Plein Air for Beginners

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!

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...

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.

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.

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.

Tackle these common issues to start making better paintings sooner rather than later with this painting advice from John Cosby.

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.

We asked some of your favorite plein air artists about their palettes and what colors — and brands — they use to create stunning landscapes.

Painting outdoors gives you so many options! Get insider notes from Carrie Curran's advice on "Plein Air Basics."

Master these elements to give your paintings a powerful sense of atmospheric depth.

New to painting en plein air? Get advice for painting outdoors with this excerpt from the new book “Plein Air Painting Tips and Tales.”