Whether they seek to capture the delicate hues of daybreak, the drama of an approaching storm, or the serene glow of twilight, artists have long turned their gaze upward for inspiration. In this collection, plein air painters present their visions of the sky — not merely as a backdrop for the landscape, but as a subject full of mood, movement, and meaning in its own right.
1. Manon Sander, “Morning on the River,” 2017, oil, 8 x 10 in., Private collection, Plein air2. Jeri Greenberg, “Storm Over Low Country,” 2024, pastel, 12 x 16 in., Private collection, Studio from plein air study3. Mary Pettis, “Classic Echoes,” 2020, oil, 24 x 38 in., Private collection, Plein air and studio4. Pauline Roche, “County Fair at Twilight,” 2018, oil, 12 x 16 in., Private collection, Plein air5. Val Sandell, “A Rancher’s Backyard,” 2023, oil, 18 x 24 in., Private collection, Studio from plein air study6. Susan Lynn, “Island Road Sunset,” 2024, watercolor, 12 x 16 in., Available from artist, Studio from plein air study7. Jim Rehak, “Dream Creek,” 2022, oil, 12 x 24 in., Available from artist, Plein air8. Carole Belliveau, “Spur Wash Trail,” 2023, oil, 11 x 14 in., Available from Underwood Gallery, Santa Fe, NM, Plein air9. Christine Bodnar, “Study for Glory,” 2021, pastel, 12 x 9 in., Available from artist, Plein air10. John Eiseman, “River Dance,” 2024, oil, 12 x 16 in., Private collection, Plein air
Editor’s Note: Join us for the 6th Annual Plein Air Live online art conference, featuring Kathleen Hudson, Kevin Macpherson, Kami Mendlik, and many more! The event takes place November 6-8, 2025, with an Essential Techniques Day on November 5. Learn more at PleinAirLive.com.
