Plein Air Art Podcast

What Years of Plein Air Competition Taught Jason Sacran

Years on the competitive plein air circuit taught Jason Sacran more than how to paint under pressure. In this episode, the award-winning artist reflects on the lessons, challenges, and sacrifices that shaped his approach to painting and his career. Jason talks with Eric Rhoads about what he learned from years of plein air competitions, how painting intensely from life helped him grow, and why artists don't have to travel to spectacular destinations to find something worth painting. He also shares his approach to nocturnes and early-morning light, painting larger outdoors, and finding compelling subjects close to home.

Plein Air Podcast 270: CW MUNDY

In this episode of the Plein Air Podcast, Eric Rhoads interviews American Impressionist C.W. Mundy, and artist from Indianapolis, Indiana, who started as a sports illustrator, but wanted to explore fine art back in the early 1990's and so started painting everything "from life" at that time. He is a master Signature member of OPA, and AIS, and a fellow of the American Society of Marine Artists. Don't forget to check out CW's BRAND NEW video "Still life simplified - Master values to create believable paintings," available here: https://painttube.tv/products/c-w-mundy-still-life-simplified-master-values-to-create-believable-paintings

Plein Air Podcast 269: Nathan Fowkes

In this episode of the Plein Air Podcast, Eric Rhoads interviews Nathan Fowkes, a concept artist working across feature animation, entertainment projects, and video games. Nathan has collaborated with major studios including DreamWorks, Blue Sky, and Disney. In addition to his professional studio work, Nathan is a respected teacher of drawing, painting, color, and design, and is also an accomplished fine artist. Don't miss your opportunity to create lifetime memories at PACE! https://pleinairconvention.com The next Plein Air Convention & Expo is May 14-18, 2026 in The Ozarks. All training sessions are indoors on giant, high-def screens, with plein air paint-outs in the afternoons. Beginners and pros feel right at home, so register now to join us!

Kyle Ma – From Childhood Drawings to Plein Air Salon Winner

In this episode of the Plein Air Podcast, Eric Rhoads interviews Kyle Ma, who at 25 has already earned a respected place in the plein air and landscape world. Kyle is the 2025 PleinAir Salon grand-prize winner, and his story is a compelling mix of early passion, disciplined fundamentals, thoughtful experimentation, and deep respect for painting from life. In this interview, Kyle shares his background, his working process, lessons he has learned along the way, and practical advice for artists at any stage. If you want to learn how to move faster and more confidently through problems in painting, Kyle’s approach provides a clear roadmap. Bonus! Eric Rhoads answers relevant questions in this week’s Art Marketing Minute Podcast.

Plein Air Painting … in China

Back from nearly four weeks painting en plein air in China, Eric Rhoads shares his discoveries about education-driven plein air bases, a booming watercolor scene, collaborative scrolls, and a frank art marketing conversation, all co-hosted by guest artist Paul Friederichsen. Bonus: This interview includes a new Marketing Minute with Eric and Paul! If you want more resources: PleinAir Magazine publishes widely on these topics; Eric runs Art School Live weekdays at noon (Marketing Mondays included), and we have a free ebook of plein air tips for anyone starting out. Keep painting, keep traveling, and we hope to see you at a workshop soon — maybe even in China.