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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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!
Painting in Italy: An Open-Air Museum
In recent years plein air painting has become a popular activity in Italy. There are several impromptu ...
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 ...
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.
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.
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.