One of my favorite parts of editing PleinAir Magazine is that I get to see the full sweep of this community — from seasoned masters who’ve been painting outdoors for decades to beginners setting up an easel for the first time. But, like our Publisher, Eric Rhoads, I’ve been thinking a lot about the next generation lately. Who are the artists in their 20s and 30s who will carry plein air painting forward?
That’s why I found putting together this year’s roundup of promising young painters especially gratifying. My picks are inventive, courageous, and deeply connected to the world around them. Their work reminds me that plein air painting has never been about standing still. It’s always been about experimenting and looking at the landscape with fresh eyes.
Why Young Artists Matter
Think about it: the painters we most associate with plein air — the Impressionists — were young rule-breakers when they hauled their easels outdoors. They weren’t following tradition; they were creating it. That same spirit lives on today. The young painters I’m seeing aren’t afraid to try new approaches, blend techniques, or push the definition of plein air in bold directions.
But let’s be honest — being a young artist today isn’t easy. Between the distractions of digital life, the financial challenges of pursuing art, and a world that doesn’t always value creativity the way it should, it takes guts to commit to painting. That’s why they need us. They need community, encouragement, and support. They need to know they’re welcome in the plein air family.
Painting as a Way of Caring
Another piece to this that makes plein air especially meaningful for the next generation is conservation. Every time we set up outdoors, we’re not just painting. We’re paying attention. We’re bearing witness to the beauty of places that matter.
And one thing I know from my own experience: young people care deeply about the environment. They want to protect our public lands, our parks, our coastlines. Plein air painting offers them a powerful way to connect that passion with their art. A painting of a marsh, a mountain, or a neighborhood street isn’t just a picture — it’s a statement that this place is worth noticing, worth remembering, worth protecting.
Imagine if more plein air festivals partnered with conservation groups or parks to showcase that connection. Imagine a rise in residencies where young artists could spend time painting in wild spaces, then share their work as ambassadors for those places. That’s the kind of bridge that could make plein air even more relevant — and give young painters a sense of purpose that goes beyond the canvas.
A Call to Action
So here’s where you come in. If you’ve been painting for years, I echo Eric’s plea: look for ways to reach out. Invite a younger artist to join you on a paint-out. Share what you’ve learned. Celebrate their successes. If you’re a collector, keep your eye out for young painters whose work excites you; support them early in their careers. If you run an event, create awards or categories for emerging artists.
And if you’re a young painter reading this, let me say this clearly: we need you. Your vision, your voice, matter. The world is changing, and you have a chance to help plein air painting not just survive, but thrive, in a new era.
Looking Ahead
In “Next in Line” in the October/November issue of PleinAir Magazine, you’ll meet some of the artists I believe represent the future of plein air. They bring fresh energy, a spirit of discovery, and a connection to the land that is both timeless and urgent. I hope their stories inspire you as much as they inspire me.
The future of plein air isn’t something far off; it’s happening right now, in the hands of these young painters. Let’s cheer them on, support them, and make sure they know they have a home in this community.
Because when we nurture the next generation, we’re not just protecting a tradition — we’re ensuring that the beauty of the world, as seen through the artist’s eye, continues to be celebrated for years to come.
