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landscape oil painting - "Avalanche Spectre" (2025, oil, 35 x 63 in., studio from multiple plein air studies)

250 Years of Tradition

This special collector edition of PleinAir Magazine is an invitation to explore American landscapes through the eyes of the artists who have painted them, loved them, questioned them, and helped define them.
Leon Wyczółkowski, "U WRÓT CHAŁUBIŃSKIEGO [AT THE CHAŁUBIŃSKI GATE]," c. 1905, pastel on paper, 30 1/2 x 42 1/3 in., National Museum in Kraków

Painting of the Week: “U Wrót Chałubińskiego”

In “U Wrót Chałubińskiego,” Leon Wyczółkowski places us at the threshold of the sublime. Painted en plein air at the Chałubiński Gate, a mountain pass in the Tatra Mountains, the pastel captures a fleeting moment of clouds, light, and shadow that evokes both awe and intimacy.
PleinAir Salon - First Place Overall: Fernando Micheli, “Lovrijenac Fortress Overlook, Dubrovnik,” oil, 18 x 14 in.

An Impressionistic Delight for the Senses

Master Artist Debra Joy Groesser has revealed her selections for the December 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. They are ...
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.
oil painting of waves

Latest Salon Winner: A Seascape That’s “Strong” in All the Ways

Master Artist William A. Schneider has revealed his selections for the November 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. They are ...
Painting of penguins and the Northern Lights - Holiday Greeting Cards - Sam Paonessa, “What do you call artists who paint in extreme winter weather? Plein-guins!” 2022, oil on panel, 12 x 18 in.

Meet the Artist Behind Our Holiday Greeting Cards

Meet Sam Paonessa, an active member of the Streamline Publishing PleinAir community. Since 2021, Sam has been painting the holiday greeting cards you see from Eric Rhoads and our team each year.
Previous PleinAir Magazine editor-in-chief M. Stephen Doherty (far left) officially turned over the top job to me at the 2018 Plein Air Convention in Santa Fe. We were joined on stage by online editor CherieDawn Haas, Jean Stern, and publisher Eric Rhoads.

Fifteen Years and Counting

Anniversaries invite reflection — a moment to pause, take stock, and appreciate how far we’ve come. With this issue, we celebrate a special milestone: PleinAir Magazine’s 15th anniversary.
How to paint landscapes - Color Value - OutdoorPainter.com

Painting Basics: Understanding Value

“All of us, beginners and experienced painters alike, can benefit from a refresher course in the bedrock principles of value and color.” John MacDonald explains more in this overview.

Subscription Renewal

We’re glad you’re part of the PleinAir magazine family! Renew your subscription here, where you can choose from digital and/or print options.
LuAnn Widergren, "Morning at the Marsh," 2023, oil, 18 x 24 in., private collection, plein air and studio

Painting of the Week: “Morning at the Marsh”

Even though the scene was rapidly changing with the sunrise, I slowed down and just concentrated on color notes, giving each stroke of color as a placeholder.
unique gifts for artists - easel clip for paint brushes

Gifts for Artists: Your 2025 Holiday Shopping Guide

This list has it all: gorgeous frames, beautiful paints, and a special section of gifts under $50!
PleinAir Magazine gift subscription

Gift Subscription

Thank you for giving PleinAir as a gift to a treasured friend or loved one. They are sure to enjoy each issue for the...
PleinAir Salon - First Place Overall: Barbara Ortiz, “Nature’s Rhythm,” pastel, 20 x 16 in.

September Salon: Nature’s Rhythm Wins

Abigail McBride, Director of McBride Gallery, has revealed her selections for the September 2025 PleinAir Salon art competition. They are ...
Don Demers, "Bright Day at Marshall Point," 2020, oil, 9 x 12 in., private collection, plein air

Donald Demers on Dismantling a Scene

Learn about the process and inspiration of contemporary landscape painter Donald Demers. (Bonus: Discover Donald's painting techniques in his video workshops here!)
Donating Art - painting scene of an auction

On Donating Art: Giving Back or Giving Too Much?

Our expert takes a look at the rewards and drawbacks of donating artwork to a charity auction.
Stan Sperlak, "Australia Outback (Flinders Ranges)," pastel, 9 x 12 in.

The Tonalist Touch: Stan Sperlak’s Subtle Approach to Pastel Painting

This New Jersey artist draws on the inspiration of Tonalists and Luminists to create atmosphere and light in his unique approach to pastel painting.
Sorolla’s garden

Art Inspiration: Sorolla’s Garden

Like many of his fellow Impressionists in France, Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla designed extensive gardens around his home and studio in Madrid (now the Sorolla Museum) as a reflection of his own creativity and works of art in themselves.
Best in Show: Jason Li, "Catching Sunset," watercolor, 12 x 16 in.

LPAPA Breaks Records This Year

The 27th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational, presented last week by the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA), concluded with record-breaking art sales and ideal weather for the 30 invited artists.
Julie Davis, "Early Autumn, Vermont," 2019, oil, 8 x 10 in., collection the artist, plein air

Why Small Works Work for Both Artist and Collector

Paintings that measure a foot or less offer versatility for painters looking to capture color notes, study a location, and sell to people with limited wall space or budget. Here's why some ...
2026 Winter Art Escape

Winter Art Escape: February 2026

Escape to the warm sun for a week of plein air painting with PleinAir Magazine Publisher, Eric Rhoads. Join us February 6-13, 2026 in ...