Preview the newest issue of PleinAir Magazine with the Editor’s Letter:
An Open Invitation
At the recent Plein Air Convention & Expo (PACE), I witnessed firsthand what makes our community so special: the incredible boost we get from being together. It’s not just about picking up a new technique or mastering a new tool — it’s about the conversations sparked in demo rooms or on bus rides to paint-outs, the encouragement of a nearby painter, and the collective excitement when a presenting artist puts down the brushstroke that brings a painting to life. But it’s not just the attendees who benefit; artists at the top of their game come as faculty, in part simply to participate in the experience, to soak up the energy and camaraderie, and to celebrate the practice that has meant so much to their art and their lives.
This issue builds on that same spirit. Inside, you’ll find artists reimagining classic landscapes, zeroing in on intimate vignettes, and uncovering beauty in often overlooked urban features — all fueled by a shared passion for capturing a moment in time and a desire to make a unique statement about the world around them. You’ll hear from four painters who have found new life in pastels, and learn how that leap has transformed their process. And you’ll gain new perspectives on timeless plein air subjects in our curated showcase that explores the textures and drama of hills, mountains, and cliffs.
Plus, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite moments from PACE, including the exciting reveal of the top prizewinners in the Annual PleinAir Salon art competition. And to top off our recap, we’ve corralled a few of the hot products that caught our attention at this year’s Expo Hall.
Whether you’re a painter or collector, you have an open invitation to the party. Plein air is not an exclusive club reserved for the elite; all who crave a greater relationship with the outdoors, a deeper understanding of light, or a closer connection to the art that hangs on their walls are welcome. And the best news is: there are lots of ways to get started or reinvigorate your practice — from the ever-growing number of plein air events and workshops around the country to this magazine, and of course, PACE.
So get out there, “find your tribe” as we like to say, and get involved. And I hope to see you at next year’s PACE in the Ozarks!
