Art Snippet: Why I Love to Layer
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 Receives PleinAir Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award
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 ...
How to Create Perspective and Depth in a Landscape
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.
Build a “Visual Library”
In this issue of PleinAir Magazine, you’ll meet Ellie Wilson — a painter who has accumulated what she describes as “piles of plein air paintings,” and arrived at a philosophy that every artist, at every level, needs to hear.
Featured Artwork: Rita Cirillo
Rita Cirillo:
What are you currently working on?
Rita: For the last year or so, I have been winging a large commission. Using elements from my...
Featured Artwork: Fen Rascoe
Fen Rascoe: Whether painting in Plein Air or in the studio, I strive to simplify my subject into a non-rendered and uncomplicated three-dimensional artistic tale...
Glow, Energy, Texture: How to Paint Landscapes Step by Step Demo
How to Paint Landscapes > Learn how to quickly accomplish a glowing, magical atmosphere in paintings with this free step-by-step demo from Bill Davidson ("How to Paint Glowing Landscapes" on PaintTube.TV).
Landscape Painting Demo: Building and Taking Away
The following landscape painting demonstration is by Trey Finney, whose work stresses high contrast and a high key.
It’s Official: Plein Air Live is Back!
We couldn't be more excited to have you back with us! Here's a quick look at what's in store: Live demos from world-class plein air artists, Q&A sessions so you can ask your burning questions, and ...
Art Snippet: On Simplifying Your Shapes and Massing
Painting from life will teach you how to see and paint light on forms and will make you learn to bring order to what is a seemingly overwhelming amount of detail and information in nature.
Annual Salon Winner: “One of the Best of His Generation”
Discover who won the Grand Prize in the 15th Annual PleinAir Salon (now known as The Salon Art Prize, and one of the most prestigious art prizes in the world). The artist's winning painting, "Summertime" had already ...
Plein Air Painting Throughout Pikes Peak
The season kicks off with a Pikes Peak Plein Air Painters group exhibition, and then launches into a series of outdoor art activities, classes, studio tours, and more.
Plein Air Painting an Imagined Figure?
The following is part of a series that spotlights an artist who loves painting outdoors. Today's feature is on ...
Understanding Masses for a Strong Landscape Painting Composition
Discover a practical idea to improve your landscape painting composition and design skills. If you can do this, you stand a good chance of winding up with a strong painting that reads as a design from across the room.
Plan Your June: Can’t-Miss Plein Air Events
Check out these June 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.
Landscape Painting Tutorial: Plotting Points of Interest
Plein air painter Peggy Immel takes us through a step-by-step landscape painting tutorial on how she created "Spring Willows."
5 Ways Digital Tools Can Strengthen Your Plein Air Practice
Artists Mike Hernandez and Tiffanie Mang share tips on how digital painting tools can enhance your plein air practice — making you faster, bolder, and more inventive in the field.
6 Vibrant Paintings of Fairs and Festivals
For plein air painters, fairs, festivals, and amusement parks offer unique opportunities to indulge in bold, vibrant color and flex the creative muscles needed to capture the energy and excitement on full display.
Artist Spotlight: Colette Pitcher
Colette Pitcher:
Where do I find inspiration? The way light glints off a surface, seeing something new while traveling, an attractive repeating pattern - these...
Why Plein Air Painting Is Essential To Me
Olga Abramova lives and works in Moscow. She is best known for her soft, atmospheric paintings created with pastel and charcoal. Here, she shares her process for plein air painting in preparation for studio works.
4 Favorite Quotes From PACE ’26
As you read this, artists around the globe are still glowing from the largest gathering of plein air artists in the world: The Plein Air Convention & Expo, held in beautiful Branson, Missouri. Before we dive into these favorite quotes from the dozens of painting demonstrations that took place, know that the next one is going to be at ...
7 City Sights
The paintings of city scenes showcased here encourage us to slow down and enjoy the complex beauty that can be found amidst ...
An Approach to Painting Landscapes, In Studio and Plein Air
An interview with Brian Blood on how you can benefit from painting landscapes en plein air and in the studio; his approach to color, and more.
Painting On Location and Visual Veracity
Artist Don Demers shares his insights, motivations, and creative process for his maritime and landscape paintings.
What Is Color Temperature?
Learn how warming up or cooling down areas of your painting can provide unity and balance in your work. Bonus: Includes a step-by-step demo!