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.
I Paint Miniature Landscapes, and Here’s Why
Meet Persian artist Shokoufeh Shadabi, who paints miniature landscapes as her form of artistic expression.
Scott Christensen on Establishing Key
Addressing connectivity from the outset of the design plan means setting aside the notion that the only way to make impact is through use of color.
4 Ways Don Demers Approaches a Landscape
Everyone says "paint what you see," but here's how Don Demers approaches a scene. Bonus: In "Painting Rocks and Water in Plein Air," you get to spend a full afternoon at his easel, learning how he works...
See 100+ Paintings From 40 PAPA Artists
Over 100 paintings from at least 40 artists' studios, as well as works created outdoors on location, will be for sale. Landscape paintings will be featured from the artists' choice of locations throughout America. In addition to the main exhibition, many members will also ...
7 Paintings of Plein Air Painters at Work
Painting outdoors with 360-degree views, artists have access to an infinite source of subject matter from which to draw inspiration. Every once in a while, however, the tables turn ...
6 Tips for Painting People in a Landscape
With a keen interest in plein air painting, Hema Gupta's goal is to paint in a loose and impressionistic style. Here, she shares her advice for effectively including figures in your next landscape.
May 2026 Must-Attend Plein Air Painting Events
Check out these May 2026 plein air painting events and opportunities, highlighting art shows throughout the U.S. Bonus: Catch this month's deadlines so you don't miss out on upcoming opportunities.
Secret Spaces that Became Art: “The Terrace at the Garden at Les Lauves”
Near the end of his life, Paul Cézanne increasingly translated his deep feeling for nature into a series of color patches so abstract that, in hindsight, they seem to anticipate the abstract art of a far later era. One of his last works ...
New Pastel Demo From Jill Stefani Wagner
"As a contemporary impressionist painter, I'm obsessed with capturing light," says Jill Stefani Wagner. "Plein air painting is my passion, but during the colder months I work on larger pieces in my studio. I paint in both pastel and oil, two mediums which complement each other nicely." Here, Wagner shares her step-by-step in a pastel landscape painting demo of "Mill Creek Glimmer," which she created en plein air.
Happening Now: 12th Annual Olmsted Plein Air Invitational
The 12th annual Olmsted Plein Air Invitational welcomes 30 renowned artists from across the country for nine days of artful celebration as they capture the essence of Atlanta.
I Forgot My Brushes, So I Used …
"Whenever space opens in my crazy schedule, I grab my materials and head outside to paint for a few hours,” says Sue Barrasi. “On this occasion, I drove to a charming site I’d filed away in my memory for when the time was right..."
Our 5 Non-Negotiables of Art Marketing
As Buddy Odom stepped in to help grow the career of his wife, celebrated plein air painter Kathie Odom, he took his cues from the artist herself. Along the way, they identified five art marketing secrets to success.
How to Paint Clouds: My Approach and 3 Tips ☁️☁️☁️
Plein air painter Christine Code shares her approach to painting clouds and skies, and how she "found a sweet spot between chasing and sticking to a composition."
The Greatest Accomplishment of a Landscape Painter
Like most mornings, which start with a walk in a beautiful rural setting, I became immersed in the feeling of life in every blade of grass and droplet of dew that caressed the unfolding scenes before me as I reveled in the experience.
How the Moon Inspires My Seascapes
A witness to two rare lunar events, this Florida transplant embarked on a quest to capture the ocean’s shifting colors under the light of the moon.
Creating the “Feeling” of Melting Snow
Deborah Tilby takes us through her process for the landscape painting “Prairie Snow.” She says, "Even at a very young age, I would notice light and shadow, texture, and color, but almost without realizing I was doing it."
The Best Artist-Friendly Cities to Visit – or Live – In America
Looking for a new spot to spark your creativity? Whether you're planning an inspiring trip or considering a big move, finding an artist-friendly community is key. We've crowdsourced a list of cities and towns across America—some famous, some small—that are drawing artists for their vibrant scenes, unique offerings, and stunning landscapes.