Art Encyclopedia - Plein Air

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Plein Air
Plein Air is a term used in painting and it refers to a painting done in the open air instead of the studio. The term plein air is also used more generally to describe pictures that give a strong feeling of the open air. Although there are earlier instances, painting outdoors did not become common until the 19th century, when the development of portable equipment made it much easier in practical terms. It became a central feature of Impressionism and is especially associated with Monet.