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2025 LA Fires ways to help

The LA Fires: 7 Ways Artists Can Help Now

Our hearts are going out to everyone affected by the LA fires, and as an artist community, we all want to help. Following is a list of trusted resources; please take a moment to check them out and see which one (or more) you're moved to support.
Step 4

Creating a Soft Effect in a Landscape Painting

Discover the step-by-step process Shanna Kunz uses to create her atmospheric landscape paintings. From building a strong composition with grids to adding subtle textures with sandpaper, explore how she balances color, value, and detail to bring her art to life.
Kevin Barton, “Broken Easel Today,” 2024, oil, 6 x 6 in., Available from artist, Plein air and studio

7 Paintings of Painters: The Other Side of the Easel

Here, we showcase seven paintings that celebrate the plein air artist at work — both in front of and behind the easel.
Creative ideas - Lorenzo Chavez, "Colorado Winter," 2022, oil, 11 x 14 in., available from artist, plein air

Art Assignment: Relocate Your Senses

Discover how plein air painter Lorenzo Chavez transforms landscapes into artistic masterpieces by embracing sensory exploration, slowing down, and noticing the beauty around him. Learn how his unique approach to painting can inspire your creative journey.

Featured Artwork

Creative ideas - Lorenzo Chavez, "Colorado Winter," 2022, oil, 11 x 14 in., available from artist, plein air

Art Assignment: Relocate Your Senses

Discover how plein air painter Lorenzo Chavez transforms landscapes into artistic masterpieces by embracing sensory exploration, slowing down, and noticing the beauty around him. Learn how his unique approach to painting can inspire your creative journey.
Plein Air MD - plein air painting and art for veterans and first responders

An Intro to Plein Air Painting for First Responders and Veterans

Transforming stress into strokes of creativity: Representational artist Todd Lachance founded Plein Air MD to help first responders and military personnel reconnect with nature through the healing art of plein air painting. Discover how he's changing lives, one canvas at a time.
Art History - Peter De Wint, "Waterfall in the Dingle at Badger Hall," c. 1841, watercolor on wove paper, 20 1/4 x 27 1/8 in., National Gallery of Art; Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

A Moment in Art History: Waterfall in the Dingle at Badger Hall

As a plein air artist, you are part of one of the largest art movements in history. Learn about an artist who has helped start this movement in some way, and be inspired to continue your own journey of landscape painting.
Heather Arenas, "St. Armands Circle Corner," 2023, oil on Dibond aluminum panel, 12 x 12 in., Collection of the artist, Plein air

Free Painting Lesson: Marking Light and Shade

Discover the art of capturing light and shadow with Heather Arenas in this free painting lesson. In her vibrant work "St. Armands Circle Corner," Heather shares how she builds her compositions from bold shapes, thoughtfully balancing warm sunlight and cool shadows.
Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE)

Your Biggest Questions About PACE Answered

The 2025 Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE) runs May 19-23 at the Nugget Casino Resort in Reno, Nevada, with the beautiful Lake Tahoe as our backdrop for inspiration. We’ve noticed many artists have questions about PACE, so we wanted to address the most common ones.
John Hughes on location for painting en plein air

My Biggest Stumbling Block as a Plein Air Painter

A quick tip to help you discover the transformative strategy that will elevate your plein air painting - learn from over 40 years of experience to create more ...
Discover the captivating world of Hector Acuna's plein air painting, where bold compositions, vibrant experimentation, and innovative perspectives bring landscapes and urban scenes to life.
Ray Day painters 2024

Why January 3rd Means “Ray Day” for These Plein Air Painters

Discover how friends and fellow painters gather each January 3 on East Camino Cielo, blending art, camaraderie, and even a surprise belly dancer in this inspiring story of plein air painting and friendship.
Landscape Painting - Plein Air Podcast - Eric Rhoads and Joe McGurl

Plein Air Podcast 265: Joe McGurl’s Connection to Nature

Join Eric Rhoads for the latest Plein Air Podcast episode as Joe McGurl shares insights on landscape painting and his emotional connection to nature.
Shokoufeh Shadabi miniature paintings

I Paint Miniature Landscapes, and Here’s Why

Meet Persian artist Shokoufeh Shadabi, who paints miniature landscapes as her form of artistic expression.
As 2024 wraps up, I want to say thank you to everyone who is a part of our Plein Air Today community. You’ve shared your personal stories with us so we can in turn amplify them to other artists who are looking for inspiration and guidance on the journey.

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