Plein Air:

Defining Plein Air:

Artists John Adkins and Charlotte Rollman are both Plein Air artists, John specializing in oils and Charlotte in acrylics.

What is Plein Air Art? ... 

Plein air (pronounced plahn-air) is a French term meaning "in the open air." It refers to the practice of painting outdoors, directly from the landscape or subject in natural light. Rather than working from photographs or in a studio, plein air artists capture the colors, light, and atmosphere of a scene as they see it in the moment.

This approach allows artists to create vibrant, dynamic paintings that convey the feeling of a place and the changing effects of sunlight and weather. Plein air art often celebrates landscapes, cityscapes, gardens, and everyday scenes, offering viewers an authentic glimpse of the world as the artist experiences it.

For seasoned Plein Air artists like John and Charlotte, plein air painting is more than capturing a scene - it's an adventure in every season. From the soft, misty mornings of spring wildflowers to the vibrant blooms of summer, the fiery foliage of autumn, and the quiet, snow-dusted landscapes of winter, they bring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to life on canvas. Each season offers new colors, moods, and moments, and their joy comes from being immersed in nature, painting what they see and feel in real time.

John and Charlotte are part of the Tuesday Painters, a group of Plein Air Artists who meet weekly to paint together in East Tennessee and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.