Painting Exhibitions and Events

Discover upcoming artist events, art exhibitions, paint-outs, quick draws, Invitationals, and more for plein air artists and collectors.

Dreams from Nova Scotia

Incredible coastal views, talented competition, and more than $6,000 in cash and product awards could be found at the 2017 Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival (PIPAF) this spring. Which artists basked in victory?

The Value of Art Retreats

Artists are used to taking workshops, which of course are great ways to learn. But what about events that are all painting, in a beautiful place with no workshop? It's trending - see why...

Beautiful Boulder

Sixteen talented artists recently converged in Boulder, Colorado, for the first annual Boulder Plein Air Festival and spent several days capturing the area’s sights and ambiance. Who did judges Jane Hunt and KC Becker favor?
Plein Air Convention

Closer Than You Think

May 2023 seems like it’s far in the future, but there is something so important happening in May, you’ll want to start planning right now...

Drifting into Plein Air Beauty

The remarkably talented painter Joshua Cunningham is presenting his newest series of plein air works, titled “Driftless,” at Minneapolis’ Groveland Gallery. What’s the story behind the works? Find out here.

The Granite Group

Every year since 2005 an intrepid crew of artists come together from all over California, and beyond, to trek the High Sierras, be inspired, and paint. In the first major installation of 2018, the Harrington Gallery at the Firehouse Arts Center will present “Granite Group: Plein Air Paintings of the High Sierras.” The exhibition opens...

NOAPS Best of America

A world-class display of oil and acrylic paintings is just around the corner at Castle Gallery in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Who’s included?
Pastel Live 2023

Opportunity to Improve Your Landscapes

Attention Landscape Painters > Discover the magic of pastel painting with Pastel Live 2023: Immerse yourself in our three-day online art adventure!
Plein Air Live 2020

Are You Missing This Virtual Plein Air Event Right Now?

You can't help but learn and grow at Plein Air Live. Learn what it looks like, how it works, and how to sign up now so you don't miss another minute.

Summer Days at Door

The weather was perfect, the crowds were thick, and the paintings were — well, you’ll just have to see for yourself. This may have been the best Door County Plein Air Festival ever — and I missed it! Not to worry if you did too, because the hot-off-the-press results are right here.
The 2019 Ohio Plein Air Society award winners

Ohio Plein Air Society: A “Movable Feast”

Participants painted southern Ohio landscapes that included small-town scenes, urban sights in downtown Cincinnati, and Midwest farms. Learn more about this — and the next event — here.

New California Landscapes

Because plein air paintings tend to be smaller than studio pieces, a professional-looking frame is especially important for making them look significant. Terry Miura...

PIPAF in Isolation

It took imagination and vast amounts of hard work, but organizers report that the 2020 Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival — PIPAF in Isolation — was a success.
Plein air painting trips - Adirondacks - OutdoorPainter.com

Painting the Adirondacks – A Story in Pictures

Recently, a large group of adventurous painters participated in the 2019 Publisher’s Invitational, also known as summer camp for artists, in the Adirondack Mountains.
palette knife painting - "An Enthralling Allure" by Cynthia Rosen

Palette Knife Painting – Outdoors?

Cynthia Rosen, who is known for her palette knife painting techniques, is presenting her first ...

May “Peace” Be With You

Twelve talented plein air painters will be featuring their works this December in California for a can’t-miss group show. Find out here who’s included and where!
Plein air painting events - winning artists

Top Picks at the 22nd Annual First Brush of Spring

Over 120 artists descended on the Wabash River town in Southwestern Indiana, competing for over $20,000 in prizes and purchase awards.

Carmel to Canvas

The 4th annual “Carmel on Canvas” plein air paint-out was held Friday to Sunday, September 15-17, featuring 60 highly acclaimed artists competing for over $13,000 in prizes. Who did judge Shaun Thomas Dingwerth delight?

Prizes at Penn Valley Park

Penn Valley Park contains many of Kansas City’s most iconic monuments and memorials, which presented many outdoor painters with delightful subjects to represent during the 2017 Plein Air Kansas City, held May 5-13. Which artists were victorious? Find out here.
San Luis Outdoor Painters for the Environment

August 25-26: Original Paintings of San Luis Obispo

“Colors of Conservation” is an annual exhibit of original landscape paintings of precious open spaces, historic ranch lands, waterways, and coastal areas.