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Anatomy of a Peculiar Painting Composition

Andrew Borg wanted to capture a “sensation” rather than an “expression” when he set out to create this unusual painting composition.
The key to dealing with a subject as complex as the forest interior depicted in "The Pond" (acrylic, 24 x 24 in.) is simplification.

7 Principles for Painting a Forest Without a Single Leaf

The unique challenge of the forested landscape is translating all that chaotic beauty into a coherent design. In scenes that include millions of leaves and needles, thousands of branches, hundreds of species of plants, and numberless blades of grass, where do we begin? Rick J. Delanty explains.
Landscape painter Cindy Baron

Q&A with Cindy Baron: Artist, Visual Historian

Cindy Baron is nationally recognized in both watercolors and oils, painting the grand landscapes of the western mountains and coastal shorelines. Enjoy an exclusive interview by John Hughes about Cindy's path in art and her insights on painting techniques.
Plein air paintings - OutdoorPainter.com

The Life-Like Plein Air Paintings of Jeremy Sams

Is there a “special secret” to creating great paintings? Maybe — see how Jeremy Sams came to plein air, what his advice is for others, and more, in this exclusive Q&A.
how to paint with watercolor

Watercolor Tip: How to Make Splatters with a Paintbrush

"Many people use a toothbrush, but a toothbrush makes the spatters too even for me," says Richard Sneary. Here's his quick tip on how to make natural-looking marks with watercolor.
painting outdoors at the beach with watercolor - Gabriel Stockton

Painting Outdoors: The Best Medium for Plein Air at the Beach

There are many methods to choose from when it comes to painting outdoors at a potentially tricky location like the beach. Gabriel Stockton is a proponent of watercolor, and here's why.
Members of the Springfield Plein Air club in Missouri paint out every Thursday, from April 1 through Oct 31.

15 Ways Plein Air Painting is Evolving

As the time-honored practice of painting directly from nature enters a new era, artists are reimagining its traditions to reflect a changing world — one more connected, inclusive, and dynamic than ever.
Color harmony and Landscape painting value techniques - Kathryn Stats, “Out of Time,” 2016, oil on linen panel, 12 x 16 in.

Mastering Color Harmony: Kathryn Stats on Values, Complementary Pairs, and More

In this exclusive interview, John Hughes sits down with artist Kathryn Stats to explore color harmony in landscape painting. Learn her expert techniques for mastering values and utilizing complementary pairs to create stronger, more intentional compositions.
Plein air at Halfmoon Bay, California, 2022 quick painting

9 Ways to Improve Your Quick Painting / Pochade Skills

Quick painting trains our reflexes and judgment; it improves the observation of the eyes and drawing skills of the hand by ...
painting with gouache

Free Lesson: Painting with Gouache en Plein Air

Discover the art of painting with gouache en plein air with expert tips and techniques from Bernard Dellario. Perfect for artists of all skill levels!
PleinAir Salon art competition - First Place Overall: J.M. Brodrick, “Southside,” acrylic, 30 x 24 in.

Why It Works: 5 Winning Paintings Explained

If you've been considering entering your work in an art competition, you'll want to take note of what these PleinAir Salon judges have said about their First Place choices.
Plein Air Tips - Carrie Curran, painting the Indiana Dunes

18 Plein Air Tips for Beginners

Check out this helpful list of tips from Carrie Curran, who lays out what you should do before painting, advice for sketching your scene, and steps for success.
James Hart Dyke, “Blast Light, El Capitan, Yosemite,” 2024, oil, 16 1/2 x 16 1/2 in., Private collection, Plein air

10 Mighty Mountains

Across centuries, artists have looked to high places for subjects that evoke awe, challenge perspective, and stir the spirit. From remote mountains and rugged cliffs to gently rolling hills, these scenes have long symbolized both grandeur and solitude. In this showcase, ten contemporary plein air painters continue that tradition, capturing the drama, mystery, and quiet majesty of the world’s elevated landscapes.
Landscape painter Clyde Aspevig

Six Questions With Clyde Aspevig

Clyde Aspevig has had a major influence on many painters all around the world, especially landscape painters. Although known best for his remarkable landscapes,...
How to: Painting composition with Dan Marshall

Step-by-Step: Edit the Landscape for Better Composition

A strong composition is achieved through intentional design, not a happy accident of random shapes. If we look closely, nature gives us all the information we need. We just have to organize the pieces to create visually pleasing paintings.
"Trolley on 20th" by Jeff Steiner

2026 Plein Air Southwest Winners Announced

As the volunteers working the 2026 Plein Air Southwest packed up the exhibit panels and swept the floor, Randall Kirby Cogburn said it best: “Can't wait to do it again next year, all fun!” The winners this year are ...
Oil painting of cherries on a tree - Beth Bathe, "Sweet Tarts," 2024, oil, 16 x 20 in., Available at Fine Line Designs Gallery, Sister Bay, WI, Plein air

6 Ways to Develop a Distinctive Style

Beth Bathe's reductive approach to plein air painting, combined with simplification, strong design, and a unique perspective, distinguishes her from other artists. Here are a few elements that contribute to her distinct artistic identity and how you can use them to set your own work apart.

Lisa Wang: Painting the Sculptures of Venice

How Melbourne-based artist Lisa Wang draws on her early Chinese art education to capture centuries-old objects en plein air.
Ned Mueller teaching en plein air

Ned Mueller Receives PleinAir Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award

Ned Mueller has not just painted the world; he has enriched the lives of all who know him. His work is a monument to a life lived with integrity, passion, and an endless curiosity. Watch his PleinAir Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award presentation here, and ...
Acrylic color temperature demo

What Is Color Temperature?

Learn how warming up or cooling down areas of your painting can provide unity and balance in your work. Bonus: Includes a step-by-step demo!