Preview the newest issue of PleinAir Magazine with the Editor’s Letter:
The Joy of Painting—and Sharing
There’s a moment that happens at nearly every plein air event I attend. It’s often late in the day, when the light begins to shift dramatically. I’ll glance around and see a handful of easels still standing, brushes moving in silence, and artists focused on making their final marks on location. There’s something sacred in that quiet. A stillness that feels like reverence — for nature, for art, and for the act of seeing.
And yet, plein air painting is anything but solitary. One of the greatest joys of this community is that we show up for each other — not just to share what we’re working on, but to share what we’ve learned. From casual critiques in the field to formal workshops and online demos, the spirit of generosity runs deep.
That spirit was on full display at the Plein Air Convention & Expo in Lake Tahoe and Reno in May. Being surrounded by hundreds of artists, all speaking the same visual language, was both exhilarating and affirming. We cheered each other on in the demo rooms, swapped tips in the Expo Hall, and learned from painters we’ve admired for years. There’s something powerful about watching an instructor lay down just the right stroke, then pause to explain exactly why they made it — and how you can, too.
Those are the kinds of moments that stay with me. They remind me that while we all begin our painting journey alone — just us, our materials, and the blank canvas — we don’t have to walk it alone. There’s always someone ahead willing to lend a hand, and someone behind who can benefit from our experience.
This issue is packed with that same spirit of sharing. You’ll meet artists preserving local history through plein air painting — like those capturing the dramatic, geologically rich coastline at Nova Scotia’s Cliffs of Fundy, and Barbara Tapp, who returned to Australia to retrace her roots with sketchbook and brush in hand. You’ll journey with James Gurney on his sketching adventures, where a portable gouache kit and boundless curiosity lead to unexpected discoveries around every corner. You’ll also get a front-row seat to festivals and events that bring painters together to connect and grow, and hear from participants and organizers on why these gatherings matter. Plus, we invite you to join us in celebrating the work of watercolor societies that provide members with opportunities to exhibit their work, participate in workshops and demonstrations, and connect with fellow watercolor artists.
Two of my favorite photos in this issue feature plein air pros Olena Babak and Steven Walker mentoring high school art students during the Forgotten Coast en Plein Air event. Putting the competition aside, they gave their full attention to the young artists, swapping stories, offering encouragement, and sharing advice.
These are the stories I love to tell — the ones that remind us that plein air painting is more than a technique or method. It’s a way of life. A way of seeing, of connecting, and of giving back.
So whether you’re heading into the field for the first time or the hundredth, I hope this issue of PleinAir Magazine inspires you to try something new, to share something useful, and to remember why you started painting in the first place.
And if you ever feel stuck or unsure, just know there’s a whole community of artists out here, ready to cheer you on.
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