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Artist Profiles

Learn about what projects your fellow plein artists are up to, see online galleries of their landscape paintings, and more in these profiles!

photo of artist painting

Artist Spotlight: David Lussier

How did you develop your unique style? David Lussier: I was trained to paint in the style of photo realism during my 4 years of...
photo of artist painting en plein air in the desert landscape

Artist Spotlight: Karen Halbert

How did you get started and then develop your career? Karen Halbert: On 9/11, faced with the magnitude of the catastrophe, I had to make...
Abstract landscape paintings

Paintings That “Feel” Like Landscapes

By almost completely abstracting the landscape, Scott Gellatly distills the experience of nature to its essence, and, perhaps more important, he ...
Jean Honoré Fragonard (French, 1732–1806), "Mountain Landscape at Sunset," c. 1765, oil on paper, 8 7/16 x 12 15/16 in. National Gallery of Art, Chester Dale Fund

A Quick Response to Nature

Rediscovered more than 25 years ago, this small plein air oil sketch shed light on a little-known aspect of ...

Artist Spotlight: Manon Sander

What is the best thing about being an artist: Manon Sander: “One of the greatest joys of being an artist is the opportunity to explore...

How Plein Air Painting is a “Pool of Peace”

Don’t wait for the perfect moment (although those are a joy), don’t put it off. Get out there and get painting.
Ulrich Gleiter, "Along the River," 2012, oil on linen, 43.3 x 23.6

A German Perspective on Painting in America

An interview with Ulrich Gleiter about his experiences of painting in Russia, why he loves nature as a subject more than anything else, and what’s different about painting plein air in America.
Karen Margulis, “Desert Oasis,” Pastel on paper, 11 x 14 in.; Karen is represented by several galleries and is a Member of Excellence in the Southeastern Pastel Society and a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America.

I Love to Paint Flowers Because …

On painting with pastels > “I love to paint flowers simply because I love flowers,” declared the artist Karen Margulis in her disarming simplicity.

Artist Spotlight: Kami Mendlik

How did you develop your unique style? Kami Mendlik: I believe that our style is something we are born with and comes to the surface...
Anthony M. Cairo painting en plein air

A Plein Air Artist to Watch: Anthony M. Cairo

Be inspired by this spotlight on the up-and-coming plein air painter Anthony M. Cairo, who shares his Aha moment, and much more. 
artist posing with her painting out in field

Artist Spotlight: Cindy Harris

Cindy Harris: For many years I have found inspiration by traveling with other artists to amazing locations. This gives me focused time away from...

Artist Spotlight: Thomas De Somer

How did you get started and develop your career? Thomas De Somer: My journey began at the American Academy of Art where I was influenced...
artist posing with her paintings at gallery

Artist Spotlight: Carol Strock Wasson

Carol Strock Wasson: My style developed over many years of exploring and experimentation. Through asking “what if” and using different tools and techniques, I...
Jessie with “Space”, oil, 24x60 in, in the public collection of the Edith Sanford Breast Center

Artist Spotlight: Jessie Rasche

How did you develop your unique style? Jessie Rasche: I’m teaching a workshop right now on how to find and develop your authentic artistic voice,...
canid photo of artist talking

Artist Spotlight: Charlie Hunter

How Do You Describe Success? Charlie Hunter: One of my favorite songwriters is Fred Eaglesmith. When he was a kid, he says all he wanted...
Plein air painting - Tom Colcord

How Hip Hop Inspires My Plein Air Painting

San Francisco-based plein air painter Tom Colcord approaches his work with a unique mindset. When asked what he means by “the flow,” he references ...
Plein air art history - Alexandre Calame

Plein Air Heritage: A Swiss Landscape

In this piece, Calame eschews the scenes of snow-capped peaks that dominate his oeuvre in favor of a quieter view of the landscape. Rather than forbidding and awe-inspiring, the effect is ...
Plein air art history - Abbott Handerson Thayer, "Mount Monadnock," 1911/1914, oil on canvas, 22 3/16 x 24 3/16 in., National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase, Anna E. Clark Fund)

Plein Air Landscapes as a Form of Portraiture

Aiming to stay true to nature, Abbott Handerson Thayer painted scenes en plein air, most often finding inspiration in views of Mount Monadnock, which overlooked his studio.

Artist Spotlight: Cecy Turner

What is the best thing about being an artist? Cecy Turner: One of the best things about being an artist is that you begin to...
artist Chris Rapa with her work

Artist Spotlight: Chris Rapa

How did you get started and then develop your career? Chris Rapa: My parents set me loose on a basement wall with brushes and cans...