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.
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.
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.
My Favorite Place to Paint
We love to hear from the Plein Air Today community! The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on Therese Ely.
Plein Air Painting … With Dogs?
We love to hear from the Plein Air Today community! The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on Tony Polyck.
“The Passage” Places First in PleinAir Salon Art Competition
Dean Mitchell has revealed his selections for the winners in the November PleinAir Salon. They are ...
Art Is Good For You
A growing body of evidence proves something the readers of PleinAir Magazine have long understood ...
Why January 3rd Means “Ray Day” for These Plein Air Painters
Discover how friends and fellow painters gather each January 3 on East Camino Cielo, blending art, camaraderie, and even a surprise belly dancer in this inspiring story of plein air painting and friendship.
When You Have Something to Say
As 2024 wraps up, I want to say thank you to everyone who is a part of our Plein Air Today community. You’ve shared your personal stories with us so we can in turn amplify them to other artists who are looking for inspiration and guidance on the journey.
How to Paint With Watercolor: Understand This First
Want to learn how to paint with watercolor? In this guest blog post, Catherine Hillis shares what you need to do first to avoid frustration.