Plein-Air is a French term referring to the outdoors. Painting outdoors was feasible with the invention of paint tubes rather that artists grinding and mixing their own paint pigments. Plein-air became popular when young impressionist painters like Monet shared an interest on painting contemporary life. In Canada we have our own Group of Seven that ventured out in the Canadian wilderness to paint. Artists today come together in all parts of the world for paint outings. I participate in a local group called Ottawa Plein-Air Painters (OPAP) every Sunday morning. The excitement and camaradery is intoxicating. A great way to make new friends. I encourage all artists, no matter the skill, to participate.