The Art of En Plein Air: A Feature on Thomas Van Stein

The Art of En Plein Air: A Feature on Thomas Van Stein

At Create Gallery and Frames, we’re proud to showcase artists whose work captures not only beauty but also the deeper essence of creativity. This week, we are excited to feature Thomas Van Stein, an accomplished painter and teacher whose dedication to 'en plein air' painting reflects a lifelong pursuit of light, color, and expression.

What is En Plein Air?

The French phrase 'en plein air' translates to “in the open air”- painting on location, directly within the landscape or scene being captured. For Thomas, this means embracing the elements, the shifting sky, and the fleeting quality of light to create paintings that live and breathe with the world around them.

How Thomas Began His Journey

Thomas’s introduction to 'en plein air' painting came in 1985, during his studies at the Art Center in Pasadena. His teacher, Dan McCaw, often said: “If you want to learn color, paint outdoors.”

Inspired by McCaw’s luminous color palette, Thomas gave it a try. What began as an experiment quickly became a lifelong quest. Decades later, the lessons of that moment continue to guide his artistry.

Why It Matters

Painting outdoors has been transformative for Thomas because it taught him what he calls “the language of light.” Unlike photographs, which often flatten or miss nuances, plein air painting reveals that even shadows are alive with color.

“Oftentimes the color of the sky will influence the landscape,” Thomas explains, “especially when painting atmospheric perspective.”

This sensitivity to light has opened new possibilities in the studio as well. With knowledge comes freedom: Thomas can now paint not only what he sees but what he feels. “It’s not what the applesauce looks like,” he reflects, “but what it tastes like.”

The Rewards and Challenges of Plein Air

While plein air painting is deeply rewarding, it comes with its own challenges. Light changes every 20 minutes, forcing the artist to work quickly and rely on memory for later refinements. For Thomas, this practice is about more than recording what’s in front of him- it’s about responding emotionally.

“Remember,” he says, “it’s a painting, not a photograph.”

This philosophy guides his brushwork as well. “One brush stroke instead of fifty,” he reminds himself. “Think poetry, not prose.” Every mark carries the weight of lived experience, distilled into color and form.

Beyond the Canvas

Thomas’s journey as an artist hasn’t always been easy, but it has been filled with rich rewards. At the heart of his work is an ongoing quest for inspiration, paired with a passion for teaching others to discover their own creative paths.

“As a teacher, I’m motivated to share and inspire others,” he explains. “I learn more about myself when I teach others to explore creatively and take risks on the artistic path.”

For Thomas, art is not only about creating but about fostering happiness and appreciation for the value of the creative process. His hope is that others will embrace art as a source of joy, inspiration, and a reminder to “enjoy the ride while it lasts.”

Closing Thoughts

Thomas Van Stein’s work is a testament to the power of presence- to see beyond what the eye records and to translate the fleeting dance of light into something lasting. His practice of 'en plein air' painting invites us all to slow down, look closer, and experience the world not only as it appears but as it feels.

We invite you to experience Thomas’s paintings in person at Create Gallery and Frames. Seeing his work up close allows you to fully appreciate the movement of each brushstroke and the emotion carried through his color choices.

Can’t make it to the gallery? You can also explore and purchase Thomas’s available works online through our collection page: View Thomas Van Stein’s Collection Here.

Each painting is not just a scene, but a lived moment- one brushstroke at a time.

Create Gallery and Frames

3520 W. Chinden Blvd. Garden City, ID. 83714

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