pleinair

Plein air, or en plein air (French for "in the open air"), refers to painting outdoors directly from the subject rather than in a studio. The practice prioritizes direct observation of natural light, color, and atmosphere, often with rapid or spontaneous brushwork to capture transient effects.

Originating in 19th-century France, plein air was developed by artists associated with the Barbizon School and later embraced by the Impressionists. They rejected studio-based conventions and sought to depict contemporary landscapes and urban scenes as they appeared outdoors. The availability of portable easels, palettes, and paints, along with refined oil and watercolor materials, facilitated field work and helped popularize outdoor painting.

Practices vary; artists may work alla prima or in quick successive sessions to build layers. Common formats are small to medium canvases or panels, with plein air studies often serving as studies for larger studio works. The subject matter includes landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes, and urban scenes across different climates and seasons.

Today, plein air remains a common method in landscape painting and is supported by artist societies, workshops, and competitions around the world. It influenced modern art movements by stressing color and light over precise academic drawing, while many contemporary painters continue to combine outdoor sketching with studio finishing.