"Plein Air Painter", Oil, Bernard McTigue

The Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society is dedicated to encourage and support excellence in painting directly from life and provide regular opportunities for members to paint together. We seek venues to enhance members' skill and reputation. In addition, we want to raise public awareness of the beauty found in nature through plein air painting and participation in events that help to preserve the landscape.

Join us for our 2009 Paintouts at various locations around the state.

The Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society was founded in 1995 by Jane Zisk and has grown from a small group of like-minded artists into a membership of approximately 125 professional and emerging artists dedicated to plein air painting. The Society was the subject of a Feature Article iin American Artist Magazine.  The article provides background on the formation of the Society and celebrates the joy of plein air painting. Click on the American Artist logo below to read the article.

Links & Resources for Plein Air Artists
(Includes information on National and Regional Plein Air Events)

What is Plein Air Painting? Plein Air is a French phrase that means "in the open air". The term decsribes a style of painting or drawing made directly from nature in hopes of capturing the fleeting effects of light. The painter's challenge is to create an impression of the scene in the immediacy of the moment. More Information on the Origins of Plein Air Painting