The Making of a Magic Moment

When this artist was asked to paint en plein air at a wedding ceremony, she stepped up to the challenge. No pressure — right?
Painting on Location - Great Wall of China - OutdoorPainter.com

Painting On Location: The Great Wall and the Painted Hall

UK artist Rob Pointon shares his experience of painting outdoors at the Great Wall of China, and on location at the Painted Hall in London.
Emilie Lee, “Antelope Valley Superbloom,” 2019, oil, 9 x 12 in., Private collection, Plein air

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Antelope Valley Superbloom

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Antelope Valley Superbloom" by Emilie Lee.
Plein air oil paintings

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Sonoma Patchwork

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Sonoma Patchwork" by Kim VanDerHoek.
gifts for artists

25 Favorite Gifts for Artists This Year

Don't Miss > With the holiday season approaching, gift giving is top of mind - but of course, we won’t judge if you decide to put these on your wish-list or even buy any of these art-inspired gifts for yourself - a little shoptherapy does one good sometimes!
John Hughes, teaching a plein air workshop

The Battle of the Art Media

What constitutes a medium, and why do artists have an emotional reaction to their differences? Johns Hughes braves the topic in the following guest blog post.
A scene from Charlie Easton's acrylic landscape painting demo

Demo: Painting the Landscape with Acrylic

See why there are benefits of painting landscapes with acrylic, even if you normally paint with oils.
how to paint - Linda Richichi

Watch: Overcoming Bad Painting Habits

Join art publisher Eric Rhoads on this episode of Art School Live, featuring colorist Linda Richichi!
Jane Hunt painting en plein air

Surprising Things 7 Pro Painters Do

Over the years, we have shared plenty of traditional tips for painting outdoors, such as how to develop the right composition when there’s a...
Plein air painting - Hsin-Yao Tseng artist

Eastern Brush Techniques, Western Sensibility

Hsin-Yao Tseng combines Eastern brush techniques with a Western sensibility to create paintings that exude attitude and atmosphere.
Plein air watercolor - "Sandstone Ranch" by Buffalo Kaplinski

Buffalo Kaplinski: “I Just About Fainted”

Plein air watercolor painter Buffalo Kaplinski shares a special moment from ...
plein air painting - Matt Smith

Fun Day in the Field

An Instagram moment with plein air painter Matt Smith (@mattsmithpaintings), who is joining us at Plein Air Live!
Michael Gaudreau, "Patriot's Chairs," oil, 12 x 12 in.

Show Us Your Fourth of July Plein Air Painting!

While many of us are celebrating the Fourth of July with potlucks and fireworks, as a creative you're likely to be secretly - or very publicly - taking it all in with a different perspective, and we want to see it.
Thomas Schaller watercolor plein air painting Central Park Dairy

Thomas Schaller: A Day at the Park

The following is part of a series featuring a leader in the art community who will be joining us on the faculty of Watercolor Live.
Painting winter landscapes - Aaron Schuerr, “Early Winter,” 2019, oil, 14 x 18 in., Available from artist, Plein air

Painting Winter Landscapes: Love at First Snow

With its magical quality of light, winter provides a unique plein air experience. This intrepid artist shares his secrets for braving the elements and painting winter landscapes.
Watercolor by Thomas W. Schaller

Watercolor Wisdom from Thomas W. Schaller

His approach entails painting the shades and the shadows that give white the identity of light — the luminosity you want to have.
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.
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.
Plein Air Magazine

What Paintings to Enter?

How do you pick the three paintings you'll attach to the application you submit to a plein air festival? We asked that question on...

Using Architectural Elements for Contrast

San Diego artist Danny Griego finds that incorporating “urban line” in his paintings makes them much stronger — and mimics the way many of...