Plein Air Pastels | A Gallery

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Enjoy this gallery of plein air work from five award-winning artists, along with their insights on the most important ingredient to making a plein air outing a success.

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Evening Reflection (plein air pastel, 12×12) by Richard McKinley

“I find the most important ingredient to success is being with fellow artists to share the experience. I like the camaraderie of painting on location with friends. You can exchange tips about your kit and setup. You can share the hidden gems—those locations not everyone knows about that are sometimes right under your nose. Plus, you have a ready source for critique.”

Liz Haywood-Sullivan
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Casa Nuovo (plein air pastel, 12×16) by Liz Haywood-Sullivan
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High Desert Wash (plein air pastel, 12×16) by Lorenzo Chavez

“Give yourself permission to fail. Putting pressure on yourself to complete a perfect painting is unrealistic for most artists. I approach my plein air work as “information-gathering sessions” that will improve my studio work.

Barbara Jaenicke
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After the Storm (plein air pastel, 8×10) by Barbara Jaenicke

“Take the time to slow it all down. Take away the expectation of a finished product, and allow the quality of light and subject to speak to you.”

Kim Lordier
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Summer Flavor (plein air pastel, 8×8) by Kim Lordier

Read about these artists’ plein air setups

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