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."
3-Minute Q&A with Atmospheric Painter Richard Schloss
Get a quick dose of inspiration in this Q&A regarding Richard Schloss’s atmospheric art, his inspiration, and the single-word answer to his most commonly asked question.
The Challenge of Painting “Crossing Light”
The story of my painting "Crossing Light" is all about light and how it leads the eye around the painting and then lands on the main character in the immediate foreground. But first I should back up and explain why I chose to paint this scene...
Thomas Moran’s Grand Adventure
Learn how Moran came to be one of the most famous landscape artists, and the meaning behind his secret signature.
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!)
Why I Start in the Field
How do you capture that combination of light, aroma, temperature, and freshness of an early morning walk? Mark Fehlman shares his insights on painting landscapes in this guest blog post.
Plein Air Heritage: Thomas Fearnley (1802-1842)
As a plein air painter, you are part of one of the largest art movements in history. Learn about historic artist Thomas Fearnley, who alternated between large, composed landscapes meant for exhibition and smaller, plein air oil sketches.
Painting (Rain or Shine) in London
Artist Peter Brown shares what it's like to paint outdoors in London, in spite of the frequent rain and surprising comments of passersby (you'll laugh when you see what some suggest)...
Ken Karlic’s Sophisticated Chaos
Prolific artist Ken Karlic teamed up with Daniel Smith Watercolors to offer a comprehensive look into his creative process, a process he then applies to other media.
Inspiration From India: Plein Air Artist Prafull Sawant
Surrounded by Hindu temples, river banks, old Indian homes, and narrow lanes, this watercolor artist was born to paint en plein air.
An Artist’s Perspective On Boats, Buildings, and Brushes
Vladislav Yeliseyev shares insights on painting two different landscape subjects, and the brushes he uses for them, in this artist profile from Plein Air Today.
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."
My Favorite Place to Paint: Bruce Katz
Nine years ago, California artist Bruce Katz was featured in a Plein Air Today series called “My Favorite Place to Paint.” Back then, it was the countryside outside of San Francisco. We followed up with him to see if - or how - his locale preference has changed.
Plein Air Heritage: Theodore Robinson (1852-1896)
As a plein air painter, you are part of one of the largest art movements in history. Learn about artist Theodore Robinson here.
My Favorite Place to Paint: Julia Lesnichy
When you come from a relatively flat part of Russia, thrilling mountain vistas are both a joy and a challenge. Just ask Julia Lesnichy.
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.
Spotlight on Russian Plein Air Painter Juliya Zhukova
"I think we don't have a better teacher than nature." Learn more about the inspiration and art of Juliya Zhukova.
On Painting “Logan Street Sunset”
Congratulations to Gavin Glakas, whose oil painting "Logan Street Sunset" won in a recent bi-monthly PleinAir Salon. In this spotlight, Glakas tells about how the Charleston-inspired painting came to be.
Featured Plein Air Ambassador: Susan Nicholas Gephart
Plein Air Ambassadors get their paintings featured here! Help us welcome artist Susan Nicholas Gephart to the Ambassador team.
The Plein Air Study That Launched a Big Winner
One plein air painting inspired several exceptional studio pieces by this California pastelist, a previous winner in the PleinAir Salon.