Painting outdoors alongside other artists is a humbling experience. During the California Desert Plein Air Festival, I felt challenged, energized, and stretched in ways the studio rarely demands. The experience confirmed something I had long suspected: painting outdoors is one of the best classrooms an artist can have. Before going further, it helps to define the practice. Plein air is a French term meaning “in the open air.” Plein air painting is the act of painting outdoors