PleinAir Magazine - Destination Inspiration

Making Connections

In this issue of PleinAir Magazine, we celebrate artists who find inspiration close to home or in unfamiliar territory. They share a connection to one another, to the landscape, and to those collectors they inspire with their work.
Women artists > Brenda Boylan draws an audience in Cuba

Ditch the Guilt, and Other Ways to Be a Successful Artist

What does it mean to be a woman in plein air? Brenda Boylan shares her experiences in this article excerpt from PleinAir Magazine.
Clyde Aspevig landscape painting lecture 063022

Clyde Aspevig on Staying Relevant

In this lecture presented by Olmsted Plein Air, reknowned artist Clyde Aspevig addresses one of the biggest challenges for artists today.
plein air painting in the sun

Are You Using Protection?

It’s summer, and the heat is on. Don’t let the romance of painting ruin your…
Painting a Cityscape - "Union Pacific" by John Hughes, plein air

Painting a Cityscape (the Full Plein Air Experience)

One beautiful autumn day, I painted in downtown Salt Lake City; which turned out to be an experience to remember!
The "check-in" at a plein air painting event

Does Your Plein Air Painting Experience Need a Recharge?

Mary Longe explains why you should consider a competitive plein air event, including the various types, common elements, and what not to do.
PleinAir Salon - Seth Tummins, "Beauty Mark," oil, 14 x 22 in.

On the Composition of “Beauty Mark”

Congratulations to Seth Tummins, whose "Beauty Mark" won third place in the April PleinAir Salon​!
Jill Banks, "Love by the Sea," oil painting

Summertime and the Painting’s Easy

Pulling together photos and highlights from the spring’s plein air events for this issue, I barely touched the surface of all the exciting things going on. And this summer promises ...
Plein air painting - Hsin-Yao Tseng artist

Eastern Brush Techniques, Western Sensibility

Hsin-Yao Tseng combines Eastern brush techniques with a Western sensibility to create paintings that exude attitude and atmosphere.
plein air painters - John Hughes

A Plein Air Painter’s Need for Peace and Beauty

In today’s world, more than ever, the need for beauty is an essential element in anyone’s life; and time away from the chaos through the arts is time well spent.
Painting en plein air

So What Does Your Spouse Do For a Living?

And other things people say to plein air artists...
Plein air painter Marc Hanson

Challenged by Mother Nature

How one artist broke out of the "winter blues" and, in hindsight of this project, the biggest lesson he learned.
networking for artists - Michele Byrne at Truck ranch

Overcome Your Introversion: Networking at Plein Air Events

As artists and creatives, many of us tend to be on the shy side. We like to focus on our own thing, and we enjoy being alone in the quiet, focused space of the creative process. But there comes a time when we’ll need to ...
Painting flowers outdoors

Now I Get It

"I always wondered why artists painted a series when there were tens of thousands of themes one could explore - until ..."
Painting small works in pastel

Miniatures Offer Options: The Benefits of Painting Small Works

"I came up with the idea of creating a series of miniature paintings during an economic slowdown, but the business decision has turned into a preference and a passion."
Santa Fe artist Joe Anna Arnett

Joe Anna Arnett On Painting the New Mexico Landscape

Learn how to make the most of plein air in the southwest, including what colors to bring and how to prepare for the weather.
William Schneider, "Dappled," 18 x 30 in., plein air

What You Have in Common with Every Artist You Admire

If you've ever thought that you don't have enough talent to be a great artist, read this advice - and then pick up your brush.
Art appreciation - "Midway Farm" by John Hughes

Beginning Artists: Start with Art Appreciation

Opinion Piece: The first step in art education must begin not with drawing circles and squares, but with art appreciation.
Artist self-portraits

When the Tables Have Turned: 7 Paintings of Painters in the Outdoors

Painting outdoors with 360-degree views, artists have access to an infinite source of subject matter from which to draw inspiration. Every once in a while, however, the tables turn ...
plein air painting watercolor

Painting Without Purpose

Follow along as Thomas Jefferson Kitts shares a record of the five days he spent on Monhegan Island, walking aimlessly and stopping only when inspiration struck to draw or paint.