Make a Difference: Teach Art to a Foster Child
Guest Post: It's time to pass on the benefits of art to the youth that may need it the most.
Thoughts on Process: Painting an Industrial Scene
Marlene Steele shares how she used pastel to paint a series of paintings that documented the renovation of Cincinnati's historic Union Terminal.
One Plein Air Artist’s Wild Wooded Story
Walking the remnants of an old wagon trail past ancient stands of pine, white oak, elm, hickory, sweetgum, maple, hornbeam, and red oak, this artist felt drawn into a reverie.
It’s a Small World (After All)
Now that we’ve made these connections with artists around the world who share our passion for plein air painting, is there any going back?
My Private Art: Confessions of an Introverted Painter
Why one artist paints en plein air, despite the public aspect of it. Can you relate?
Connecting with Artist Friends Online, en Plein Air
Learn about two inspired women who met at Plein Air Live and have since formed a ...
Using Pastels: Field Studies to Finished Works
Pastel artist Kim Lordier goes on camera with Eric Rhoads to share her field studies and her way of thinking about composition, which is ... "untraditional."
Are You Good at Giving Critiques?
Terry Stanley, an artist and art industry veteran who launched the Jack Richeson School of Art and marketed its art materials before retiring, offers what she has learned about the art of the critique in this special feature.
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.
Richard Schmid, Rest in Peace
The art community is feeling a great loss, as we've learned about the recent passing of artist, author, teacher, and speaker Richard Schmid.
A “Contrived Cop Out”
Lori Putnam, who is on the faculty of Plein Air Live, takes us into her process for painting a bright bouquet of backlit daffodils, and explains why one option for the color choices would have been a "contrived cop out."
5 Gardens and Green Spaces
Today’s painters continue to find joy and inspiration in gardens and green spaces of every description. Here are five paintings to celebrate this beautiful subject.
Plein Air Art Through the Decades
In continued celebration of our 10th anniversary of Plein Air Magazine, we follow one timeline that reveals how we got to this moment.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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 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.
Painting Indiana Rivers: Using Art to Highlight Conservation
How do you paint 100 landscapes of 20 rivers without them looking alike? See how these plein air painters are dedicating their time to both painting and the environment, and how folks from artists to anglers are helping them discover each location's unique features.