Paintings created en plein air are elemental, raw, and honest.

Those from the studio are coddled, overworked, and contrived.

Artists rightfully brag their plein air purity.

Collectors covert the plein air designation.

It’s only plein air if 100% outside. No studio touchups. No half labels.

Plein air paintings have a story, a life, that a studio can never replicate.

Here’s why plein air paintings are better:

Direct Observation

  • The real thing.

  • No reference photos.

  • Only the application of the artist’s creativity.

  • Through their eyes.

  • Unfiltered. Honest. Unique.

Survive The Elements

  • They are imbued with a specific location.

  • Forged by the artist in that natural environment.

  • Crafted in a fleeting moment.

  • In the beating sun, tranquil breeze, or bitter cold.

  • A testament to the physical geography.

Execution Under Constraint

  • Limited time.

  • Changing conditions.

  • Minimal supplies.

  • The plein air artist skillfully embraces these constraints with vigor.

  • Unlike the comfortable studio, with unlimited space for perfection.

These reasons give each plein air painting a story.

Escape the studio.

Get out there and paint plein air.

It’s only plein air if 100% outside. No studio touchups. No half labels.