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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
The Most Magical Experiences
I admire those intrepid plein air painters who brave the elements to give us their unique takes on the season. If you’re up for it, Melanie Barash Levitt and Shari Blaukopf share their best tips for painting outdoors in the snow ...
Paintings of Los Angeles, Before the Fires
Six artists share their plein air paintings of Los Angeles before the recent fires changed the landscape.
PleinAir Salon Winner: A Magical World of Visual Sensation
Mark D. Mitchell, Holcombe T. Green Curator of American Paintings and Sculpture at the Yale University Art Gallery has revealed his selections for the winners in the January 2025 PleinAir Salon. They are ...
12 Travel Tips for Artists Planning an Extended Painting Trip
When Stephen Quiller conducts a workshop out of the country, he often extends his stay from one to four months. Here are a few tips he has gathered from his experiences that can help the serious plein air traveler.
When Retreating to the Studio Is the Best Option
"Most often I work from studies I’ve made on site when painting wintry pastel landscapes in the studio, but every once in a while, it’s too cold to make even a quick sketch outdoors."
Plein Air Today Reader Spotlight: Zarin Tazreen
We love to hear from the Plein Air Today community! The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting...
10-Minute Thumbnail Sketch Challenge: Southwest Parks
Get out your sketchbook and favorite drawing utensil, and watch this montage from Plein Air Today. The 10-minute video shows a variety of western landscapes you can use to practice drawing thumbnail sketches.
A Collection of Stories
“Today, we buy work at gallery openings, plein air events, and competitions, but we especially enjoy buying directly from the artists themselves."
Finding Simplicity in Lake Tahoe’s Overwhelming Beauty
A peek at Andy Evansen's plein air painting journey at Lake Tahoe, where he navigated the challenge of simplifying breathtaking vistas and capturing the lake's vibrant colors.
What’s Inside PleinAir Magazine, February/March ’25
Discover the beauty and artistry of plein air painting in the February/March 2025 issue of PleinAir magazine. Explore stunning landscapes, insightful artist features, practical painting tips, and the latest events in the plein air community.
“Dawn’s Grace” Takes First Place in PleinAir Salon Art Competition
Diane Waterhouse of Waterhouse Gallery has revealed her selections for the winners in the December 2024 PleinAir Salon art competition. They are ...
A Particular Kind of Beauty
“Why on earth would I don three, or sometimes four, layers, including boots that weigh 3 1/2 pounds each, and struggle with numb fingers just so I can go outside to paint in winter?"
7 Paintings of Painters: The Other Side of the Easel
Here, we showcase seven paintings that celebrate the plein air artist at work — both in front of and behind the easel.
Art Assignment: Relocate Your Senses
Discover how plein air painter Lorenzo Chavez transforms landscapes into artistic masterpieces by embracing sensory exploration, slowing down, and noticing the beauty around him. Learn how his unique approach to painting can inspire your creative journey.
An Intro to Plein Air Painting for First Responders and Veterans
Transforming stress into strokes of creativity: Representational artist Todd Lachance founded Plein Air MD to help first responders and military personnel reconnect with nature through the healing art of plein air painting. Discover how he's changing lives, one canvas at a time.