From the Latest Issue of PleinAir Magazine

PleinAir Magazine June/July 2026

Featured Artwork

Latest Articles

Plein air painter Mo Myra

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 ...
Sara Linda Poly, "Mountains and Long Shadows," oil, 12 x 16 in.

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.
Landscape painter Alex Dzigurski artist

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.
The Salon Art Prize - First Place Overall: Jane Jones, “Mysteries at Risk,” oil, 47 x 72 in.

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 ...
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.
Gene Costanza plein air painting

5 Quick and Dirty Tips for Artists

Plein air painter Gene Costanza shares his five quick tips for artists on composition, color, and more.
landscape painting - Thomas Kegler, "Where the Buffalo Roam, Isaiah 40:31," 2024, oil, 30 x 40 in., Private collection, Studio from plein air study

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.
"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.
Pastel Painting Demo: How to Create Crashing Waves

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.

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