unique gifts for artists - easel clip for paint brushes

Gifts for Artists: Your 2025 Holiday Shopping Guide

This list has it all: gorgeous frames, beautiful paints, and a special section of gifts under $50!
Watercolor sketch - Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, Marrakesh

Plein Air Watercolor – From Marrakech to the Mountains

Tag along with this popular watercolor instructor as she guides you through Africa’s largest urban market, an ancient mountaintop fortress, and the sandy beaches of a popular beach resort, and introduces you to the people and cultural traditions of Morocco.
Jack McGowan, plein air painting

Plein Air Today Reader Spotlight: Jack McGowan

The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on the President of the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, Jack McGowan.
Mark Baral, featured in the PleinAir Magazine article “Next in Line” (October/November 2025).

The Future of Plein Air is in Their Hands

When we nurture the next generation, we’re not just protecting a tradition — we’re ensuring that the beauty of the world, as seen through the artist’s eye, continues to be celebrated for years to come.
PleinAir Salon - First Place Overall: Barbara Ortiz, “Nature’s Rhythm,” pastel, 20 x 16 in.

September Salon: Nature’s Rhythm Wins

Abigail McBride, Director of McBride Gallery, has revealed her selections for the September 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. They are ...
Artists displaying their work together at the third annual Island Plein Air

“I Didn’t Know Art Could Make Me This Happy”

Canadian plein air artist Simonne Munzi Smith reported that for the third time, artists have gathered at Prince Edward Island for “Island Plein Air” (IPA).
Donating Art - painting scene of an auction

On Donating Art: Giving Back or Giving Too Much?

Our expert takes a look at the rewards and drawbacks of donating artwork to a charity auction.
Millard Sheets at work in his watercolor studio at Barking Rocks

California Art Club Artists Discover Millard Sheets en Plein Air

Millard Sheets (1907-1989) was a renowned member of the California Art Club. The artist was a mentor and visionary, and leading proponent of ...
Plein air painting with gouache

PleinAir Reader Spotlight: Inspired by Gouache Live

The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on Marian Fortunati.
Painting exercise - During COVID I painted a lot of roosters.

Painting Exercise: Familiarity Breeds Growth

Follow Lon Brauer's advice - and do this painting exercise - to move your work faster and farther down the road to success. 
First Place Overall: Paula Holtzclaw, "A Touch of Lace," oil, 16 x 20 in., PleinAir Salon

“So Many Lovely Attributes” in this Salon Winner

Natasha Isenhour has revealed her selections for the August 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. They are ...
Plein air painter Sasha Fair

Plein Air Today Reader Spotlight: Sasha Fair

The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on Sasha Fair.
PleinAir Magazine Oct/Nov 2025

What’s Inside: PleinAir Magazine October/November 2025

Discover the beauty and artistry of plein air painting in the October/November 2025 issue of PleinAir Magazine. Preview the contents of this issue here!
Richard Suckling, "Saint Jacques Study," 2024, pastel, 10 x 10 in., available from artist, plein air

A Saint Jacques Memento

"This simple study captures the spirit of the place more than a hastily taken cell phone snap ever could.”
Plein Air Convention - PACE - Kelly Kane, Christina Angelo, Molly Schmid

An Open Invitation

Whether you’re a painter or collector, you have an open invitation to the party. Plein air is not an exclusive club reserved for the elite; all who crave a greater relationship with the outdoors, a deeper understanding of light, or a closer connection to the art that hangs on their walls are welcome.
PleinAir Salon art competition - First Place Overall: J.M. Brodrick, “Southside,” acrylic, 30 x 24 in.

Salon Winner, Southside, is Simply Brilliant

Master artist Thomas W. Schaller has revealed his selections for the July 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. They are ...
Mia Jaworski and friends, plein air painting

My Favorite Place to Paint: New Hampshire

The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on Mia Jaworski.
Artist Ned Mueller (Instagram: @nedmueller06)

Ned Mueller on His Life of Plein Air Painting

About 50 years ago, when I first got involved in doing plein air work, I would travel to great painting spots, camp out or get a motel, and paint every day for a week or two, making four or five paintings in a day, and later doing seven or eight plein air shows a year.

6 Things Your Future Artist Self Will Thank You For

Inspiration for Fall Color Week - a private painting retreat with PleinAir Magazine's Publisher, Eric Rhoads, September 28 - October 5, 2025.
Christopher North, “Masonville Sunset,” 2024, oil, 16 x 20 in., Available from Blue Moose Art Gallery, Fort Collins, CO, Studio from plein air study

13 Mighty Mountain Landscapes

In this showcase of mountain landscapes, 13 contemporary plein air painters capture the drama, mystery, and quiet majesty of the world’s ...