"First day at the Publishers Invitation in the Adirondacks and it’s great to be back," said Susan Nicholas Gephart. "I look forward to this all year."

A Delightful Day in the Adirondacks

Recently, Eric Rhoads led his annual Publisher's Invitational art retreat in the Adirondacks of New York. Many artists who attend come year after year...
Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE)

From Online to In-Person at PACE

When you come to the Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE), you're bound to make new friends in the art community. This year, I was lucky to meet Carolyn Grand, who shared ...
Painting road trip - Emma Kalff doing a plein-air painting on the edge of the Grand Canyon.

Finding America: My Transformative Plein Air Painting Road Trip

In 2018, I went on a road trip across the U.S in search of “the real America,” documenting my travels through plein air painting. Little did I know this trip would change my life – and my painting career – forever.
From left to right: Amit Kapoor, Georgia Mansur, Richie Vios, Tim Oliver, Barbara Tapp, Geoff Allen; seated in front: Harsh Agrawal

Global Watercolor Pros Unite

Recently, some of the top watercolor artists in the world gathered in Reno and Lake Tahoe to share their best plein air painting advice with hundreds of outdoor painters of all skill levels at the 2025 Plein Air Convention & Expo.
Samantha Williams Chapelsky at PACE

A PACE Moment: New Ways of Looking

"What a wonderful experience doing some plein air painting and some demonstrations at the Plein Air Convention in Reno, Nevada," said Samantha Williams Chapelsky...
PleinAir Magazine JuneJuly 2025

What’s Inside PleinAir Magazine, June/July ’25

Discover the beauty and artistry of plein air painting in the June/July 2025 issue of PleinAir magazine. Explore stunning landscapes, insightful artist features, practical painting tips, and the latest events in the plein air community.
PleinAir Salon art competition - Daniel Keys, “Summertime,” Oil, 36x36 in.

One of the Best of This Generation

J. Ben Whiteside, owner of The Red Piano Gallery, has revealed his selections for the April 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. They are ...
Michelle Held, Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE)

Until We Meet Again!

"Our final day of painting at Lake Tahoe, and my heart is full," shared Michelle Held on Instagram. "I spent the week supporting other...

A Taste of Tahoe National Forest

Plus! The next Plein Air Convention & Expo will be held in ...
Plein Air Convention paint-out

Painting the “100-Mile View” in Virginia City

On our second paint-out of the 12th Annual Plein Air Convention & Expo, several buses of artists wound our way up through the mountains surrounding Reno to Virginia City, a mining town established in 1859.
Truckee Riverwalk

Hundreds of Painters Line the Truckee Riverwalk

Welcome back to your Plein Air Convention & Expo highlights! On Tuesday, our paint-out destination was the historic Truckee Riverwalk, where hundreds of painters set up along the paved, scenic route along the small river nestled in downtown Reno.
plein air painters - Angel Walthour

For Plein Air Painters, “Easy” is Subjective

The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on Angel Walthour.
Artist Robert J. Simone, painting plein air

Good Things Happen When You Paint!

Artist Robert J. Simone shares his inspiring journey from late bloomer to award-winning painter, proving it’s never too late to follow your passion.
John Eiseman, “River Dance,” 2024, oil, 12 x 16 in., Private collection, Plein air

Just Look Up: 10 Skies We Love

n this collection, plein air painters present their visions of the sky — not merely as a backdrop for the landscape, but as a subject full of mood, movement, and meaning in its own right.
Thomas Kegler, "Where the Buffalo Roam, Isaiah 40:31," 2024, oil, 30 x 40 in., private collection, studio from plein air study

Make It Personal

Preview the newest issue of PleinAir Magazine with the Editor’s Letter: True artistic growth comes when you allow yourself to be vulnerable, to trust your instincts, and to paint with honesty.
Packing for plein air painting

Packing Smart

Find out how just a few changes to your toolkit can make a positive difference to your plein air painting experience.
Plein Air Convention & Expo - new friends

Unexpected Friends — Now My Posse

Discover how one artist’s simple dinner invitation at the Plein Air Convention and Expo (PACE) sparked lasting friendships, creative collaboration, and a supportive art community that continues to flourish.

When Plein Air Painting, Remember This Element

There’s a vital component for any artist to employ as they tackle the complexities of plein air painting ...
Amit Kapoor, "Boats of Italy," 2023, watercolor, 15 x 22 in., available from artist, plein air

How I Finish a Painting in Under an Hour

After drawing the scene, I wet my paper and work quickly to finish in under an hour. With eyes half-closed to see the values, I paint with ...
Beth Barger, “Tiny Holstein,” oil, 12 x 16 in.

We Need This: Adorable Pictures of Painters’ Pets

When we asked you to share your pets with us, you answered the call! Here are some of the PleinAir family’s furry friends. Enjoy!