plein air painting - Joseph McGurl, “Study of Brick and Stone,” 9 x 12 inches, Oil on panel, plein air sketch

Painting “Without a Net”

On painting and using photo references > "The plein air sketch forms the basis of all of my art making," says Joe McGurl, who goes on to add ...
Plein air painter Cindy Harris in Staithes, England

Painting Anywhere I Can Be Present

Plein Air Today reader and painter Cindy Harris shares her favorite place to paint outdoors.
palette knife painting - "An Enthralling Allure" by Cynthia Rosen

Palette Knife Painting – Outdoors?

Cynthia Rosen, who is known for her palette knife painting techniques, is presenting her first ...
Heather Arenas, "Curacao Workshop Demo," 2017, oil on birch, 9 x 12 in., Collection the artist, Plein air

The What and Why of Plein Air Painting

Preview the newest issue of PleinAir Magazine with the Editor's Letter: "As I write this note, I’m thinking about a highlight from...
C.W. Mundy, “Red Striped Umbrellas, Santa Margherita Ligure,” (Italy Light & Color 1996 Collection), 16 x 20 inches, oil on linen, painted en plein air, Private Collection

Words of Wisdom with C.W. Mundy

I’ve been known to tell my students, “You’ll never know how far left is or how far right is until you hang out on a limb.” In other words ...
PleinAir Podcast - John Stobart - OutdoorPainter.com

In Memory of a Maritime Legend

Today we are saddened to report on the death of a renowned artist who pursued his dream despite being once told, “You’re never going to put bread on the table with that kind of work.”
painting outdoors at the beach with watercolor - Gabriel Stockton

Painting Outdoors: The Best Medium for Plein Air at the Beach

There are many methods to choose from when it comes to painting outdoors at a potentially tricky location like the beach. Gabriel Stockton is a proponent of watercolor, and here's why.

Anatomy of a Peculiar Painting Composition

Andrew Borg wanted to capture a “sensation” rather than an “expression” when he set out to create this unusual painting composition.
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!
Lynn Gertenbach painting during the Plein Air Convention

In Memoriam: Lynn Gertenbach

We are saddened to announce that impressionist painter Lynn Gertenbach has passed away. "Lynn was a ball of fire," said ...
Plein air painting - Zion National Park

Painting with Masters at Zion National Park

Go behind the scenes with an eclectic group of world-renowned painters who gathered together in Zion National Park for ...
Ange Nevicosi Staner - plein air painter

Reader Spotlight: Ange Nevicosi Staner

"I love working vacations," says Plein Air Today reader Ange Nevicosi Staner. "Last fall I had a great opportunity to enjoy a girl's trip to ...
Rich Gallego, "Mountainside View," oil on linen, 14 x 11 in.

Painting of the Week: Mountainside View

Rich Gallego has been painting the landscape since 1996. His longtime love of nature's wild places has taken him far afield from ...
plein air painting - Clare Bowen, “Sunrise, Old Newlyn Harbour,” Oil on canvas, 12 x 16 in.

Clare Bowen’s Addiction to Plein Air Painting

Plein air painting is an obsession for Clare Bowen, a UK artist who is on the faculty of the 4th annual Plein Air Live. Be inspired by this feature on the artist and her technique for painting impressionist landscapes in oil, and ...

Protected: 2023 Artist Guide to Painting in Colorado

2023 GuideLayout_ColoradoPaintingGuide_PA_Apr-May
Jessica L. Bryant painting on location; as seen in the article "Are You Loving Nature to Death" in the February/March 2023 issue of PleinAir Magazine

Pay It Forward

As 2023 kicks into gear, what will you do to share your passion for plein air with others?
Landscape painting by Matt Ryder

A Moment of Art Inspiration: Wadi Giants

"This is the start of the hike through Wadi Naqab in Ras Al Khaimah. These giant walls greet everyone passing through and give you a ...
John MacDonald explains how to paint skies

Why John MacDonald is All About the Sky

Whether playing the lead or a supporting role in your paintings, understanding the nature of the sky and learning to paint it in all its manifestations is an important skill for any landscape painter.
Places to paint in San Diego

7 Plein Air Painting Places in San Diego

Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to enjoy the sunset or want to explore the beaches by day while plein air painting, these locations ...
Steve Clark painting his favorite location: the desert at Anza Borrego, California

The Desert is #1

A Plein Air Today Reader Spotlight