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eyes always open
Boulder CO
eyes always open
Boulder CO
a photo of Gayle Fulwyler Smith

Gayle Fulwyler Smith

May 21, 2025
"I realized a long time ago that a lot of what painting is about is being there. That’s why I am less happy about photographing what I want to paint later. When you sit there for a while and you are drawing it or painting…

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a photo of a plein-air setup above Crater Lakes, Indian Peaks Wilderness, by Jonathan Machen

Personalize your Approach

March 26, 2025
Not everyone is interested in climbing up a mountain with art materials in a pack, ready to do battle with the elements while attempting to sketch and paint. You need to customize your gear and your approach to fit your own abilities. Fortunately, there is…

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picture of Jonathan Machen with a plein-air drawing he made in Central City, CO

What are the Origins of Pleinair?

June 3, 2019
En Plein-air, in French, is the practice of painting outdoors, and began in France in the mid-1800’s. The inventions of both tubes for transporting paint, and easels and portable boxes to hold gear (called Pochade boxes) meant that painting could be expanced beyond an…

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