Latest Articles
It’s Simple: Plein Air Painting Is My Joy
When Mo Myra isn't painting outdoors, she's working as a full-time commissioned live wedding painter and watercolor instructor for various institutions such as ...
6-Step Landscape Painting Demo: Painting Back to Front
Watch and learn as Sara Linda Poly shows how her landscape painting, "Mountains and Long Shadows," came to be.
I Will Paint In Any Way Possible
Landscape painter Alex Dzigurski has led an inspired life, with a talented father leading him to the path of being an artist. Today, Alex continues to paint and teach, despite having MS.
Announcement: The April Salon Art Prize Winners Are …
Catherine Saks, of Saks Gallery in Cherry Creek, Colorado, has revealed her selections for the April 2026 Salon Art Prize. They are ...
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.
5 Quick and Dirty Tips for Artists
Plein air painter Gene Costanza shares his five quick tips for artists on composition, color, and more.
Painting of the Week: “Where the Buffalo Roam, Isaiah 40:31”
"Where the Buffalo Roam, Isaiah 40:31" is an oil painting born from a deep connection to the wild heart of Yellowstone National Park in the Lamar Valley and a reflection on endurance and hope.
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 ...
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.
Pastel Painting Demo: How to Create Crashing Waves
In Case You Missed It: Join art publisher Eric Rhoads in this classic episode of Art School Live as he gives you free art instruction in pastel painting with artist Lyn Diefenbach.
Richard McKinley takes us through a step-by-step tutorial of painting with pastel over a watercolor underpainting.
I view the world in shapes and color notes — not objects, and this is how I approach my paintings as well. In general, I begin a painting by ...
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 ...
Learn how to add realistic perspective and depth to a landscape using Carla Bosch’s shape-first approach. Includes guidance on sketching, toned canvas, and leading the eye for an atmospheric Yosemite mountain scene.

















