From the Latest Issue of PleinAir Magazine

PleinAir Magazine June/July 2026

Featured Artwork

Latest Articles

Salon Art Prize - Dave English, "Chief Joseph Medicine Crow," oil, 24 x 36 in.

The Salon Art Prize Monthly Winners Are …

Artist Cindy Baron has revealed her selections for the May 2026 Salon Art Prize. Cindy is nationally recognized in both watercolors and oils, painting the grand landscapes of the western mountains and coastal shorelines. Her top choices are ...
Brienne Brown, “Day for Exploring,” watercolor, 20 x 16 in, $2700, Available through the Illume Gallery of Fine Art

Watercolor Tip: Be Adaptable

Brienne Brown shares her approach to painting with watercolor in this quick tip for beginners.
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.
sketching en plein air - Paul Kratter 062022

Watch: Secrets of Sketching en Plein Air

In case you missed it, check out this interview below with Paul Kratter, who demonstrates helpful techniques for sketching en plein air.
Painting from a photo reference - Shelby Keefe, "Solista del Sol," oil

How to Create a Great Painting From an Imperfect Photo Reference

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.
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,...
Painting exercise - Lyn Asselta, "Sky Study 1," pastel, 8 x 10 in.

Plein Air Practice: My Daily Painting Exercise

To ensure she regularly paints from direct observation, Lyn Asselta uses this simply painting exercise each morning. It is to ...
Image courtesy of Door County Plein Air Festival (July 19-25, 2026)

July’s Hottest Plein Air Painting Destinations

Check out these July 2026 plein air painting events and opportunities, highlighting art shows throughout the U.S. Bonus: Catch this month's deadlines so you don't miss out on upcoming opportunities.
Painting clouds

Practical Advice for Painting Clouds

Because the diversity of cloud paintings is so unexpected, we offer the following practical advice for painting clouds and skies.
National Museum of Wildlife Art - Plein Air Fest

Plein Air Fest Winners in Wyoming

Forty-four invited artists took to NMWA's Sculpture Trail for a morning of live painting, music, and community celebration—drawing over 800 collectors and art enthusiasts. When the silent auction closed, total gross sales reached ...
Hot and tired from lugging my gear through the steep hillside town, I decided that I would stop and paint the next remotely suitable scene. Suddenly I came across the perfect spot…
Plein air painter and fourth-generation artist Jed Dorsey shares his tips for getting brilliant color into your next landscape painting.
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 ...
Watch and learn as Sara Linda Poly shows how her landscape painting, "Mountains and Long Shadows," came to be.

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