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!

Then and Now: Making a Pure Record

Plein air artist Jill Carver made some big changes about 10 years ago, focusing on becoming the best painter she can be. Here's how.
Plein Air Magazine

Convention Preview: Scott L. Christensen

What information and inspiration can you expect to receive from the demonstrators and speakers who will be part of the Plein Air Convention &...

Learning How to Paint, Again (For the First Time)

After years of painting, with sales and some success, Lennie Mullaney was told that she "had no idea how to paint." It was strong...

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.
Landscape painting

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."
Painting at Jebel Jais - Matt Ryder - OutdoorPainter.com

Changing Perceptions of the Middle East, One Painting at a Time

British artist Matt Ryder takes us to the extreme terrain and tricky locations where he paints mountains that “sing with cadmium colors.”
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.

Fleeting Moments: Plein Air Watercolor

Working quickly and directly, Joseph Zbukvic exploits all the qualities that make plein air painting with watercolor so unique.
plein air watercolor painting of houses

Better With Time

Elements of wear and tear in Mat Barber Kennedy’s textural watercolors show signs of life and how we live it.

Artist Spotlight: Sandhya Sharma

How did you get started and then develop your career? Sandhya Sharma: I had always drawn and painted as a child. Summer vacations were spent...
artist Jennifer reifenberg out in the field, and below, image of "power of gray"

Artist Spotlight: Jennifer Riefenberg

How do you find inspiration? Jennifer Riefenberg: It is with an intimate understanding and a closer-in vantage that artist, Jennifer Riefenberg, seeks in portraying the...

My Favorite Place to Paint: Jennifer L. Hoffman

Wyoming painter Jennifer L. Hoffman takes advantage of "artist's hours" to get a lot of work done in the winter months. Hoffman's setup at South...
Brian Stewart landscape painting

There From the Beginning: Brian Stewart and Plein Air

Brian Stewart was one of the participants in the early Catalina Island wet-paint shows that played a huge role in launching the contemporary plein air movement.

Artist as Collector: James Coe and the Mean Greens

New York State painter James Coe collects paintings that demonstrate good ways of tackling vexing painting problems — like presenting a variety of greens in a landscape.
Plein air painting - OutdoorPainter.com

Painting Outdoors Since 1948: A Community Member Spotlight

Recently, one of our dedicated readers reached out to us to say hello and connect, which is part of what the plein air community is all about. Meet John Killmaster, who kindly took the time to answer a few questions about his artistic journey so that you can be inspired in yours.
plein air landscape painting Carla Bosch - Back Bay

Q&A With Plein Air Painter Carla Bosch

Carla Bosch grew up in South Africa, where her eyes “were trained to find the beauty” around her. In these paintings, it shows.
Woman artist standing in front of her painting.

Artist Spotlight: Sandi Pillsbury

“Each painting tells a story, an experience, a moment in time. I strive to invite the viewer to come closer.”
painting landscapes - "Homeward" by Steve Curry

Little by Little

My story starts like most. As a kid I always drew and created, but I was lucky enough to have grown up in a family of artists...
Rebecca Arguello, "Carpinteria Bluffs 2," 2020, oil, 12 x 16 in., Available from artist, Plein air and studio

Today’s Inspiration: Expressive Realism

Contemporary plein air and studio painter Rebecca Arguello shares her inspiration, her biggest aha moment, and the art advice she wished she had heard earlier in her career. 
Claude Monet Peony Garden; plein air artists

Monet’s Anathema

As a plein air artist, you are part of one of the largest art movements in history. Learn about Claude Monet ...