Painting of a building and a tree - Laurel Lake McGuire, “Round Barn,” 2023, watercolor, 8 x 10 in., Available from artist, Plein air

10 Tiny Treasures

Working on a surface 12 x 16 inches or smaller allows artists to respond quickly to shifting light and fleeting moments. Quick doesn’t mean easy, though ...
Painting of penguins and the Northern Lights - Holiday Greeting Cards - Sam Paonessa, “What do you call artists who paint in extreme winter weather? Plein-guins!” 2022, oil on panel, 12 x 18 in.

Meet the Artist Behind Our Holiday Greeting Cards

Meet Sam Paonessa, an active member of the Streamline Publishing PleinAir community. Since 2021, Sam has been painting the holiday greeting cards you see from Eric Rhoads and our team each year.
PleinAir Salon - First Place Overall: Ned Mueller, “Last Light-St. Ives,” oil, 12 x 9 in.

Announcement: The October PleinAir Salon Winner Is …

Elaine Adams, Director of American Legacy Fine Arts, has revealed her selections for the October 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. They are ...
PleinAir Magazine December 2025 / January 2026; Cover art by Bethann Moran-Handzlik

What’s Inside: PleinAir Magazine December 2025 / January 2026

Published bi-monthly, PleinAir Magazine is focused on landscape paintings by historical and contemporary artists, art collections, events, and the process of creating plein air paintings. Beautifully...
Previous PleinAir Magazine editor-in-chief M. Stephen Doherty (far left) officially turned over the top job to me at the 2018 Plein Air Convention in Santa Fe. We were joined on stage by online editor CherieDawn Haas, Jean Stern, and publisher Eric Rhoads.

Fifteen Years and Counting

Anniversaries invite reflection — a moment to pause, take stock, and appreciate how far we’ve come. With this issue, we celebrate a special milestone: PleinAir Magazine’s 15th anniversary.
LuAnn Widergren, "Morning at the Marsh," 2023, oil, 18 x 24 in., private collection, plein air and studio

Painting of the Week: “Morning at the Marsh”

Even though the scene was rapidly changing with the sunrise, I slowed down and just concentrated on color notes, giving each stroke of color as a placeholder.
unique gifts for artists - easel clip for paint brushes

Gifts for Artists: Your 2025 Holiday Shopping Guide

This list has it all: gorgeous frames, beautiful paints, and a special section of gifts under $50!
Watercolor sketch - Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, Marrakesh

Plein Air Watercolor – From Marrakech to the Mountains

Tag along with this popular watercolor instructor as she guides you through Africa’s largest urban market, an ancient mountaintop fortress, and the sandy beaches of a popular beach resort, and introduces you to the people and cultural traditions of Morocco.
Jack McGowan, plein air painting

Plein Air Today Reader Spotlight: Jack McGowan

The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on the President of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, Jack McGowan.
Mark Baral, featured in the PleinAir Magazine article “Next in Line” (October/November 2025).

The Future of Plein Air is in Their Hands

When we nurture the next generation, we’re not just protecting a tradition — we’re ensuring that the beauty of the world, as seen through the artist’s eye, continues to be celebrated for years to come.
PleinAir Salon - First Place Overall: Barbara Ortiz, “Nature’s Rhythm,” pastel, 20 x 16 in.

September Salon: Nature’s Rhythm Wins

Abigail McBride, Director of McBride Gallery, has revealed her selections for the September 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. They are ...
Artists displaying their work together at the third annual Island Plein Air

“I Didn’t Know Art Could Make Me This Happy”

Canadian plein air artist Simonne Munzi Smith reported that for the third time, artists have gathered at Prince Edward Island for “Island Plein Air” (IPA).
Farley Lewis, "Warm Reflections," 2024, acrylic, 12 x 24 in., available from the artist, plein air

Painting of the Week: “Warm Reflections”

Plein air painter Farley Lewis shares the story behind his acrylic work, "Warm Reflections," which he created at ...
Donating Art - painting scene of an auction

On Donating Art: Giving Back or Giving Too Much?

Our expert takes a look at the rewards and drawbacks of donating artwork to a charity auction.
Sorolla’s garden

Art Inspiration: Sorolla’s Garden

Like many of his fellow Impressionists in France, Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla designed extensive gardens around his home and studio in Madrid (now the Sorolla Museum) as a reflection of his own creativity and works of art in themselves.
Collecting art - Julie Davis, "Autumn Afternoon," 2024, oil, 10 x 8 in., collection the artist, plein air

Why Small Works Work for Both Artist and Collector

Paintings that measure a foot or less offer versatility for painters looking to capture color notes, study a location, and sell to people with limited wall space or budget. Here's why some ...
Millard Sheets at work in his watercolor studio at Barking Rocks

California Art Club Artists Discover Millard Sheets en Plein Air

Millard Sheets (1907-1989) was a renowned member of the California Art Club. The artist was a mentor and visionary, and leading proponent of ...
Plein air painting with gouache

PleinAir Reader Spotlight: Inspired by Gouache Live

The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on Marian Fortunati.
Painting exercise - During COVID I painted a lot of roosters.

Painting Exercise: Familiarity Breeds Growth

Follow Lon Brauer's advice - and do this painting exercise - to move your work faster and farther down the road to success. 
First Place Overall: Paula Holtzclaw, "A Touch of Lace," oil, 16 x 20 in., PleinAir Salon

“So Many Lovely Attributes” in this Salon Winner

Natasha Isenhour has revealed her selections for the August 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. They are ...