Parting Shot: Caption Contest

- Bob Bahr reporting, Editor PleinAir Today - OK, yes, we can guess the story. There was a Quick Draw in the Old West, Eric...

The Art of Plein Air Painting

PleinAir magazine Editor-in-Chief M. Stephen Doherty has authored a new book scheduled for release on September 5, 2017. Find out which artists are included and the topics considered.
Watercolor paintings - Marjorie Glick

Plein Air Watercolor: From Sketch to Finish

See how this outdoor painter considered her options for capturing a “Joyful Day” on paper at Acadia National Park.
Plein air paintings - OutdoorPainter.com

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Sharp Right Turn

In this weekly series Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting from the current issue.
Plein air painting - Joseph McGurl

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Sunlight on the Hudson River

In this weekly series Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of PleinAir Magazine, shares a favorite painting from a previous issue.
Plein air landscape painting

Plein Air: Making a Commitment

Discover what’s inside the newest issue of Plein Air magazine, including inspiration from Thomas Kitts, in this sneak preview.
Michelle Usibelli, “Beach Cottages”

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Beach Cottages

In this weekly series Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting from the current issue.
Oil painting techniques - James Richards - OutdoorPainter.com

Paint Light, Not a ‘Bunch of Things’

See how Georgia artist James Richards strives to paint the essence of his subjects by breaking their appearance down to pleasing shapes revealed by the light, and by painting those essential shapes without overworking unnecessary details.
Plein air watercolor paintings - Mat Barber Kennedy

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Fleet Street, Annapolis

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is “Fleet Street, Annapolis” by Mat Barber Kennedy.
Michele Byrne, Washington Square Rain, 2019, oil, 12 x 9 in., Available from artist, Plein air and studio

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Washington Square Rain

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is Washington Square Rain by Michele Byrne.
Painting landscapes demo - OutdoorPainter.com

Painting Landscapes: Changing Times Call for a Different Approach

In this guest blog post Sharon Weaver shares how she transitioned to teaching art online. Bonus: Includes a step-by-step landscape painting demonstration.
Plein air artist Ryan Jensen painting outdoors - artistic style

How I Developed My Artistic Style: Growth, Beauty, Mission

Should you be happy with "only good paintings?" This plein air painter thinks so, and here's why.
Jill Stefani Wagner, “Bowers Harbor,” 2019, pastel, 12 x 16 in., Available from artist, Plein air

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Bowers Harbor

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Bowers Harbor" by Jill Stefani Wagner.
Nocturne plein air painting of stars

Taking Time to Carefully Observe Nature

This Maine artist is concerned with understanding and painting the total appearance of subjects rather than dashing off fleeting impressions. (Bonus: See the step-by-step process of two of his works.)
George Van Hook, “Iris,” 2020, oil, 30 x 24 in., Collection the artist, Plein air

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: “Iris”

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "Iris."
Chroma in art - Trey Finney, "Barn Mosaic," 2017, oil, 12 x 16 in., Private collection, Plein air and studio

Create Chroma Without Going Garish

This South Carolina oil painter’s work stresses high contrast and a high key. Here’s why and how he does it without going overboard with saturated color.

What to Know About Painting Snow

Eight top artists help break down the important elements to capturing snow-covered landscapes in pastel and oil.
pastel impressionism painting of boats

Broken Color: Impressionism in Pastel

This Maryland artist finds that the color sense and paint application that define Impressionism perfectly suit her approach to working with pastels.
how to paint with watercolors

How to Make your Watercolors Really Rich

Learn how to paint with watercolor when you watch this popular episode of Art School Live with Eric Rhoads and Cindy Baron!
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.