Plein-air painting. 'En plein air' are the French words for 'in the open air'. It is used to describe paintings that have been done outside, instead of inside the studio. The Impressionists were particularly interested in the influence of changing light outdoors on color. English-speakers also use the Italian words 'alfresco'.

"Claude Monet Painting at the Edge of a Wood" (1887) John Singer Sargent

Related Term: Impressionism.

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