Michelle Held, Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE)

Until We Meet Again!

"Our final day of painting at Lake Tahoe, and my heart is full," shared Michelle Held on Instagram. "I spent the week supporting other...

A Taste of Tahoe National Forest

Plus! The next Plein Air Convention & Expo will be held in ...
Plein Air Convention paint-out

Painting the “100-Mile View” in Virginia City

On our second paint-out of the 12th Annual Plein Air Convention & Expo, several buses of artists wound our way up through the mountains surrounding Reno to Virginia City, a mining town established in 1859.
Truckee Riverwalk

Hundreds of Painters Line the Truckee Riverwalk

Welcome back to your Plein Air Convention & Expo highlights! On Tuesday, our paint-out destination was the historic Truckee Riverwalk, where hundreds of painters set up along the paved, scenic route along the small river nestled in downtown Reno.
plein air painters - Angel Walthour

For Plein Air Painters, “Easy” is Subjective

The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on Angel Walthour.
Artist Robert J. Simone, painting plein air

Good Things Happen When You Paint!

Artist Robert J. Simone shares his inspiring journey from late bloomer to award-winning painter, proving it’s never too late to follow your passion.
John Eiseman, “River Dance,” 2024, oil, 12 x 16 in., Private collection, Plein air

Just Look Up: 10 Skies We Love

n this collection, plein air painters present their visions of the sky — not merely as a backdrop for the landscape, but as a subject full of mood, movement, and meaning in its own right.
Thomas Kegler, "Where the Buffalo Roam, Isaiah 40:31," 2024, oil, 30 x 40 in., private collection, studio from plein air study

Make It Personal

Preview the newest issue of PleinAir Magazine with the Editor’s Letter: True artistic growth comes when you allow yourself to be vulnerable, to trust your instincts, and to paint with honesty.
Plein Air Convention & Expo - new friends

Unexpected Friends — Now My Posse

Discover how one artist’s simple dinner invitation at the Plein Air Convention and Expo (PACE) sparked lasting friendships, creative collaboration, and a supportive art community that continues to flourish.

When Plein Air Painting, Remember This Element

There’s a vital component for any artist to employ as they tackle the complexities of plein air painting ...
Amit Kapoor, "Boats of Italy," 2023, watercolor, 15 x 22 in., available from artist, plein air

How I Finish a Painting in Under an Hour

After drawing the scene, I wet my paper and work quickly to finish in under an hour. With eyes half-closed to see the values, I paint with ...
Beth Barger, “Tiny Holstein,” oil, 12 x 16 in.

We Need This: Adorable Pictures of Painters’ Pets

When we asked you to share your pets with us, you answered the call! Here are some of the PleinAir family’s furry friends. Enjoy!
Plein air artist Massimiliano Iocco

Painting in Italy: An Open-Air Museum

In recent years plein air painting has become a popular activity in Italy. There are several impromptu ...
Wayne Chunat, plein air painting

5 Things I’ve Learned About Plein Air Painting

Painting en plein air is a life changing, artistic experience. It's an open-ended artistic exploration without predefined guidelines or specified locations. The artist embarks on ...
PleinAir Magazine AprilMay 2025

What’s Inside PleinAir Magazine, April/May ’25

Discover the beauty and artistry of plein air painting in the April/May 2025 issue of PleinAir magazine. Explore stunning landscapes, insightful artist features, practical painting tips, and the latest events in the plein air community.
PleinAir Salon Art Competition First Place Overall: Seth Tummins, “Do Not Go Gentle” Oil, 18x36 in.

The Painting That Stopped Jill Carver in Her Tracks

"It does what a great painting should do, which is to conjure up real emotions - I held my breath, exhaled, and then stayed for a very long time.” Jill Carver reveals her selections for the February PleinAir Salon.
Kathy Anderson, "Snow in Summer," 2022, oil, 20 x 14 in., available from Turner Fine Art, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, plein air and studio

Snow in Summer

I’m not sure which came first, the concept of this painting or the idea to pay homage to Andrew Wyeth’s 'May Day', a mostly two-value painting I’ve always loved.
Painting together in nature - what could be better?

Leaving the Adirondacks Forever

Our family's journey from Indiana to the Adirondacks, discovering a lifelong love for nature, art, and tradition. Join me as I share the unexpected twists that led to finding my forever summer home—and how you can be part of the magic.
artist John Crump Painting in New Zealand

Embracing the Elements While Painting in New Zealand

A spotlight on John Crump, who has embraced plein air painting in New Zealand. "After working en plein air for roughly 50 years, I can even ignore bad weather when it comes down to capturing the mood of my subject."
Waterfall sketch, Jean Pederson, 2024, watercolor and pen and ink, 10 x 8 in., collection the artist, plein air

Jean Pederson’s Evolving Plein Air Journey

Jean Pederson shares insights from her painting trip to Lake Tahoe with a star-studded group of artists.