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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!

Abstract landscape paintings

Paintings That “Feel” Like Landscapes

A painting only has to answer to itself. By almost completely abstracting the landscape, Scott Gellatly distills the experience of nature to its essence, and, perhaps more important, he ...
Artist Nancy Silvia plein air painting

Nancy Silvia’s Lifelong Journey in Plein Air Painting

Despite my years of experience, I feel that I’m continuing to learn things about painting and working outdoors. In general, my process benefits from ...
Andrew Borg and his plein air painting

A Scene Worth Its Salt

Malta painter Andrew Borg found beauty in a historical salt manufacturing compound. He explains his process and the site’s history here.
Woman artist painting outdoors right near crashing waves

Artist Spotlight: Debra Joy Groesser

Debra Joy Groesser is drawn to almost any subject depending on the light, the color and the atmosphere. Many times, she’ll set out on a painting excursion with a specific place in mind only to have something else catch her eye on the way.
photo of artist taking selfie with painting

Artist Spotlight: Justin Vining

How do you find inspiration? Justin Vining: I have lived as a full-time painter for nearly 13 years. Initially a studio painter, I transitioned to...
Artist posing for a photo while painting

Artist Spotlight: Lynn Dunbar Bayus

How did you get started and then develop your career? Lynn Dunbar Bayus: I was in advertising for 10 years and thought I’d go back...
Roxy Podlogar painting Malakati Village from the cockpit of her sailboat, 'Sky Pond'

Forever Connected to a Moment

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 Roxy Podlogar.

Featured Artwork: Christine Lashley

Christine Lashley: "Environs" is a collection of new oil paintings by artist Christine Lashley on exhibit April 1-30, 2023 at Principle Gallery, Charleston. Her...

Artist Spotlight: Theodore Heublein

How do you find inspiration? Theodore Heublein: I am the first to paint underwater in the kelp beds of the Monterey area and Point Lobos...
Painting on location

When Painting on Location, What’s the Big Idea?

In this artist Q&A, Suzie Baker explains her process for painting on location, from "the big idea," to color, to how to assess a finished work.
artist Kathleen posing for a photograph in front of ocean view painting

Artist Spotlight: Kathleen Gray Farthing

How did you get started and then develop your career? Kathleen Gray Farthing: While out painting, the question I am most often asked is, “How...

Artist Spotlight: Cindy Harris

How did you get started and then develop your career? Cindy Harris: I remember painting my first plein air painting in 9th grade art class...

Artist Spotlight: Sherry Mason

What is the most interesting thing you have painted/sculpted and why? Sherry Mason: When Dr. Priya Chokshi approached me to do a commission, her love...
Oil painting of a dilapidated old building

Artist Spotlight: Barb Walker

Workshops, videos, painting with other painters, and countless hours looking at paintings in galleries and museums have been this artist’s never-ending education.
Featured Artwork: Tina Bohlman

Featured Artwork: Tina Bohlman

Featured Artwork: Tina Bohlman Spring in the Valley #2 Watercolor 16 x 20 in. Dramatic light and shadow tells the story in this painting Tina Bohlman has used her...

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...
Scott Hamill, "On the Dart River," 2024, oil, 16 x 24 in., private collection

Finding Inspiration on the Other Side of the World

A chance encounter with a New Zealand artist sparked this California oil painter to pursue plein air painting. Sometimes, it really is just that simple.

Artist Spotlight: Jessie Rasche

How did you get started and then develop your career? Jessie Rasche: 15 years ago I became a professional fine artist, starting with tiny still...
Oil painting of a country road with a cloudy sky

Artist Spotlight: Lee MacLeod

Lee MacLeod started out in the art world as an illustrator working on movie posters, book covers and game art before turning his attention to fine art.
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...