As your online editor for PleinAir Magazine for more than half of its life, I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with thousands of you as you navigate the successes, challenges, and joys of learning to paint en plein air. One of the greatest benefits of this community is the connection it fosters — artists from all over the world engaging with one another, often through something as simple as a comment on a blog or social media post. Every day, I see you recount your experiences, offer encouragement, and build meaningful relationships through a shared passion for painting outdoors.
Some of our most beloved stories at OutdoorPainter.com and in the Plein Air Today newsletter are those of perseverance and connection — artists who have overcome physical challenges to continue painting, those who have had memorable (and often funny) encounters with wildlife, and those who have formed deep friendships through this uniquely rewarding pursuit.
Our community is also remarkably generous with its knowledge and expertise. Each shared tip, demonstration, or insight helps us all grow as artists and strengthens the legacy of the plein air movement.
Over the years, many of you have written to express your gratitude for the inspiration you find in the newsletter and on the website — whether it’s feeling less alone as an artist, finding renewed motivation to paint, or even seeing a boost in art sales after being featured. I want you to know that I reflect that appreciation back to you for being here, reading, and sharing your art with us.
As you continue your artistic journey, we’ll be right beside you, bringing you current events, in-depth artist profiles, step-by-step demos, and inspiring news to keep you connected to the ever-evolving, yet timeless, world of plein air painting.
All of this — in print and online — is at the heart of PleinAir.
By the Numbers
From readership milestones to online engagement, here’s a look at how the PleinAir Magazine community has grown since OutdoorPainter.com launched on February 25, 2011, quickly followed by the Plein Air Today newsletter.
- 50 — Countries that receive Plein Air Today, with Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia topping the list after the United States
- 350 — Average number of stories published each year in Plein Air Today
- 546 — Cups of coffee consumed annually during Plein Air Today editorial planning sessions
- 48,000+ — Plein Air Today newsletter subscribers
- 400,000+ — Unique visitors to OutdoorPainter.com in 2025, with 1 million page views
- 871 — Estimated number of plein air easels toppled by wind in 2025 (and counting)
- 50,400 — Views of our most-read online story: “The Best Plein Air Easels for Artists”
- 144,000+ — Instagram followers
- 149,000 — Subscribers to the Art School Live YouTube channel, which now features more than 2,200 free videos (and growing daily)
- 18.9 million — Total views of Art School Live with Eric Rhoads
