5 Reasons Why You Should Try Plein Air Painting

Apr 02, 2025

What is Plein Air Painting?

  • "Plein air" comes from the French language. 
  •  "Plein air" translates to " In the open air" in English.
  • Plein air painting is the act of going outdoors to paint your interpretation of the subject matter you choose.
  • Many artists do this to create more dynamic work with more brilliant colors, as they see them in real life, rather than from a photo.....read below for 5 reasons you should try plein air painting out for yourself!
If you'd like to see my small collection of plein air paintings click this link>> 

https://www.mariestephensart.com/site_search?search=plein+air


This Painting is available as a print, click on the image to browse sizes and options

I love to paint outside, en plein air, so as to better capture the actual colors that I see with my own two eyes. 

  1. Magic: Painting outside adds a certain magic to your art, a beautifully focused spontaneity and simplification.
  2. Meditation: Plein air painting forces you to focus, be still, and hold your body in a controlled way, control your breathing, etc
  3. Restorative:  I am able to absorb the energy of others around me, and that energy goes through me and out the end of my paint brush.
  4. Stay in the Moment:  There is also a certain amount of spontaneity involved, because the light and weather conditions change so quickly, one doesn't have a lot of time to think, which is good.  Overthinking can sometimes, kill a painting, Although painting outside can be stressful, this urgent nudge from nature is somewhat of a blessing in disguise!
  5. Social: It's so much fun to paint outside in fellowship with other painters of all skill levels!  Every time I go outside to paint, I meet new people, and learn new things!  Plein air events, are so much fun, because the artists are always so supportive of each other, and it is always so interesting each artist's unique interpretation of their surroundings!