Episode 11.4: The art of plein air painting and chasing changing light
Artist Aaron Cordell Johnson explains how plein air painting captures the fleeting light, color and atmosphere of a landscape
BY Danae Lenz and Leigh Cooper
Photo by Joe Pallen
March 23, 2026
Aaron Cordell Johnson is an associate professor of art and design in U of I’s College of Art and Architecture. In this episode, he explains what plein air painting is, why artists choose to paint directly from the landscape and why stepping outside with an easel — instead of painting from a photo — can change the way a place is experienced and captured on canvas.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
Have you ever painted outside?
In this episode, Johnson explains why painting outside creates a deeper connection with a place. He shares how plein air artists chase shifting clouds, changing light and fleeting moments in the landscape — often completing a painting in less than an hour.
The French phrase plein air means “open air,” and the technique involves painting outside, directly from observation. Drawing on memories of painting trips with his father and his own experiences across the American West, Johnson describes how plein air painting engages all the senses and transforms the way artists experience the outdoors.
Painting outside creates a completely different experience than working from photographs. Light shifts quickly, clouds move, temperatures change and shadows stretch across the landscape — often giving artists less than an hour to capture a scene before it transforms.
Johnson compares the process to listening to live music. Just as musicians adapt in the moment, plein air painters make fast decisions and respond to the changing environment around them. The result is often looser, more expressive brushwork that captures the energy and movement of a place.
Today, Johnson shares his passion with University of Idaho students, encouraging them to experiment, embrace mistakes and focus on the joy of creating.
For anyone curious about trying plein air painting, his advice is simple: Start with whatever materials you have and go outside.
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Bright Morning Story” by Brendan Warren Burns via Amphibious Zoo.
Chapters
(0:00) Have you painted outside?
(04:10) Getting to know Aaron Cordell Johnson and plein air painting
(08:04) Why choose paint plein air over other methods?
(11:44) What to look for
(15:51) Plein air at U of I
(17:22) How to get started
(19:55) Final thoughts