Plein air painting at the beach

The Joys (and Perils) of Painting at the Beach

Artists at this coastal plein air event experienced laughter, insights, and a quietly rising tide.
Plein air watercolor painting - OutdoorPainter.com

From Plein Air Magazine: In the Meantime

From the newest issue: As the coronavirus brought the world to a near standstill, the arts, like many communities, were hit hard. But beneath the adversity and anxiety, we find stories of resilience, creativity, and determination.
PleinAir Magazine AprilMay 2024 cover

New Issue Sneak Peek: PleinAir Magazine, April/May ’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!
Art inspiration - John Hughes - OutdoorPainter.com

On Craft and Social Commentary

Finding oneself artistically can be a long journey and involves discovering both how to paint and why we paint. For John Hughes and many others, the role of social commentary is fine for social commentators, but . . .
Painting outdoors - Carrie Curran

Painting Outdoors: Inspiration for Life

Moments while painting outdoors can become inspiration for a lifetime of beginning a practice of gratitude, appreciating the “little things” and seeing your palette as half full.

Parting Shot: Up All Night

John Porter Lasater IV tackled his third 24 Paintings in 24 Hours event, this time in Carthage, Missouri, and this time with a partner...
Pastel painting by Tony Allain

One Way to Become a Better Artist

If you’ve been dreaming of bringing a looser and more painterly feel to your work, this will be the most important message you read today.
Tiffanie Mang, “Trees at Buena Vista Park,” 2019, gouache, 6 x 6 in., Private collection, Plein air

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: “Trees at Buena Vista Park”

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Trees at Buena Vista Park."
Painting outdoors - garden studies

Spotlight on UK Plein Air Artist David Sawyer

In a departure from his usual architectural subjects, David Sawyer shares a garden study, including his techniques and supplies.

PleinAir Stage Fright

A welcome wind was grazing my face on a blisteringly hot summer day as I began to scout out my perfect plein air spot for the day. Most importantly, however, it was away from everyone — in a spot so remote that there was no chance anyone would walk by.
Olena Babak, “Morning at St. Michaels,” 2017, oil, 14 x 18 in., Private collection, Plein air

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Morning at St. Michaels

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting. This week's feature is “Morning at St. Michaels” by Olena Babak.
Painting flowers outdoors

Now I Get It

"I always wondered why artists painted a series when there were tens of thousands of themes one could explore - until ..."
Painting trees en plein air

On Painting Landscapes: Nature’s Student

Painting landscapes sounds easy enough if you're coming from an artistic background, right? Maybe not so much...Kevin Menck explains.

A, Um, Surprising, Paper Adhesive for Painting Outdoors

Have you ever found yourself without an essential tool for painting outdoors? Such was the case for Dan Marshall, who brilliantly improvised when he forgot to pack tape with his art supplies.
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.
Cityscape paintings - OutdoorPainter.com

8 Takes on the City: Landscape Paintings for Inspiration

It’s easy to see why plein air painters are drawn to dramatic waterfalls, majestic mountains, and wide-open skies. But the urban landscape holds its own charms.
Brenda Boylan, “Under & Over,” 2019, oil, 9 x 12 in., Available from artist, Plein air

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: “Under and Over”

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Under and Over" by Brenda Boylan.
Kenny Harris plein air painting Tophane fountain

Painting Notes from the Road

Why travel and paint on location? It is difficult and cumbersome. It can, however, yield great rewards.
Watercolor painting

The Beauty of Neutrals

Neutrals, when used correctly, evoke a feeling of mood and quality of light that is unequaled. Your work can be ...

What the Rocks Tell Us: Running Water

In this series, Utah artist J. Brad Holt talks about what artists are seeing as they look at the landscape. Holt studied geology in...