10 Top places for en 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. 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.

Here are 10 Top places for en plein air painting around the world!

10. Mt. Ranier, Washington, USA

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

9. Tuscany, Italy

Across the Isthmus #2, plein air by Julie Houck

8. Paris, France

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

7. The Southwest, USA

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

6. Napa Valley, California, USA

Hurried Shadows at Eventide, plein air by Ellen Boulanger

5. Oia, Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Oia, Greece, plein air by Patrick Faulwetter

4.  Yosemite, California, USA

Fishing on the Merced River, plein air by Thomas Hill

3. Maui, Hawaii, USA

Maui Mosaic, plein air by Ken Auster

2. Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Grand Canyon, plein air by Kein McCain

1. Bali, Indonesia

Tanah Lot, plein air by Saiman Dullah, oil on canvas

Want to know what to take with you when you tackle the outdoors? Check out our handy guide from The Splatter: Plein Air Art- Create Art Anywhere 

Where was the most beautiful place you’ve ever painted en plein air? Do you have any other locations to add to our list? Tell us in the comments below!