Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What does plein air mean?

1 Answer
What does plein air mean?
The 'Plein air' is a French expression that means “in the open air.” And it is a term used by artists to describe when the painting was executed outside or outdoors, in contrast to painting inside of a studio. This method became very relevant in the 19th-century when French impressionism was centered in painting outdoors, with a strong sense of the open air, capturing landscapes or cityscapes on-site, at the location where the subject depicted was painted.
Lilac Gallery Ltd.March 18, 2021
Shop for Plein Air on 1stDibs
"Dripping Dots - Tokyo Lights" Colorful and Vivd Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
The “Dripping Dots” cascade down the canvas with colorful style and grace. The chunky dots are filled with life and set the viewer on a path to the dreamy locations they are named af...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Dripping Dots - Summer in Ibiza" Colorful Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
The “Dripping Dots” cascade down the canvas with colorful style and grace. The chunky dots are filled with life and set the viewer on a path to the dreamy locations they are named af...
Category

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Glass, Oil

"View of the Empire State NYC in Snow" Impressionistic Ashcan School Style
By Cindy Shaoul
Located in New York, NY
An impressionistic depiction of a figure in the snow with cars and buildings in the busy City Streets. The Empire State Building is portrayed in the background as the snow filled str...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Board

"House by the Stream" Pastoral Summer Countryside Landscape Oil Painting Framed
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful Impressionist summer pastoral scene of a colorful and quaint home by the stream. Willet has portrayed this piece in a most intimate, yet energetic way, and has packed muc...
Category

20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board, Canvas

"Ballerines à Paris" Colorful Impressionist Interior Scene Oil Painting Framed
By Jules René Hervé
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional impressionistic depiction of Ballerinas in an interior scene by Jules René Hervé. Hervé is known as a painter of the scenes of Parisian life. This piece is a pertinent...
Category

Early 20th Century Impressionist Interior Paintings

Materials

Board, Oil

"February" Impressionist Pastoral Nocturnal Snow Scene Oil Board Painting Framed
Located in New York, NY
A charming Impressionist winter snow-covered pastoral scene depicting a village in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This piece is executed in an intimate yet energetic manner. Christopher...
Category

20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Board, Oil

Shop All
Shop More art from Lilac Gallery Ltd. on 1stDibs
"Italian Fishing Boat" Early 20th Century American Marine Oil Painting Framed
By Harold C. Wolcott
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary marine painting by Wolcott from the early 20th Century depicting a tranquil harbor scene with an Italian Fishing Boat in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The composition t...
Category

Early 20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board, Canvas

"Bull Elk Grazing" American Impressionist Wildlife Scene Oil Painting Framed
Located in New York, NY
A charming Impressionist painting celebrating North American wildlife, depicting a serene scene with several elk in a meadow with a forested and mountainous background. This piece is...
Category

20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

"River Town New Hope PA, Bucks County" Impressionist Pastoral Scene Oil Painting
Located in New York, NY
A charming Impressionist summer pastoral scene depicting the New Hope town near the lake in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This piece is executed in an intimate yet energetic manner. Ch...
Category

20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Board, Oil

"January" Impressionist Pastoral Nocturnal Snow Scene Oil Board Painting Framed
Located in New York, NY
A charming Impressionist winter snow-covered pastoral scene depicting a village in Bucks County, New Hope, Pennsylvania. This piece is executed in an intimate yet energetic manner. C...
Category

20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

"February" Impressionist Pastoral Nocturnal Snow Scene Oil Board Painting Framed
Located in New York, NY
A charming Impressionist winter snow-covered pastoral scene depicting a village in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This piece is executed in an intimate yet energetic manner. Christopher...
Category

20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Board, Oil

"Road to Lake Nockamixon" Impressionist Pastoral Snow Scene Oil Painting Framed
Located in New York, NY
A charming Impressionist winter snow-covered pastoral scene depicting the road to Lake Nockamixon in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This piece is executed in an intimate yet energetic m...
Category

20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

"Hilltown-Neighbors Chat" Impressionist Pastoral Snow Scene Oil Painting Framed
Located in New York, NY
A charming Impressionist winter snow-covered pastoral scene depicting a neighbor's chat in the Hilltown Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This piece is executed in an intimate ...
Category

20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Shop All