PleinAir Salon art competition - First Place Overall: Andrew Judd (Canada), “The Passage,” Oil, 12x12 in.

“The Passage” Places First in PleinAir Salon Art Competition

Dean Mitchell has revealed his selections for the winners in the November PleinAir Salon. They are ...
What happens when you drop a star-studded group of artists into the area around Lake Tahoe for a week of plein air painting? Find out in this issue of PleinAir Magazine.

Art Is Good For You

A growing body of evidence proves something the readers of PleinAir Magazine have long understood ...
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.
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.
We hope to see you next year at PACE! Shown here: Cherie Dawn Haas, Shelby Keefe, Fen Roscoe, Kelly Kane, Kathie Odom, and Richard Hight

When You Have Something to Say

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.

How to Paint With Watercolor: Understand This First

Want to learn how to paint with watercolor? In this guest blog post, Catherine Hillis shares what you need to do first to avoid frustration.
Plein air paintings of trees - Jim Rehak, “Gnarly,” 2022, oil, 12 x 16 in., Available from artist, Plein air

Branching Out: 17 Plein Air Paintings of Trees

Here, we share unique views of trees, shrubs, and foliage that have sparked our imagination and are sure to bring joy to all who experience them.
Plein air painting in winter

When Your Hands Get Cold …

The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is from Paul Goderstad.
PleinAir Magazine Dec24Jan25 cover

What’s Inside PleinAir Magazine, December / January ’25

Discover the beauty and artistry of plein air painting in the December/January 2025 issue of PleinAir magazine. Explore stunning landscapes, insightful artist features, practical painting tips, and the latest events in the plein air community.
Painting with acrylics - Rick J. Delanty, "June Sunlight," 2019, acrylic, 16 x 20 in., Collection the artist, Studio based on plein air study

From Watercolor to Acrylic: Why This Plein Air Artist Found His Forever Medium

Permanent, non-yellowing, and fast-drying, acrylics have low toxicity and no need of solvents for dilution or glazing. Like watercolor, they ...
unique gifts for artists

Gifts for Artists: Your 2024 Holiday Shopping Guide

This list has it all: gorgeous frames, beautiful paints, and a special section of gifts under $50!
From a paint out session at the Plein Air Convention & Expo

3 Aha Moments from PACE

While the Plein Air Convention takes place over several days, memories from it last forever, along with inspiring moments such as these.
Alvaro Castagnet watercolor artist

Art Insights from Alvaro Castagnet

Discover the insights of Alvaro Castagnet in this class episode of the Plein Air Podcast with Eric Rhoads, in which they discuss how to find your voice, embracing community, and infusing emotion into your work.
sky paintings - Towering Sky Jim Rehak

17 Gorgeous Sky Paintings

We hope you enjoy these renditions of the sky and find inspiration for this moment, and for the next time you approach this timeless subject.
learning art as an adult - Kathie Odom

Free Webinar! Learning Art as an Adult: A Journey of Discovery and Growth

Discover how learning art as an adult can transform your life. Explore inspiring stories, practical tips, and the importance of community in your creative journey.
Poppy Balser fall foliage painting

Enjoy It While It Lasts: Painting in Autumn

Before many of us slip into the colder coat weather of winter, painters are making the most of the stunning colors autumn has to offer. Here's what some of your fellow artists have created while painting en plein air this season. Enjoy, and be inspired!
painting nocturnes

Bring Duct Tape …

... and seven more plein air painting tips from Gavin Glakas.
Hannah C. Heyer, featured in the PleinAir Magazine article “Artists to Watch” (October/November 2024 issue, digital version)

In the Path of Inspiration

What are you going to do today to put yourself in the path of inspiration?
Michele Usebelli, "Afternoon Stroll," 2017, oil, 20 x 16 in., Private collection, Plein air

The House That Stole the Show

“I went to the beach to paint a water scene, but I was drawn to the bright turquoise house and the beautiful flower bed,” Michele Usibelli said when describing her plein air painting "Afternoon Stroll."
Jill Carver, “Desert Congregation,” 2022, oil, 20 x 20 in., private collection, studio from plein air studies

Preparatory Sketch … to Magazine Cover

On the current cover of PleinAir Magazine (Oct/Nov 2024), the cover features the work of Jill Carver. "I thought it would be fun - and hopefully useful - to share with you the preparatory sketch for the painting that made the cover of the current issue of PleinAir Magazine," she said.