Stephen Doherty on New Journeys
Artist to artist, a message from Plein Air magazine’s newly retired Editor-in-Chief.
Plein Air Salon: Celebrating a Winner (and the Next Awards)
With only days left until the next Plein Air Salon art competition closes, learn how you can enter your best art and win up to $15,000. And, be inspired by Anna Eggleston’s winning sketchbook entry, “Cora.” See more of her work and learn how you can enter the Plein Air Salon today.
My Favorite Place to Paint: Saratoga Race Course
When one of our readers, Sharon Crute, read about Poppy Balser’s favorite place to paint outdoors, she was inspired to share with us her own treasured spot.
A, Um, Surprising, Paper Adhesive for Painting Outdoors
Have you ever found yourself without an essential tool for painting outdoors? Such was the case for Dan Marshall, who brilliantly improvised when he forgot to pack tape with his art supplies.
Small, Vibrant Palette Knife Paintings: A Gallery of Art
Shortly after discovering palette knife paintings, this Maryland artist established a set of materials and techniques that now allow her to create intuitive responses to the color, light, and texture of the landscape.
Light Like No Other I Have Seen: Painting Outdoors in San Miguel de Allende,...
Approximately 476 years ago a Friar Miguel established the town of San Miguel de Allende, and the rest is history! For artists who enjoy painting outdoors, the history and architectural structures of this ancient town was eye candy.
Painting Other Painters: A Plein Air Tidbit
Read about how one painter became the subject of another artist's work in this piece from Plein Air magazine.
Let’s Get Social – Ways to Connect with PleinAir Online
Have you ever wanted to snap a photo in the moment to later recall the peacefulness you experienced while painting or drawing? Of course! Any activity that feeds our creativity is worth remembering and using to inspire others.
Check Out Other Artists’ Work
A wide variety of outdoor paintings are about to go on exhibit in art centers and galleries around the country. Here are a couple in which inspiring and informative work will be on display. Make sure you stay informed.
Determined Painters During Rough Winter
Outdoor painters have faced challenges in almost every region of the country over the years. Here is how a few hardy souls made it through.
Didn’t Win or Get In? There’s an Important Next Step
On my way home from the Chicago area recently, I got to thinking about the importance of attending an exhibition even if you have not received notification of an award or, in the case of a juried exhibition, going to the opening reception even if your work wasn’t accepted.
What’s Plein Air to the Studio Painter?
There is a “rush” that comes from painting in front of your subject, whether it is a figure, still life or the outdoors landscape/seascape that one cannot experience in the studio. While I love the experience en plein air, I do most of my larger seascape and landscape paintings in the studio.
Snow Scenes
Painting snowy landscapes presents a number of challenges to plein air painters, beginning with the fact that the outdoor temperatures are low and can make it difficult for cold fingers to manipulate stiff or frozen paint.
Left Thinking
Participating in a multi-day plein air painting event leads to growth — and many questions. At Capitola this year, I created two paintings that reached my mark of satisfaction. The other seven left me wanting much more. A few days later, I was left asking why.
The 10 Best Plein Air Sites
I was asked by the travel editor of a national publication to identify the top 10 painting locations favored by plein air artists. I immediately asked my friends on Facebook what their choices would include, and I received hundreds of recommendations.
Get There Fast, Take It Slow
Beautiful Bermuda once again played host to Plein Air Bermuda, a vibrant plein air competition and show that continues to rise the ranks as a must-attend for painters. Who basked in the sun and glory?
Trees
Trees are an essential element of almost every landscape painting, and they present challenges to plain air painters who determine their shape, scale, coloration,...
How Art Survives, and Thrives
Plein Air Austin is currently sponsoring a fundraiser specifically to aid the Rockport Center for the Arts, ground zero for Hurricane Harvey. The goal? To raise $10,000 through a special sale of 100 artworks for $100 each, with all proceeds benefitting the institution. Details here!
Painting a Piece of History
This August, while at the Adirondack Plein Air Festival, I was invited along with several local artists to paint at Eagle Island Camp on a private island in Upper Saranac Lake.
Helping Art Survive Hurricane Harvey
PleinAir and Fine Art Connoisseur magazine have set up a temporary website for artists, galleries, museums, and auction houses to register and tell their stories about Hurricane Harvey. In addition, we’re offering them a chance to participate in a free ad spread that we hope will get spaces reopened and collectors buying.