Beautiful Paintings of Mountains > Across centuries, artists have looked to high places for subjects that evoke awe, challenge perspective, and stir the spirit. From remote mountains and rugged cliffs to gently rolling hills, these scenes have long symbolized both grandeur and solitude. In this showcase, ten contemporary plein air painters continue that tradition, capturing the drama, mystery, and quiet majesty of the world’s elevated landscapes.
1. Gwen Meyer Ethelbah, “Ildefonso Formation,” 2022, oil, 12 x 18 in., Private collection, Studio from a plein air study2. John Paul Marcelo, “View from Mürren,” 2023, oil, 12 x 24 in., Available from artist, Plein air3. Joseph Mancuso, “West of Arvin,” 2024, pastel, 9 x 12 in., Private collection, Plein air4. Jivian Lee, “The House in the Sage — Sunset,” 2022, oil, 36 x 48 in., Available from LewAllen Galleries, Plein air and studio5. James Hart Dyke, “Blast Light, El Capitan, Yosemite,” 2024, oil, 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in., Private collection, Plein air6. Michael Gault, “Pikes Peak Woodland,” 2024, oil, 9 x 12 in., Available from artist, Plein air7. Kathleen Dunphy, “Rockfall,” 2023, oil, 8 x 8 in., Available from artist, Plein air8. Lori Cusick, “Alpenglow in the High Desert,” 2024, oil, 24 x 24 in., Available from artist, Plein air9. Cindy Baron, “Giants Among Us,” 2024, oil, 40 x 30 in., Private collection, Studio from a plein air study10. Susan Lynn, “Morning Monolith,” 2022, watercolor, 9 x 12 in., Available from artist, Plein air
Editor’s Note: Join us for the 6th Annual Plein Air Live online art conference, featuring Daniel Gerhartz, Christine Lashley, and many more! The next Plein Air Live takes place September 16-18, 2026. Learn more at PleinAirLive.com.
