...
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.