Plein air painting is the practice of creating artwork outdoors, capturing the natural light, color, and atmosphere of a scene in real time. Rooted in French Impressionist traditions, “plein air” literally means “open air,” and it invites artists to step out of the studio and into the landscape. Brian Alexander Menke’s plein air pieces are either acrylic or oil-based, but always allowing for rich, layered textures and vibrant colors that evolve with the changing light of the day. Each painting is a spontaneous and immersive response to the environment — whether it’s a quiet field, a bustling park, or a sunset over the hills — preserving a fleeting moment through brush and pigment.