Why This Works: Color Harmony, Cohesion Through Brushstrokes

In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they succeed as painted images. This week, Doug Gorrell’s “River Mist.”

A Labor of Love

The works of Loretto, Pennsylvania, native Ron Donoughe are the subjects of a major exhibition on the campus of Saint Francis University. Ever wonder what more than 30 years at the easel can produce? We have one answer here.

OPPORTUNITY: Tableau Vivant Returns at Tilbury

Models, costumes, lighting, and the works can be expensive endeavors for artists, which is why this upcoming event is worth every penny.

Los Gatos in June

Stunning views, sunshine, art, and wine. Sound like a good time? The artists and dates are set for the 9th edition of Los Gatos Plein Air this summer. All you need to know is one click away!

Burton Dives In, Little Girl Lives

In early April, California oil painter John Burton saved a life. This is not a metaphor.

Artists Announced for EnPleinAirTEXAS

It’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after plein air events in the country. Some could argue it’s already there. Organizers of EnPleinAirTEXAS recently revealed their competition and invited artists for 2017. Who made the list?

The Winning Painting That Almost Didn’t Make It

2017 PleinAir Salon Grand Prize Winner Kathleen Hudson retells the remarkable story of how her winning painting was created in this exclusive video interview. The most shocking part? It almost never happened. How?

My Favorite Place to Paint: Peggy Immel and the Rio Grande

Created by presidential proclamation in March 2013, the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico features 10,000-foot mountains, high deserts, and a breathtaking gorge that — in some places — reaches a depth of 800 feet. Sound like plein air perfection? For Peggy Immel, it sure is.

Watercolor Works in Laguna Beach

The Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) is overjoyed to have just opened a stellar exhibition dedicated to transparent watercolors. It’s in collaboration with the Joe Hanks Van Cleave Foundation for the Arts and CURATE Fine Art, and you won’t want to miss this!

Recap from Winter Park

Twenty-five nationally acclaimed plein air painters took part in the Winter Park Paint Out last month, with some record-breaking results. We’ve got them right here! Check it out!

Why This Works: Less Is More Sometimes With Color

In this series, plein air painter and instructor Jeanne Mackenzie takes a look at new paintings by contemporary artists and points out why they succeed as painted images. This week, Steve Miller’s “Off the Gov’t Pier.”

Painted Travels

Hidden treasures from Maine to North Carolina were captured through vibrant plein air watercolors for an exciting solo exhibition this spring in New York.

OPPORTUNITY: There’s Still Time (Barely!)

Time is quickly running out to immerse yourself in a fantastic paint-out opportunity in New York State. We’ve got all you need to know to find yourself at the Mohonk Mountain House this spring. Details here!

Parting Shot: Sometimes Indoors Is Better

It’s hard to stop the passionate outdoor painter from venturing into nature to find his or her next masterpiece. However, as a recent situation demonstrates, sometimes painting indoors is the best — and only — option, but the results are still beautiful.

Interest and Introduction

As the new editor of PleinAir Today, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and express the excitement I have at entering this remarkable world of outdoor painting. There’s a catch, however.

Friends — and Plein Air — Overcome Obstacles

The power of friendship and passion for outdoor painting overcame several logistical obstacles for five Northeast painters who gathered at Topsail beach for a painting retreat. Their tale of triumph is just one click away.

Nitram Charcoals: Before and After

On June 12, 2016, a devastating fire ripped through and destroyed the Nitram Charcoal factory. Although the bad news continued after the destruction, good news has begun to surface, including what we have to report here.

Can Watercolors Be Varnished?

It’s a peculiar practice to varnish your plein air watercolors, since most are matted and glassed when framed. However, artist Mike Simpson has some thoughts on the process that might give you cause to pause.

Paint-Out Pop-Up in New Jersey

Although the Nutley Public Library’s Plein Air Paint-Out just concluded its first event ever, its existence is simply another sign of how quickly outdoor painting is growing.

Plein Air Got Used

In a great way, of course! News emanating from Rockville, Utah, last week is a wonderful example of how outdoor painting benefits not only painters, collectors, and enthusiasts, but an entire historical community.