En plein air painting

Award-Winning Artists Return to Ranching and Roping

Learn about the upcoming EnPleinAirTEXAS painting competition, hosted by the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts.
A glimpse of Julie Gilbert Pollard’s “Values” demo and her palette (Watercolor Live, 2022 Beginner's Day)

Pushing Color

“As a painter who loves color,” said Julie Gilbert Pollard, “I typically push color beyond what I actually see to a ...
On the easel of Michele Usebelli

On the Easel: Michele Usebelli

"What's on my easel? Working with gouache to add texture relief to my watercolors. Putting my own twist on these water-based mediums."

Anatomy of a Peculiar Painting Composition

Andrew Borg wanted to capture a “sensation” rather than an “expression” when he set out to create this unusual painting composition.
Jane Hunt, “May Poppies,” 2019, oil, 9 x 12 in., Private collection, Plein air

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: May Poppies

Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Plein Air Magazine, shares a favorite painting and artist quote. This week's feature is "May Poppies" by Jane Hunt.
Plein air painting - Zion National Park

Painting with Masters at Zion National Park

Go behind the scenes with an eclectic group of world-renowned painters who gathered together in Zion National Park for ...
Landscape oil painting - OutdoorPainter.com

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Night Watch

In this series Kelly Kane, Editor-in-Chief of PleinAir Magazine, shares a favorite painting from a previous issue.
Painting boats and beaches plein air setup

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.
Plein air paintings - OutdoorPainter.com

Kelly Kane’s Pick of the Week: Getting Ready to Paddle

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

What is Intuitive Painting?

Johanne Mangi explains how to use intuition when painting, and what a difference it can make when you "let go" during the creative process.
Craig Reynolds, “Old 51 Stud,” 2015, oil, 12 x 16 in., Private collection, Plein air

Auto Inspo: 8 Plein Air Paintings of Cars and Trucks

Symbols of freedom, innovation, and adventure, automobiles have long captured the imagination of American artists. For some ...
Large-scale paintings by Laurel Daniel

Adjusting My Painting World for Three Large-Scale Paintings

See how Laurel Daniel is accomplishing a commission for three large-scale paintings — a logistical feat, from building the canvas itself to executing the art.
John Hughes working on location / painting plein air

Painting Plein Air & in the Studio: Motivating Factors

Artists are inspired through painting plein air and in the art studio - here are some motivating factors to consider.
Artist Paints Live at Colts Football Game

Artist Paints Live at Colts Football Game

See how this Hoosier artist has combined painting on location with events that draw thousands, bringing art to the masses in unexpected places.

The Making of a Magic Moment

When this artist was asked to paint en plein air at a wedding ceremony, she stepped up to the challenge. No pressure — right?
Rich Gallego, "Mountainside View," oil on linen, 14 x 11 in.

Painting of the Week: Mountainside View

Rich Gallego has been painting the landscape since 1996. His longtime love of nature's wild places has taken him far afield from ...
Plein Air Magazine

What Paintings to Enter?

How do you pick the three paintings you'll attach to the application you submit to a plein air festival? We asked that question on...

Parting Shot: An Old Rock Gets Its Due

Ernie Dollman couldn’t find anything to paint. So he just painted anything. And he ended up with a picture he was quite fond of....

Watch: The Serenity of Painting Waves

Take a moment from your busy day to enjoy a tranquil moment with an artist painting waves in Southern California...
Painting landscapes

Charlie Hunter on Losing Edges

"When you get past explaining what you are showing the viewer," says Charlie Hunter, "you start to get into what is truly reality."