18 Plein Air Tips for Beginners
Check out this helpful list of tips from Carrie Curran, who lays out what you should do before painting, advice for sketching your scene, and steps for success.
The Hottest Plein Air Art Supplies of the Season
We always need more art supplies - like, always. Here are some the most popular colors, surfaces, paint brushes, frames on the market now. You're welcome!
Watch: Secrets of Sketching en Plein Air
In case you missed it, check out this interview below with Paul Kratter, who demonstrates helpful techniques for sketching en plein air.
5 Quick and Dirty Tips for Artists
Plein air painter Gene Costanza shares his five quick tips for artists on composition, color, and more.
The Best Backpacks for Plein Air Painting
There are as many backpack brands and styles as there are colors in the western sunset, so what’s the best backpack for artists who paint en plein air? We asked, and you answered! (Bonus: Watch a free video from Eric Rhoads on how to pack a light plein air backpack.)
Plein Air Painting and Personal Safety
This could save your life > Get expert tips from a Chicago artist on how plein air painters can be safe while painting outdoors in public spaces.
How Much Should Your Plein Air Painting Gear Weigh?
There’s a mental freedom we associate with painting outdoors, but that lightness can easily be juxtaposed with the ...
The Best Plein Air Umbrellas for Artists
What's the best umbrella for plein air painting? We asked, and you answered! Here's what artists from our community had to share, including some helpful photos.
A 260-Mile Plein Air Relay
Is it possible to participate in two distant plein air events in the same week? This ambitious artist pushes the limits to find out. Bonus: Includes a list of tips for your next plein air event!
A Pep Talk for Beginners and Frustrated Art Students
If you weren't naturally handed a free pass to excellence or are coming to art late in the game, John Hughes has an encouraging message for you.
Plein Air Painting and the Need for Speed
Do you feel pressured to paint faster when en plein air? If you're tempted to practice the "smash and grab" technique, you might want to think twice. Here's why.
Just Do the Preliminary Sketch – and 25 Other Painting Aha Moments
Do you remember the first time a painting concept clicked for you? For these Dreamliners, the big "aha" moment came during plein air workshops, painting travels, and even at Streamline events such as Plein Air Live, the world's first online art conference. Keep reading to see if you've shared some of these special moments!
Architectural Subjects: To Paint or Draw?
When this artist approaches architecture as a subject in the landscape, certain factors determine if the resulting art will be a drawing or a painting. See why...
4-Step Plein Air Oil Painting Demonstration
For plein air beginners: See how oil painter Anthony Salvo paints "Sparkling Cliffs, Inspiration Point," in four basic steps that you can apply to your next landscape.
The Best Plein Air Easels for Artists
What’s the best easel for plein air painting? We asked, and you answered! Dozens of artists share what their favorite plein air easels are, including why they’re top choice.
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.
Plein Air Watercolor Tips and Tricks
When time is of the essence and access to supplies is limited, you must be prepared to make the most of what you have. Plein air watercolor painter Frank Costantino offers his best advice for how to handle just about any outdoor painting situation.
Plein Air Society Starts Online Painting Critiques
"Artists that have trained their ability to look beyond the detail ... are able to make stronger, more captivating art."
The 10 Most Common Mistakes Painters Make
Tackle these common issues to start making better paintings sooner rather than later with this painting advice from John Cosby.
FREE: The Ultimate Plein Air 101 Guide for Artists
If you’re an artist, chances are you’ve already practiced plein air painting and maybe don’t even realize it! Some artists paint en plein air for years before realizing they’re part of the world’s largest art movement.