Six Keys to Painting Trees with Character and Dimension
To avoid trees that look generic or pasted on, follow these tips for painting compelling contours, varied sky holes, and details at a range of distances.
The Essential Guide to Outdoor Painting
Whether you are seasoned at outdoor painting or a novice, it is often daunting to tackle new terrain. To make your experience more enjoyable, we’ve compiled this go-to guide for your next plein air excursion!
Tseng’s Tip for Beginner Plein Air Painters
To achieve free, direct handling, Hsin-Yao Tseng says it's important not to ...
Getting Started in the Field
New to painting en plein air? Get advice for painting outdoors with this excerpt from the new book “Plein Air Painting Tips and Tales.”
Free Landscape Painting Demonstration: How to Simplify
Ever wondered how to make your landscape paintings glow with realistic light? In this beginner-friendly lesson, artist Kami Mendlik breaks down her simple, effective approach to painting light that feels real by mastering color relativity.
Plein Air 101: The Rule of Thirds for Painting Landscapes
Learn how to determine the center of interest when painting landscapes by studying these three examples showing the Rule of Thirds.
Get Used To It
A word of advice from plein air painter Carla Bosch, who will be joining us at the 2026 Plein Air Convention & Expo!
Plein Air Painting in Winter
The following is part of a series that will share tips and tricks for plein air painting in winter. Stay tuned for more!
Plein Air Painters: Pay Heed to Rising Water
A cautionary tale about the danger of flash floods: Just because it’s dry where you are, you could still be downstream of a perilous storm.
Bring Duct Tape …
... and seven more plein air painting tips from Gavin Glakas.
How to Paint With Watercolor: Live with Keiko Tanabe
In this on-camera interview with Eric Rhoads, Keiko Tanabe shares her advice on how to paint with watercolor.
Painting Basics: Understanding Value
“All of us, beginners and experienced painters alike, can benefit from a refresher course in the bedrock principles of value and color.” John MacDonald explains more in this overview.
The Best Palettes for Plein Air Painting
What’s the best palette for painters? We asked, and you answered! More than 25 artists share their favorites here (including DIY palettes).
Painting Landscapes: Designing a Field Study on Location
When it comes to designing landscape paintings, artists usually have their own approach to making their paintings work, but there are certain common threads worth noting.
From Fingers to Fanny – Tips for Staying Warm When Painting in Winter
I’ve painted outdoors in all kinds of weather and rarely have been uncomfortable because of the cold. My secret is ...
Painting the Landscape? Do Not Overlook This Step
When it comes to painting the landscape, there are many common mistakes that artists - especially new plein air painters - make...
What to Take When Painting en Plein Air: Kathleen Hudson’s Toolkit & Setup
If you're new to painting en plein air, or are experienced and curious about what others use on location, check out Kathleen Hudson's packing list, including her art toolkit and plein air setup.
Painting Tips for Beginners: 7 Steps to Help You Begin
Painting Tips for Beginners > Plein air painter Gary Snavely shares his advice to help you organize your thoughts for a greater chance of a good painting outcome.
Acrylics: A Quick and Efficient Medium for Painting On Location
The medium has become an integral part of how I compose — plunging right in, using my big brush like a saber, bringing to life large, bold subjects with absolutely no need for the careful planning that can turn a painting session into a bore.
7 Ways to Strengthen Your Plein Air Process
The following article features a leading artist who is teaching others how to paint through online workshops at PaintTube.tv.