Jennifer McChristian, “Bougainvillea Bloom,” 2018, oil on panel, 8 x 10 in., Collection the artist, Plein air

What Makes a Landscape Painting Work?

The compelling art of this California oil painter may hold the answers.
PleinAir Salon judge Lisa Skelly

Should You Enter an Art Competition?

When it comes to art competitions, is it worth entering?
At PACE paint-outs, faculty members are available to guide you while you're painting - a great opportunity for beginning artists

March 2024 Painting Events – In-Person and Online

Take advantage of these in-person and virtual plein air painting opportunities from our special guide!
Mike Hernandez, painting with gouache en plein air

Plein Air Painting with Gouache in Winter

Can you paint outdoors with gouache when it's below freezing? Mike Hernandez shares his tips here.
Hector Acuna artist painting on location

This Helped My Art Journey

A special spotlight on someone from the plein air painting community you may not know yet: Hector Arcuna on his Aha moment, and more.
watercolor studio from plein air study

A Study-to-Studio Watercolor Demo: Oak Creek at Briar Patch XXII

Watch step by step as Julie Gilbert Pollard creates a plein air study with watercolor, then takes it into the studio to paint "Oak Creek at Briar Patch XXII."
Edge Pro Gear paintbox

The Best Palettes for Plein Air Painting

What’s the best palette for painters? We asked, and you answered! More than 25 artists share their favorites here (including DIY palettes).
Kimball Geisler, “Winter Derelicts,” Oil, 45 x 50 in.

Plein Air Painting as a Game of Chess

On plein air painting > Kimball Geisler discovered a love for nature and the plein air life in countless intriguing natural landscapes.
Joe Paquet, "Rust," 36 x 48 in.

Joe Paquet: Shaping Our Image, on Canvas and in Life

In this PACE artist spotlight, Joe Paquet shares his perspective on the struggles and rewards of being a professional artist.
Plein Air Podcast - Eric Rhoads and Larry Moore

Plein Air Podcast 256: Larry Moore on Creativity and Artistic Growth

In this episode of the Plein Air Podcast, Eric Rhoads interviews Larry Moore, who describes himself as "intensely curious."
Plein Air Art history - mural study

Plein Air Heritage: Art for the Common People

Born on a farm near Dunavant, Kansas, John Steuart Curry (1897–1946) believed that art should appeal to ...
artist posing with collectors, while holding one of her paintings

Artist Spotlight: Anne Blair Brown

How did you develop your unique style? Anne Blair Brown: The first step to developing my style was to learn the fundamentals of painting. For...

We Say Goodbye to Joe Anna Arnett

Joe Anna Arnett, distinguished artist, died on the evening of February 3, 2024, at her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after a long battle with cancer.
PleinAir Salon - Terri Ford (California), “Canyon Dusk,” Pastel, 28x24 in.

Salon First Place: “A Stunning Painting”

Artist Camille Przewodak has revealed her selections for the winners in this round of the PleinAir Salon.
PleinAir Magazine FebMarch2024 cover

New Issue Sneak Peek: PleinAir Magazine, Feb/March ’24

Hot off the press > Expert insight and advice from today's plein air masters; News on art competitions; Interesting historical perspectives on landscape art; and more!
Peggy Immel, featured in the PleinAir Magazine article "Unstoppable: 3 Age-Defying Artists." (February/March 2024 issue).

Always a Student

Whether you’re an artist, collector, or art enthusiast, I hope you’ll learn something new in this issue that expands and enriches your enjoyment of plein air painting, or landscape art in general.
watercolor painting of city streets and people walking

Featured Artwork: Jeff Suntala

Jeff Suntala: Watercolor plein air is like catching lightning in a bottle. Good luck! Too often, high hopes and confidence are dashed by the cruel...

Featured Artwork: Jennifer Riefenberg

Jennifer Riefenberg: It is with an intimate understanding and a closer-in vantage that artist, Jennifer Riefenberg, seeks in portraying the landscapes. She finds most...
Painting in winter

From Fingers to Fanny – Tips for Staying Warm When Painting in Winter

I’ve painted outdoors in all kinds of weather and rarely have been uncomfortable because of the cold. My secret is ...
From a paint-out at a previous Plein Air Convention & Expo

February 2024 Painting Events – In-Person and Online

Take advantage of these in-person and virtual plein air painting opportunities from our special guide!
From Lorraine Watry’s “Understanding Your Materials” Watercolor Live session

Happening Now – Watercolor Live!

This week we're seeing up-close-and-personal presentations during Watercolor Live, an online art conference unlike any other.
Marcia Burtt, "Ice on the Merced," painting with acrylics in cold weather

Can You Paint with Acrylics in Cold Weather?

Frank advice on painting with acrylic in cold weather from plein air painter Marcia Burtt
artist Jennifer reifenberg out in the field, and below, image of "power of gray"

Artist Spotlight: Jennifer Riefenberg

How do you find inspiration? Jennifer Riefenberg: It is with an intimate understanding and a closer-in vantage that artist, Jennifer Riefenberg, seeks in portraying the...
Art Creativity - How to Think Beyond Quick Sketches with Larry Moore

How to Think Beyond Quick Sketches

In this episode of Art School Live, Eric Rhoads welcomes artist, author, and instructor/creative coach Larry Moore. Watch as Larry takes us through a free art session on using quick sketches to expand your creative thinking - when it comes to painting the landscape and more.
"Haven" by Tim Oliver

The Value in Taking a Second (or Third) Look

If you tend to "finish" a plein air painting and move on to the next, you might be missing out on important learning opportunities...