From the Latest Issue of PleinAir Magazine

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Laguna Plein Air Painters - first place

Winners from LPAPA 21st Annual Best of Plein Air Show

Laguna Plein Air Painters Association Announces Award Winners for its 21st Annual “Best of Plein Air” Juried Art Show, A Celebration of Paintings Created En Plein Air
artist John Crump Painting in New Zealand

Embracing the Elements While Painting in New Zealand

A spotlight on John Crump, who has embraced plein air painting in New Zealand. "After working en plein air for roughly 50 years, I can even ignore bad weather when it comes down to capturing the mood of my subject."
Waterfall sketch, Jean Pederson, 2024, watercolor and pen and ink, 10 x 8 in., collection the artist, plein air

Jean Pederson’s Evolving Plein Air Journey

Jean Pederson shares insights from her painting trip to Lake Tahoe with a star-studded group of artists.
Melanie painting in winter scene

Artist Spotlight: Melanie Levitt

What is the best thing about being an artist? Melanie Levitt: The best thing about being a plein air painter is being able to connect...

Featured Artwork

Melanie painting in winter scene

Artist Spotlight: Melanie Levitt

What is the best thing about being an artist? Melanie Levitt: The best thing about being a plein air painter is being able to connect...
Edouard Manet, "The Monet Family in Their Garden at Argenteuil," 1874, oil on canvas, 24 x 39 1/4 in., The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bequest of Joan Whitney Payson, 1975

An Edouard Manet Moment: The Monet Family in Their Garden at Argenteuil

After years of concentrating on dark-toned Spanish-influenced paintings, Edouard Manet had come to embrace his young friends’ practice of ...
Paint Maui Plein Air Invitational 2025 invited artists

Plein Air Painting is Alive and Well in Maui

Highlights from the Paint Maui Plein Air Invitational, and a hello from the Borrego Art Institute's event happening now!
Painting Events - Artists during a paint-out at a Plein Air Convention & Expo (2019, San Francisco)

Your March 2025 Painting Events and Deadlines

Take advantage of these in-person and virtual plein air painting opportunities from our special guide! Bonus: Includes upcoming event deadlines!
Painting Hollyhocks - Buffalo Kaplinski, "Scarlet Hollyhock," 2021, watercolor, 12 x 17 in., private collection, plein air

Mastering Hollyhocks in Watercolor: A Tip for Crisp, Fresh Paintings

Painting hollyhocks looks simple to paint at first, but the characteristic leaves and stalks can be a challenge. I find watercolor the best medium for capturing their crisp edges and shapes.
The finished demo painting

Blank Surface to Beautiful Blossoms: A Step-by-Step Pastel Painting Demo

Follow this step-by-step pastel painting demo to create vibrant landscapes with depth and harmony. Learn tips on sketching, color choices, and layering techniques!
When Stephen Quiller conducts a workshop out of the country, he often extends his stay from one to four months. Here are a few tips he has gathered from his experiences that can help the serious plein air traveler.
Aaron Schuerr, "The Gallatin River in January," 2017, pastel, 12 x 16 in., Private collection, Studio

When Retreating to the Studio Is the Best Option

"Most often I work from studies I’ve made on site when painting wintry pastel landscapes in the studio, but every once in a while, it’s too cold to make even a quick sketch outdoors."
Gary Snavely, plein air painting in Japan

Painting Tips for Beginners: 7 Steps to Help You Begin

Painting Tips for Beginners > Plein air painter Gary Snavely shares his advice to help you organize your thoughts for a greater chance of a good painting outcome.
Publisher's Invitational art retreats - Winter Art Escape

A Historic First in America’s Oldest City

The inaugural Winter Art Escape brought artists together for sunlit days of creativity, exclusive painting locations, and unforgettable camaraderie. From scenic coastal vistas to vibrant evening gatherings, this retreat proved that even winter can be the perfect season for inspiration. Read the full recap and start planning your next artistic adventure!
We love to hear from the Plein Air Today community! The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on Zarin Tazreen. What’s your favorite place to paint, and why? I like...

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