Plein Air, or “en plein air” is a French phrase meaning to paint outside. Though the idea of painting outside wasn’t a new one, it became popular in the mid 19th century – most likely connected to the invention of paint tubes and box easels! Plein Air painting was very popular with the French Impressionists.

Plein Air painting has had a ressurgance in the last decade of so. With Plein Air magazines and paint outs and societies all over the country, more and more people are discovering the joy of outdoor painting!