When the Shadow Defines the Light
This Pennsylvania artist loves to paint the light, yet it’s of utmost importance to her to nail down the darks in the composition first thing. See how this approach lets Julie Riker tackle complex subjects confidently.
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.
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 ...
Artist Spotlight: Tina Bohlman
How did you get started and then develop your career?
Tina Bohlman: My mom & great grandmother were both gifted artists and luckily some of...
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...
Convention Preview: Jill Carver
Jill Carver: “As an artist, I am in control of how viewers will see my pictures, and the larger the painting, the more important...
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.
A Plein Air Artist to Watch: Alison Barry
A special spotlight on someone from the plein air painting community you may not know yet: Alison Barry on her aha-moment and more.
Spotlight on PACE Faculty: Elizabeth Mowry
Master pastelist Elizabeth Mowry will be on stage at the Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE) in Monterey, California, in April, but she won't...
Jerry Balcom and The Visual Delights of Plein Air
Washington state plein air artist Jerry Balcom uses compositional devices, edge control, and color intensities to bring viewers into his pastel paintings. These techniques allow him to share the emotions he felt while working on location.
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)...
John Constable: A Student of the Sky
Plein Air Heritage: John Constable felt that a thorough understanding of the formation of clouds, their influence on the quality of light...
Artist Spotlight: Nancie King Mertz
Master & Eminent Pastelist Nancie King Mertz finds that light and shadow are the elements that “take her breath.”
Find Important Information in the Shadows
“If people start looking for color in the shadow, they will see it,” says Mark Fehlman, one of the featured artists at the Plein Air Convention & Expo. “If they stop and look, compare things, and consider what they want to emphasize most, they will get a lot more out of their observations.” How does Fehlman actually accomplish that?
A Jungle in the Suburbs, A Wild Stream in an Office Park
Donald Neff has always been drawn to the quiet little spots in our world. "Give me a little ditch with some water -- that...
How Christine Lashley Discovered Her Style
While Christine grew up surrounded by the arts, her journey to becoming an artist wasn’t clear until later on in her life. Be inspired by her landscape paintings, and learn more in this interview.
10 Inspiring Art Quotes From Dawn Whitelaw
Nashville artist Dawn Whitelaw has been painting in oil for over 50 years. In this spotlight, be inspired with her advice and insights on painting.
Artist Spotlight: Lee MacLeod
How do you find inspiration?
Lee MacLeod: As a landscape painter who gravitates to painting clouds, I live in the perfect place to find inspiration....
Salon Spotlight: From Nortontown
TJ Cunningham shares his inspiration for painting “From Nortontown,” which was a winner in the bi-monthly PleinAir Salon (August/September 2018), in the Best Building category.
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.