The How of Painting Clouds and Sky
In case you missed it: We received a wide variety of submissions from an earlier Winter Sky Challenge. So what did we see when we looked at the paintings? Two things.
How 7 Artists Impacted a Community
We receive much correspondence from artists, collectors, and societies. In this letter, Debra Riley, Gallery Manager / Conroe Art League, shares with us the story of how "one little decision" forever altered her life, and the lasting impact of a handful of artists in the 1960’s.
To Paint Manically Before the Light Goes
Clementine St John Webster, classical artist (born 1989) grew up with her family in the deep countryside of Wiltshire and Somerset in the UK,...
6 Artist Quotes We Love
We could always use a little inspiration, yes? With that in mind, you'll love this mini-collection of quotes for (and by) artists that our team has put together for you!
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.
Travel Sketching: Tips for Keeping an Art Journal
From 2015 to 2018, Ivan Chow made trips to and around Istanbul, Turkey, sketching many scenes along the way. In this excerpt from his upcoming book, "Travel Sketching: Drawing Insights from Istanbul," he shares one of his favorite formats for drawing on location.
What Comes First: The Painting or the Title?
Artist and author John Pototschnik explains his process when it comes to giving a landscape painting the perfect title.
Painting and “The Cringe Factor”
For artists, when you get that incredible uncomfortable feeling it might be - no, it is - a good thing. Johanne Mangi explains.
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.
On Painting “Flowers of the Field”
Laurel Daniel finds inspiration in the landscapes around her. Here she shares how she worked through her painting process for "Flowers of the Field."
From Plein Air Magazine: The More We Know
The new issue of Plein Air Magazine celebrates top painters who opt for pastels. In addition to sharing a passion for the work, the featured artists demystify pastels, busting myths about their versatility and longevity.
1 Iceberg, 45 Paintings
Take in 45 interpretations of an iceberg in this roundup of paintings from the Plein Air Live Happy Hour Paint Along!
The Healing Power of Mother Nature
Nancy Klos on painting en plein air: "My hope in this restricted time is for all of us to realize the message of Mother Nature is an offer, a reflection, an opportunity to consider this particular story on a far grander scale."
Painting Trees – A Symbol of Strength
Bob Masla shares insights on why he chose to paint this specific tree: to "inspire strength, determination, and fortitude."
9 Plein Air Painting Sketches
Contemporary Impressionist painter Anne Blair Brown says she "connected with plein air painting on a whole new level." Learn how...
The 7 “C”s Criteria for a Plein Air Judge
Minnesota plein air painter Bob Upton takes the responsibility of being a plein air competition judge seriously. Here, he outlines his seven “C”s criteria for judging artwork.
Covid, Artists, and Energy
Natasha Isenhour, President of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, shares her advice on how artists can (and should) preserve your "Energy Bank."
Daytime Television Embraces Plein Air Painter
Aaron Schuerr shares what it was like to be on the Kelly Clarkson show, and how Instagram helped to get him there.
Forty Fridays, Same Scene, All En Plein Air
Norwegian painter Magne Myhren began a fascinating plein air project that involved finding the perfect scene before painting it 40 times.
Joe Gyurcsak: How Still Waters Brought a Calm to the Crisis
"It is very unusual for me to have such a bank of time to focus on a multiple-layer oil painting," says Gyurcsak. "I began to slowly build the history of my visual story..."