PLEIN AIR PAINTING

Plein air, French for "open air," painting became popular in the early nineteenth century when paint manufacturers made available for the first time a wide range of pre-mixed oil pigments. Originally packaged in pig bladders, the artist could now easily take his or her oil paints afield. Indeed, the transportable medium was instrumental in opening the door to the Impressionist Movement. Finally, the artist could, as Monet wrote, " . . . paint the air in which are situated the bridge, the home, the boat."

Although oil paints are the primary medium of plein air painters, watercolor and acrylic painting demonstrations are also scheduled in the series.
Painting © Ron Rencher

It is interesting to note that most plein air painters eschew fads, use a limited palette and employ traditional techniques and materials.

Taking their cue from the impressionists, modern plein air artists generally paint "ala prima" laying down a scene with quick broad, colorful brush strokes — foregoing the typical ‘building up’ of the painting. Sessions on location last from a few hours to the better part of a day, depending on the light and weather. It is a generally accepted practice that once back in the studio, the artist will add a few final touches to complete their plein air painting. We will travel with the artists both on location and to their studios to see how these works are accomplished.
Painting © George Strickland

Plein air is best known as a California or Western art movement, but it is, in fact a fully American art movement. Today, plein air is experiencing a renaissance around the country. Plein air societies, painter’s workshops and books and articles on plein air painters and technique are found throughout the US. The charm of traditional landscape painting combined with the energy of gesture-like brush strokes and the magic of capturing light in shadows remain the hallmark of the plein air painter. Plein Air, Painting the American Landscape will introduce the viewer to this important art movement.
The paintings featured in the Web site represent the style and technique of the artists appearing in Plein Air, Painting the American Landscape series and are not necessarily the paintings featured in the series. Copyright is held by the artist and paintings may not be reproduced by any method without the written consent of the artist.