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!

Artist Spotlight: Anne Blair Brown

What inspires you? Anne Blair Brown: I find inspiration everywhere. I do not necessarily paint “things”, but rather I focus on light, atmosphere, and color....
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.
plein air painting at the beach

It’s a Beach Thing

A Plein Air Today Reader Spotlight on ... Emily Neel
PleinAir Salon - OutdoorPainter.com

The Painting Process of a Winning Artist

Please help us congratulate Jerry Markham for winning first place in the recent bi-monthly PleinAir Salon. In this exclusive spotlight, Markham shares his secrets to success.
William Merritt Chase plein air seaside painting

Loose and Luminous in Long Island: Our Plein Air Heritage

In the late 1800's, plein air painting was still relatively new to the United States, but growing rapidly in popularity...
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.
photo of artist actively painting at raceway

Artist Spotlight: Justin Vining

What is the most interesting thing you have painted? Justin Vining: As a plein air painter, I have found myself in a lot of interesting...
Painting outdoors in Virginia

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.
Woman painting outdoors in a hat

Artist Spotlight: Krystal W. Brown

As Krystal states, “Someone is waiting for what you will bring to the world. Why keep them waiting?” Find out what legacy she’d choose to leave with her art.
Painting outdoors - San Francisco

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.

Spotlight on PACE Faculty: Sculptor Marsha Brook’s Dedication to Social Activism

Marsha Brook has enjoyed a successful career as a sculptor, and she has dedicated the rest of her career to sculpting portraits of people who work to improve society. She’ll discuss this during an exclusive demonstration at the Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE) next month in San Diego.

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...
plein air artist

Are Your Colors Too Hot?

Primarily known as a painter of big game, Carl Rungius earned himself a revered position in the canon of plein air painting for his fidelity to ...
An Artist's Perspective On Boats, Buildings, and Brushes

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.
Oil painting of riders on horseback near red rock formations

Artist Spotlight: Mark Fehlman

Mark Fehlman was an architect with a successful 30-year practice. After three years of art lessons, he decided to give it up to create a second career as an artist. It was a wonderful decision that has completely changed his life.
Brian Sindler, "Ephraim Yacht Club," 2013, acrylic on board, 6 x 6 in., Primitive (Chicago)

Brian Sindler’s Full-Spectrum Stylistic Evolution

There is a lot of superb art being made these days; here, writer Allison Malafronte shines light on a gifted individual. Based in Northbrook, Illinois, Brian Sindler creates both plein air and studio landscapes.

Artist as Collector: Shelby Keefe, and For the Love of Cars

Wisconsin painter Shelby Keefe chooses paintings for her collection that reflect her goals — and if they feature cars, so much the better.

Drawing on Oil Paint

Sarah Baptist is digging deep, down through her layers of oil paint, down through the lessons she has learned from Diebenkorn's work. The result? ...

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...

My Favorite Place to Paint: Larry Moore

When Larry Moore returns to his favorite place to paint, things are going to be a little different. Moore is intent on venturing past...