Plein Air Heritage: James McNeill Whistler (1834-1903)
As a plein air painter, you are part of one of the largest art movements in history. Learn about artist James McNeill Whistler here.
Alvaro Castagnet Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Congratulations to watercolor master Alvaro Castagnet, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 7th Annual Plein Air Convention & Expo.
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.
My Favorite Place to Paint: Jennifer Fairbanks
Kentucky artist Jennifer Fairbanks prefers that those observing her plein air painting have hooves and paws, and she gets her way when she paints...
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...
Salon Winner Discusses His Array of Tools
Mark Boedges brings years of work and a honed selection of equipment with him to paint outdoors. Like what?
A Plein Air Portrait of Resilience in Watercolor
Once part of Berkeley’s proud Orchid Nurseries, the Pink House stands isolated but dignified, surrounded by empty lots...
Risk Leads to Discovery
This Missouri acrylic painter strives to depict beauty with a mix of simplicity and just enough detail.
Abandoned to Sunset
On painting the landscape: "...when we do what we are meant to do, at this moment, our action can inspire and touch the lives of others." Joshua Cunningham takes us behind the scenes of his winning painting, "Abandoned at Sunset."
Artist Spotlight: Carole Belliveau
How did you develop your unique style and why?
Carole Belliveau: I put away my brushes determined to teach myself to use new tools such...
Central Park’s Plein Air Past
Central Park, the green lung of New York City, the cool, shady resting spot for summer-soaked New Yorkers, the Olmsted masterpiece of landscape design,...
Artist Spotlight: Donald Demers
Interesting fact: His maritime experience came about as a crew member aboard many traditional sailing vessels including schooners and square-riggers. Learn more about this plein air painter, and be inspired.
Artist Spotlight: Cindy Briggs
How did you develop your unique style?
Cindy Briggs: My style has evolved through various life experiences, travel, workshops, simply painting, and painting more.
From a...
The Landscape Guaranteed to Bring You To Tears
The varied and vivid landscapes of this state inspire oil painter Bill Sawczuk to take a more expressive approach to plein air painting when it comes to this subject. “I’ve seen people cry at the effort. They are good painters, but they come here and try to paint these mountains and it wrecks them."
On Seeing – and Perceiving – as a Plein Air Artist
Loss of vision in one eye has taught this plein air painter that there's more to perception than seeing.
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...
My Favorite Place to Paint: Julie Jilek and the Mysteries of High Cliff
From ancient burial mounds to one of the most striking geological features of the United States, Julie Jilek’s favorite place to paint has much to intrigue the painter. But Jilek also loves it because of her personal history.
Early Influences: Don Demers
Don Demers didn’t just gravitate to a particular Homer painting because of its painting style. The subject matter was transformative as well.
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.
The 6 Steps to My Plein Air Painting Process
Be inspired by this outdoor painter, who shares his process for painting landscapes in the northeast and southwest. You might be surprised by what they have in common. (Includes a bonus interview video!)