10 Top Places for Plein Air Painting

For when you need to get outside and paint!

Spring is upon us and it’s time to take those easels, canvases, pads, paints and brushes outside! The days are quickly warming up, so leave those dark studios behind and step into the sunlight for “en plein air painting”.

What is plein air painting you ask?

“En Plein air” is simply a French term for “in the open air”, meaning to paint outside in nature. Famous plein air painters include Claude Monet, Georgia O’Keefe, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Winslow Homer.

Painting outdoors, known as plein air painting, provides artists with a fulfilling and enriching experience that honors the splendor of nature while stimulating creativity, curiosity and a sense of unity.

Whether painting for enjoyment, self improvement or career advancement, plein air painters value the delights of creating art in natural settings and the deep bond it cultivates with their surroundings.

The best thing about plein air painting is that anyone can do it. With tools like French Style Easels, some Charvin Extra-Fine Artists’ Acrylic paints, or maybe even just a notebook you can paint on, like the Painter’s Color Diary to pack away in your carrying Creativo Art Supply Carry Bag, you can go straight outdoors and start painting.

However, if you want to find the best places on the planet for plein air painting, you might need some transportation.

10 Top destination and places for en plein air painting around the world!

10. Mt. Ranier, Washington, USA

Painting outsde in Mount Rainier, Washington, USA, offers artists a breathtaking and inspiring experience amidst the majestic beauty of one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest.

Mt Ranier from Gand Park, plein air by Robin Weiss, oil colors

9. Tuscany, Italy

Many artists dream of painting outside and going plein are crazy in Tuscany, Italy, drawn to its beautiful landscapes, quaint villages and cultural heritage that has been a muse for centuries. Artists will find endless inspiration in the vibrant colors, dramatic light, and timeless beauty of the Tuscan landscape, which has been immortalized in countless works of art.

Across the Isthmus #2, plein air by Julie Houck

8. Paris, France

Painting outside in Paris, France, offers artists a captivating and inspiring experience amidst the beauty, history, and charm of the City of Light. The Seine River meanders through Paris, flanked by picturesque bridges, quays, and waterfront boulevards. Artists can set up their easels along the riverbanks or on scenic bridges to paint panoramic views of the Seine.

Pont Alexander III in the Rain, plein air by Marc Dalessio, oil on panel

7. The Southwest, USA

Painting outside in the Southwest region of the United States offers artists a unique and captivating experience amidst the stunning landscapes, rich colors, and vibrant cultures of this diverse region, The Southwest is home to some of the country’s most iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Canyonlands.

Bell Rock, plein air by Steve Simon, oil on canvas (Bell Rock, Arizona)

6. Napa Valley, California, USA

Painting outside in Napa Valley, California, USA, offers artists a delightful and inspiring experience amidst the picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and scenic landscapes of this renowned wine country. Painting en plein air in Napa Valley offers artists a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, with the scent of grapevines in the air and the sounds of nature all around.

Hurried Shadows at Eventide, plein air by Ellen Boulanger

5. Oia, Santorini, Greece

Creating art outdoors in Oia, Santorini, Greece provides artists with a mesmerizing and motivating encounter surrounded by the charm, distinct architecture and lively hues of this renowned Cycladic town. Painting outside in Oia offers artists a glimpse into the laid-back and leisurely Mediterranean lifestyle, with its sunny weather, alfresco dining, and traditional Greek hospitality

Santorini, Oia, Greece, plein air by Patrick Faulwetter

4. Yosemite, California, USA

When artists paint outdoors in Yosemite National Park they undergo an enriching journey connecting with the splendor, magnificence and spiritual core of one of the globes most legendary natural marvels. Yosemite National Park, California, USA, offers artists a truly awe-inspiring and transformative experience amidst some of the most breathtaking natural scenery on Earth.

Fishing on the Merced River, plein air by Thomas Hill

3. Maui, Hawaii, USA

Painting outside in Maui, Hawaii, USA, offers artists a truly magical and inspiring experience amidst the island’s stunning natural beauty, vibrant colors, and tropical landscapes. Maui is well known for its sunsets, where the sky lights up in shades of orange, pink and purple as the sun sets below the horizon. Artists have the opportunity to capture the beauty of these special moments by painting the shifting colors of the sky mirrored in the ocean or set against a backdrop of palm trees and mountains.

Maui Mosaic, plein air by Ken Auster

2. Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Painting outside in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA, offers artists a profoundly inspiring and awe-inspiring experience amidst one of the most iconic natural wonders on Earth. Painting outdoors in the Grand Canyon whether portraying its canyon views detailed rock formations or peaceful river valleys is bound to create a memorable experience, for both artists and observers.

Grand Canyon, plein air by Kein McCain

1. Bali, Indonesia

Painting outside in Bali, Indonesia, offers artists a truly enchanting and immersive experience amidst the island’s lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and spiritual atmosphere (spirituality of one of the world’s most beloved tropical paradises)

Bali is famous, for its natural beauty featuring lush forests, green rice fields, unspoiled beaches and flowing waterfalls. Artists can draw inspiration from the islands picturesque surroundings capturing the vivid hues, textures and forms of the tropical scenery.