Plein air painting is painting outdoors, directly from the landscape in front of you rather than from a photograph. It teaches you to see depth, read the temperature of light and work quickly and confidently. Start with one simple subject, work small, and pack light — mobility matters more than a full set of paints.
En plein air — French for “in the open air” — is the practice of painting outdoors, directly from the landscape in front of you rather than from a photograph or memory. It became central to the Impressionist movement in the 1870s, when portable paint in tubes and lightweight easels first made it practical to leave the studio. Monet, Renoir, and Pissarro painted entire canvases outdoors, chasing the shifting light. Today, plein air painting remains one of the most exhilarating — and challenging — ways to paint.
Why paint outdoors?
Painting from life teaches you things a photograph cannot. You see depth. You feel the temperature of the light. You notice how shadows are never truly black — they are purple, or blue, or warm ochre, depending on the hour. The wind moves a branch just as you are painting it. The sun shifts and your shadow pattern changes. These are not obstacles. They are the whole point. Plein air painting forces you to work quickly, confidently, and with your eyes wide open.
What to pack for plein air painting
The less you carry, the freer you are. Many beginners overpack. Experienced plein air painters travel light — they know that mobility is more valuable than having every tube of paint they own. Here is a working list:
- A portable easel or a tripod pochade box
- A limited palette — six or seven colours are plenty
- A handful of brushes in different sizes
- A painting surface: canvas panels or primed boards
- Odourless solvent in a sealed container
- A hat, sunscreen and water
Where to start
Begin with a simple subject: a single tree, a section of wall, a corner of sky. Resist the urge to capture the entire panorama. The most common mistake beginners make is trying to paint everything they see. Choose one thing. Paint it well. Work small — a 20 x 25 cm panel can be completed in an hour or two, which is about as long as the light will hold steady.
- Choose one subject, not the whole view.
- Block in the big shapes before any detail.
- Match the light’s temperature, not its literal colour.
- Stop when the light changes — chasing it rarely ends well.
Why Mallorca is the ideal plein air classroom
Mallorca offers an extraordinary range of plein air subjects within a small radius: olive groves with silver-green canopies and twisted trunks; stone terraces catching the afternoon light; hidden calas where turquoise water meets white limestone; mountain viewpoints where the peaks unfold to the horizon. The weather is mild in spring and autumn — warm enough to paint comfortably for hours, not so hot that your paint dries on the palette. And the light — that soft, clear Mediterranean light — makes everything look like it belongs on a canvas. At MALLORCA ART RETREAT, at least one afternoon is dedicated to plein air work at a carefully chosen location, with the lead artist on hand to guide you through the particular challenges of outdoor painting. It is, for many painters, the highlight of the week. See which retreat weeks feature plein air sessions.
To start plein air painting: paint one simple subject, work small and fast, use a limited palette, and expect the light to change — build that into your plan rather than fighting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is plein air painting?
Plein air painting means painting outdoors, directly from the landscape in front of you rather than from a reference photo. The term comes from the French “en plein air”, meaning “in the open air”.
What do you need to start plein air painting?
A portable easel or pochade box, a limited palette of six or seven colours, a few brushes, canvas panels, odourless solvent, and sun protection. Packing light matters more than packing everything.
Is plein air painting good for beginners?
Yes — with one rule: choose a single, simple subject and work small. Beginners struggle most when they try to paint the entire panorama. Guided plein air sessions, like those at MALLORCA ART RETREAT, make the transition easier.
Why is Mallorca good for plein air painting?
Mallorca packs olive groves, stone terraces, mountain viewpoints and turquoise coves into a small area, and its mild spring and autumn weather lets you paint comfortably for hours in soft, warm light.