Dave Santillanes, "Sedona Light, 2019, oil, 32 x 24 in., Private collection, Studio from plein air studies

I’m Not Ignoring Composition, But …

Aside from demonstrating a command of color and brushwork, the work of Dave Santillanes has a strong pull on the viewer for a reason a bit harder to nail down.
Richard McKinley squints as he makes final adjustments to Pacific Sentinels with a pastel pencil.

Making a Personal Creative Statement

"Once we've mastered the ability to make a tree look like a tree and a rock look like a rock, the real work begins."
Jennifer McChristian, "String Lights," oil on panel, 8 x 10 inches, plein air painting

Plein Air Painting > Can You Do That There?

Plein air painter Jennifer McChristian found one of the most peaceful places for setting up her easel.
Kids painting en plein air

Sharing the Love

A plein air artist field moment with painter Jeff Eickhoff
John MacArthur doing what he loves: painting outside

Nothing Will Stop Him From Painting Outside

Be inspired by this 77-year-old artist and his story of passion and persistence.
painting of the Grand Canyon

Raj Chaudhuri’s Forma Mentis Between Old and New Technologies

Do you use technology for painting outdoors? This artist has found the balance - see how and be inspired.
Mary Whyte, "Tamales," watercolor, acrylic & charcoal, 41" x 29", private collection

The Most Productive Month?

"Artist Winslow Homer said that March was always his most productive month," said Mary Whyte. "For me ...
Plein Air Painting Advice - Eric Rhoads with "Every Plein Air Question Answered"

Q: Is It a Plein Air Painting If It Was Touched Up in the...

Is it plein air? The following answer is from the "Every Plein Air Question Answered" session led by Eric Rhoads.
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.”
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 ...
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 ...

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 ...