The History of Plein Air

Beginning with the European impressionists and invention of portable easels (and portable tubes of paint), the tradition of painting en plein air, or painting the landscape 'in the open air' has allowed artists to capture fleeting moments in color. For some, it is the vastness of the land and the play of colors of sky against water against land. For others, it is the immediacy of everyday life - walkers passing by, streams rushing over rocks, or trees in the wind. With the wealth of Door County scenery and color to draw from, Monet, Degas, and Renoir would have been inspired here.

The Door County Plein Air Festival

The Festival celebrates the tradition of outdoor painting with some of the finest painters from Door County and across the country. Forty artists will take brush to canvas, capturing the summer light over the waters and fields of Door County. Picturesque scenes, including historic villages, pebble beaches, and sailboats bobbing in the marinas remain trademarks of the Door County lifestyle. Painting both from life and the landscape has long been a Door County tradition, and one that has endured changing styles. This summer’s painters bring a fresh eye to the changing lights and colors, and a variety of styles that draw from the rich traditions of plein air painting.

The Door County Plein Air Festival is a full week of artful events to keep art enthusiasts busy - opportunities to watch, listen, learn, and collect abound!

See the Artists in Action

Tour the towns and villages, stopping to meet painters along the way.  If you've got your eye on a particular artist, this is your chance to see them in action! See the Schedule of Events for a complete listing of galleries and painting sites, or request a guidebook for detailed maps.

Educational Opportunities

Peninsula Art School offers a variety of workshops in painting, drawing, mixed media, jewelry, metal arts, ceramics, and more. You can try plein air painting in pastel, acrylic, or oils. Many of our featured artists are also faculty at Peninsula art School. Visit www.peninsulaartschool.com for more info.

Events

Join artists, collectors and visitors for any (or all) of the wonderful celebrations that make this festival so unique. Drop in at one of the many free demonstrations, or make it an evening at our catered Collector's Gala.

Art Auctions and Exhibits

Paintings by our featured artists are in high demand! Check out our schedule of auctions and events to make sure that you won't miss your opportunity to be the first bidder at our Collector's Preview. And for the true collector, please be sure to read about our Palette Sponsor Package under ticket details.

Contact us! We'd be happy to answer questions, or send you a guidebook.

info@doorcountypleinair.com

The Door County Plein Air Festival is hosted by Peninsula Art School of Door County, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. For more information about Peninsula Art School, visit our website at www.peninsulaartschool.com.

Peninsula Art School PO Box 304, 3900 County Road F, Fish Creek, WI, 54212 920-868-3455