From the Latest Issue of PleinAir Magazine

PleinAir Magazine June/July 2026

Featured Artwork

Latest Articles

Heiner Radau, drawing the NYC Highline

Did You Draw This?!

In a "marathon of creativity," urban sketcher Heiner Radau followed his dream of drawing New York City on location. Then, he took his art to a modern level by connecting the artwork to videos, timelapses, and even an ...
"Easton begins with a thumbnail," says Russell Jewell. (@russell.jewell.art) - Plein Air Easton

Happening Now: 22nd Annual Plein Air Easton

In Easton, Maryland, they're welcoming artists who are spending the week painting all over Talbot County for Plein Air Easton.
Paint Grand Traverse

8 Days of Art, Community, and Inspiration

From quiet morning painting sessions to conversations with visitors and collectors, Paint Grand Traverse highlighted the power of art to connect people and celebrate a shared sense of place. This year's winners are ...
Eric Rhoads starts a plein air painting

Beyond the Great Wall: Inside China’s Plein Air Painting Renaissance

What happens when an artist sets aside long-held misconceptions to explore the heart of a foreign culture? For Eric Rhoads, a month-long journey through China revealed a world not just of ancient history, but of a sophisticated, modern, and incredibly vibrant outdoor painting movement that is setting a new global standard.
Art School Live with Eric Rhoads - how to fix your painting

Why Your Paintings Look “Off” and How to Fix Them

This Art School Live critique session with Eric Rhoads covers composition, values, focal point, edge control, and warm vs cool balance, with practical fixes like checking in black and white and simplifying clutter.
Wyatt Waters, artist and author of "The Watercolor Road"

Taking Care of Your Artistic Self Is Your Responsibility

At the most critical junctures, few, and sometimes no one, will believe ...
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.
Mixing greens in watercolor - James Faecke, "Bridge at Vilas Lagoons," 2020, watercolor, 11 x 15 in., Private collection, Plein air

Painting Wisconsin … in Watercolor

James Faecke shares the challenge and his solution to painting greens with watercolor, his plein air palette, and his personalized set of primaries.
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.
plein air watercolor painting of houses

Better With Time

Elements of wear and tear in Mat Barber Kennedy’s textural watercolors show signs of life and how we live it.
Brienne Brown shares her approach to painting with watercolor in this quick tip for beginners.
In case you missed it, check out this interview below with Paul Kratter, who demonstrates helpful techniques for sketching en plein air.
Plein air painter Shelby Keefe shows us how she took a lackluster photo reference and turned it into a painting with great design and color.
Clyde Aspevig has had a major influence on many painters all around the world, especially landscape painters. Although known best for his remarkable landscapes,...

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