1. an art movement and practice of painting outdoors in natural light, emphasizing direct observation of landscape and atmospheric effects
Usage: art history; also called plein air painting

Examples

• The Impressionists embraced pleinairism as a way to capture the fleeting effects of sunlight on water.
• Monet's water lilies series grew out of his commitment to pleinairism and direct observation.
• Modern artists continue to practice pleinairism, setting up easels in parks and countryside.
• Pleinairism revolutionized landscape painting by moving artists away from studio conventions.
• The movement's emphasis on pleinairism led to brighter palettes and looser brushwork.