Sculpture of men listening

It’s Okay to Eavesdrop on These 17 Artists

In Case You Missed It > Listen to fascinating conversations with these plein air artists and experts who share their painting secrets and so much more.
Brooke Borcherding, “Evening Along the Riverbed,” 2019, acrylic

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Evening Along the Riverbed

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Evening Along the Riverbed" by Brooke Borcherding.
Alex Venezia, “Outdoor Self-Portrait,” 2020, oil, 14 x 11 in., Plein air

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Outdoor Self-Portrait

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Outdoor Self-Portrait" by Alex Venezia.
Brian Sindler, “Traverse City Lights,” 2019, acrylic,

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Traverse City Lights

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Traverse City Lights" by Brian Sindler.
Plein air oil painting of snow

How the Desert Helped Carlton Paint Snow

Minnesota artist Philip Alexander Carlton was not impressed with painting winter in the Midwest until he realized he could apply lessons learned on his lengthy road trip.
Michelle Chrisman, painting en plein air

Who Are Your Painting Mentors?

Thoughts on how plein air painters can find their own voice, and the importance of having specific mentors and artists to emulate.
Nancy Takaichi, “Nikolas’ Garden Shed,” 2019, oil, 8 x 10 in., Collection the artist, Plein air

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Nikolas’ Garden Shed

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Nikolas’ Garden Shed" by Nancy Takaichi.
Marcia Burtt, “Barn at Walking R Ranch,” 2011, acrylic, 20 x 30 in., Private collection, Plein air

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Barn at Walking R Ranch

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Barn at Walking R Ranch" by Marcia Burtt.
A 15-Minute Dramatic Skies Drawing Exercise

Dramatic Skies in 15 Minutes

Doing a drawing exercise for even a few minutes a day can make a difference in both your comfort level and skills. So get out your sketchbook and favorite drawing utensil, and draw away during this 15-minute montage of amazing skies.
Plein air painter John Eiseman

Something is Missing

An artist reflects on what was and what is, and share the touching story behind his plein air painting, "Enjoy the View."
Tobi Clement, “Martini Time,” 2019, pastel, 16 x 20 in., Studio from plein air study

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Martini Time

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Martini Time" by Tobi Clement.
Plein air landscape painting

Plein Air Painting and the Need for Speed

Do you feel pressured to paint faster when en plein air? If you're tempted to practice the "smash and grab" technique, you might want to think twice. Here's why.
Rick J. Delanty, “Spring Clouds Over the Pier,” 2020, acrylic under oil, 11 x 14 in., Private collection, Plein air

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Spring Clouds Over the Pier

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Spring Clouds Over the Pier" by Rick J. Delanty.
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.
Plein air landscape painting

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Fire Ceremony at Har Ki Paidi

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Fire Ceremony at Har Ki Paidi" by Jennifer Stottle Taylor
Oil landscape painting of Grand Canyon

Plein Air Magazine: Looking Back and Ahead

Anniversaries are an opportunity to pause and — with the benefit of hindsight — reflect on where you started and how far you’ve come. In this issue, we’re excited to launch a year-long celebration of Plein Air Magazine’s 10th Anniversary.
Shuang Li - Basic Washes and Special Effects

Special Highlights and Bonus Tips from Watercolor Live

Artists from Texas to Tanzania, Scotland, Thailand, and beyond (40 countries represented in total), participated in Watercolor Live. See what you missed or relive favorite moments in this recap.
Plein air landscape painting

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Spring Colors

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Spring Colors" by Don Bishop.
Artist Joseph McGurl painting en plein air

How Joseph McGurl Uses Sight-Size Drawing

Stop Fussing, Start Painting! Joseph McGurl champions the sight-size method, which allows him to spend less time drawing and more time painting; here's how.
Landscape oil painting of snowy mountain

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Whetstone in April

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Whetstone in April" by Shaun Horne.