On the Composition of “Beauty Mark”
Congratulations to Seth Tummins, whose "Beauty Mark" won third place in the April PleinAir Salon!
We Will Miss You, Graeme Stevenson
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of the beloved Australian artist Graeme Stevenson.
Summertime and the Painting’s Easy
Pulling together photos and highlights from the spring’s plein air events for this issue, I barely touched the surface of all the exciting things going on. And this summer promises ...
A Plein Air Painter’s Need for Peace and Beauty
In today’s world, more than ever, the need for beauty is an essential element in anyone’s life; and time away from the chaos through the arts is time well spent.
So What Does Your Spouse Do For a Living?
And other things people say to plein air artists...
Challenged by Mother Nature
How one artist broke out of the "winter blues" and, in hindsight of this project, the biggest lesson he learned.
Overcome Your Introversion: Networking at Plein Air Events
As artists and creatives, many of us tend to be on the shy side. We like to focus on our own thing, and we enjoy being alone in the quiet, focused space of the creative process. But there comes a time when we’ll need to ...
Miniatures Offer Options: The Benefits of Painting Small Works
"I came up with the idea of creating a series of miniature paintings during an economic slowdown, but the business decision has turned into a preference and a passion."
Joe Anna Arnett On Painting the New Mexico Landscape
Learn how to make the most of plein air in the southwest, including what colors to bring and how to prepare for the weather.
What You Have in Common with Every Artist You Admire
If you've ever thought that you don't have enough talent to be a great artist, read this advice - and then pick up your brush.
Beginning Artists: Start with Art Appreciation
Opinion Piece: The first step in art education must begin not with drawing circles and squares, but with art appreciation.
Painting Without Purpose
Follow along as Thomas Jefferson Kitts shares a record of the five days he spent on Monhegan Island, walking aimlessly and stopping only when inspiration struck to draw or paint.
Take That Step
Is there something that’s been holding you back from taking that next step on your artistic journey?
A Design Technique That Stopped a Painter in Her Tracks
The paint was still drying on Brenda Boylan’s five-foot-wide landscape when she took a few minutes to chat with me about her most recent work. Learn how the painting came to be, including the design concept she discovered and applied when she was halfway through the piece.
Vantage Points Part II – The Waterhole Series
In Part II of Ken Knight's articles on plein air painting, he shares works from his favorite location. "As an artist, it is ultimately about how you see and express the subject that is critical ... thereby creating your own alternate reality."
The Rattlesnake Gang Strikes Again
For the past six years, a group of plein air painters has been gathering every February, and according to Richie Vios, "We can't get enough of it."
The Joy of Painting Boats, Beaches, and Water
Award-winning impressionist oil painter Debra Huse has a love for painting boats, beaches, and water en plein air. Here, she takes us into her process by sharing some recent paintings, including her inspiration and techniques.
A Product of Process
On an artist's ideas, instincts, and insatiable desire
The Beauty of Camaraderie
And, on the reality of Beauty and the awe of what is wonderful: that the experience and appreciation of Beauty is good for the human race.
Painting Outdoors and Getting Back to Basics
Learn simple ways to increase your competency and skillfulness for painting outdoors.