Branching Out: 17 Plein Air Paintings of Trees
Here, we share unique views of trees, shrubs, and foliage that have sparked our imagination and are sure to bring joy to all who experience them.
What’s Inside PleinAir Magazine, December / January ’25
Discover the beauty and artistry of plein air painting in the December/January 2025 issue of PleinAir magazine. Explore stunning landscapes, insightful artist features, practical painting tips, and the latest events in the plein air community.
From Watercolor to Acrylic: Why This Plein Air Artist Found His Forever Medium
Permanent, non-yellowing, and fast-drying, acrylics have low toxicity and no need of solvents for dilution or glazing. Like watercolor, they ...
3 Aha Moments from PACE
While the Plein Air Convention takes place over several days, memories from it last forever, along with inspiring moments such as these.
Art Insights from Alvaro Castagnet
Discover the insights of Alvaro Castagnet in this class episode of the Plein Air Podcast with Eric Rhoads, in which they discuss how to find your voice, embracing community, and infusing emotion into your work.
Enjoy It While It Lasts: Painting in Autumn
Before many of us slip into the colder coat weather of winter, painters are making the most of the stunning colors autumn has to offer. Here's what some of your fellow artists have created while painting en plein air this season. Enjoy, and be inspired!
In the Path of Inspiration
What are you going to do today to put yourself in the path of inspiration?
The House That Stole the Show
“I went to the beach to paint a water scene, but I was drawn to the bright turquoise house and the beautiful flower bed,” Michele Usibelli said when describing her plein air painting "Afternoon Stroll."
Preparatory Sketch … to Magazine Cover
On the current cover of PleinAir Magazine (Oct/Nov 2024), the cover features the work of Jill Carver. "I thought it would be fun - and hopefully useful - to share with you the preparatory sketch for the painting that made the cover of the current issue of PleinAir Magazine," she said.
What Is Urban Sketching?
Urban Sketching is for those who love to draw the cities where they live and visit — from their windows, from a café, at a park, or standing by a street corner, always on location, not from photos or memory.
What’s Inside PleinAir Magazine, October/November ’24
Hot off the press > Expert insight and advice from today's plein air masters; News on art competitions; Interesting historical perspectives on landscape art; and more!
Rest in Peace, George Frederick Rapp
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of philanthropic leader Dr. George Frederick Rapp, who was a distinguished ...
A Teaching Moment: “The Cow and Calf”
"A demonstration must always be about the lesson I need to teach, not about making an amazing work of art," says Lori Putnam, who created this painting for a workshop in Ilkley Moor, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
Reader Spotlight: A Silent Tide
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 Hema Gupta.
An Artist’s Journey to Venice: 4 Plein Air Watercolor Studies
Watercolor artist Stan Miller takes us to Venice, Italy, to share four watercolor sketches he painted on location. Bonus: Includes four of his art tips for beginners.
Room to Explore: Why I Paint With Acrylics
Plus: Six types of acrylic mediums that can lengthen drying time, make it thicker, or change the texture.
Paint What You Know
No matter what’s on your agenda this summer, I hope you’ll spend some time exploring your own backyard for new subject matter or new perspectives on familiar scenes.
That’s My House You’re Painting!
I was plein air painting in a neighborhood when a man drove up, leaned out of the window of his large truck, and said, "That's my house you're painting!" ...
How I Painted a Twilight Scene of the Smithsonian Castle
What started as a night painting in my mind — and on my panel — became a twilight painting once the lights didn’t go on.
How I Created My Dream Art Studio
Don’t think you can manage to build your own art studio? Be inspired by Michele Byrne, who shares how she planned it, who she worked with, and how she saved money to make a dream come true.