There is something rather special about a painting created outdoors.
Unlike artists working from photographs or in the comfort of a studio, plein air painters work in the landscape itself. The light changes by the minute, clouds roll in unexpectedly, the tide comes and goes, and the colours of the landscape shift throughout the day. Every painting becomes a response to a particular place at a particular moment in time.
Perhaps that is why en plein air paintings continue to captivate collectors. They don't simply record a view; they capture an experience.
At StateoftheART, we are proud to represent artists who continue this tradition, creating original landscape paintings that celebrate the remarkable beauty of South Africa.
Painting From Life
The term en plein air simply means "in the open air", but for many artists it represents an entire way of working.
Painting outdoors encourages close observation. Rather than relying on memory or photographs, artists respond directly to the landscape before them. The result is often a painting that feels fresh, immediate and full of atmosphere, preserving not only the appearance of a place but the quality of light and the mood of the day. No two sessions are ever the same, and that sense of spontaneity remains visible in the finished work.
Joanna Lee Miller
Among the artists represented by StateoftheART, Joanna Lee Miller has developed a particularly sensitive approach to plein air painting.
Working on location throughout the Western Cape and beyond, she captures landscapes with remarkable honesty and restraint. Her paintings are never about reproducing every detail. Instead, they convey what it felt like to stand in that place, whether overlooking distant mountains, walking through open countryside or watching afternoon light move across the landscape.
Collectors are often drawn to Joanna's work because it feels genuine. Her confident brushwork and beautifully observed colour create paintings that are both contemporary and timeless, inviting the viewer to slow down and spend time with the landscape.
Why Collect En Plein Air Paintings?
Landscape painting has always been one of the most collected genres of art, but plein air paintings offer something uniquely personal.
They tell the story of an artist responding directly to nature, making countless creative decisions as the landscape changes around them. Every brushstroke reflects that experience.
For collectors, these paintings offer more than beautiful scenery. They create a lasting connection with a place, whether it is a favourite stretch of coastline, a mountain pass or the quiet beauty of the South African countryside.
They also sit effortlessly within contemporary interiors, bringing warmth, colour and a sense of calm to the spaces we live in every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does en plein air mean?
The French phrase en plein air translates as "in the open air". It describes paintings created outdoors while observing the landscape directly, rather than working from photographs or in the studio.
Are plein air paintings original artworks?
Yes. Every en plein air painting is an original artwork created on location. The changing light and conditions mean that each painting captures a unique moment that can never be repeated.
Why do collectors appreciate plein air paintings?
Many collectors enjoy the honesty and immediacy of plein air painting. These works often feel spontaneous and alive, preserving not only the landscape itself but the atmosphere of the day on which they were painted.
Discover Original En Plein Air Paintings
StateoftheART has been connecting collectors with exceptional contemporary South African art since 2010.
Browse our collection of original en plein air paintings, including landscapes by Joanna Lee Miller and other contemporary artists whose work celebrates the enduring pleasure of painting directly from nature.
