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.
Third Place Winner of the 13th Annual PleinAir Salon Art Competition

PleinAir Salon Spotlight: “Utility Truck”

His advice to others on entering the PleinAir Salon: "Don't be afraid to do it. You never know what can happen."
Plein air "colorist" Camille Przewodek (1947-2024)

We Say Goodbye to Camille Przewodek

The plein air world lost a beloved painter this week when Camille passed away from a sudden onset of cancer.
A child painting en plein air

Sharing Plein Air With the Next Gen of Painters

We love to hear from the Plein Air Today community! The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on Jason Saunders.

The Saga of the 1881 Pony Express Cabin

For almost 50 years, watercolor artist Buffalo Kaplinski has aspired to paint a log cabin near Franktown, Colorado that was surrounded by “other shacks and a lot of junk, including those old-time gasoline pumps, old trucks, farm implements, and redneck stuff.” Then one day he noticed demolition equipment joined the landscape.
1. Krentz Johnson, “Knock on Wood,” 2023, casein, 16 x 20 in., Available from artist, Plein air painting

A Plein Air Painting RoundUp: 9 Riveting Renditions of Boats

Whether moored or on the move, boats represent opportunities for adventure, enterprise, and, for the fortunate, a seafood supper. Here nine artists welcome us aboard to share in their views of life along the shore and on the water.
Jill Wagner, “Flying the Flag, Too”

How 9 Plein Air Artists Honor the Fourth of July

Nine painters share their experiences, art inspiration, and patriotic landscapes in this unifying roundup.
plein air painting churches

On Painting the Churches of Tasmania

An Australian plein air painting adventure: Why two artists visited the churches in Southern Tasmania, and what they learned.
The cover of our June/July 2024 issue of PleinAir Magazine

What’s Inside PleinAir Magazine, June/July ’24

Hot off the press > Expert insight and advice from today's plein air masters; News on art competitions; Interesting historical perspectives on landscape art; and more!
First Brush of Spring - seen in PleinAir Magazine

Relationship Goals

It’s an incredible feat when plein air events (primarily volunteer-run) reach milestone anniversaries like the ones we’re celebrating this year. In this issue alone, you’ll read about ...
We're just getting warmed up for the 11th Annual Plein Air Convention & Expo! (PACE)

“This Can Really Change Your Life”

Highlights from Day One of the 11th Annual Plein Air Convention & Expo.
Jessica L. Bryant painting on location

Are You Loving Nature to Death?

Minimize the impact of painting on location by following a few simple guidelines.
One Day in Bayou Country

One Day in Bayou Country

Reflections on a plein air painting trip with no rules or deadlines - just inspiration and made-to-order sky holes.
Art workshops - Carrie Curran teaches students the basics at the annual Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE)

Art Workshops and the Benefits of Going All In

Whether you’re looking to grow your skills or explore new avenues, art workshops and classes are an investment in your future. Here’s how to get the most from the experience — both during and after the event.
Debra Huse, “Suits ’n’ Boots,” 2019, oil, 16 x 20 in., Private collection, Plein air

Nature’s Studio: 9 Plein Air Paintings For Your Inspiration

Perhaps no one knows better the beauty awaiting us just outside our doors than the plein air painter. Here we share the work of nine artists who found inspiration close to home in a variety of gardens, yards, and green spaces.
Theresa Kasun painting on location at the Mets stadium

Good Eye: Plein Air Painter Seen at Citi Field

"As a die-hard Mets fan, it just made sense to go there and capture these moments at home games at Citi Field." ~ Plein Air Today Reader Theresa Kasun

A Painting Exercise That’s Almost Like Therapy

Besides improving your brushwork, these painting exercises will go a long way in improving your overall confidence as you pursue your art goals.
Eric Rhoads - Joe Paquet

A Conversation with Master Artist Joe Paquet

Watch an inspiring video interview with Joe Paquet, who describes his upcoming Pre-Convention Workshop “A Beautiful Beginning," coming soon to the Plein Air Convention.
Plein air painting in North Carolina

Guide to Plein Air Painting in North Carolina and Tennessee

Today the art scene in North Carolina and Tennessee is vibrant and ever-growing and the plein air tradition flourishes. Find opportunities and inspiration with this free guide!
A temple in Kyoto, seen during the Plein Air Japan trip

Photo Essay: Plein Air Japan, An Artist’s Dream

Passion for plein air painting drives us to explore new adventures. Two weeks ago a group of 35 plein air artists enjoyed a lifetime...