plein air

Plein air refers to the practice of painting outdoors, capturing the natural light and atmosphere of a scene directly from nature rather than in a studio. This approach became popular among Impressionist artists in the late 19th century, emphasizing spontaneity and the changing effects of light. By working outside, artists can observe colors and details more vividly, creating a sense of immediacy in their artwork. Plein air painting often involves quick sketches or completed works that reflect the artist's response to the environment at that moment.