Plein air painting is an artistic practice where artists create their works outdoors, capturing the natural light and atmosphere of a scene. This technique allows painters to observe and depict the changing conditions of the environment, such as light, color, and weather, in real-time. The term comes from the French phrase meaning "open air." Impressionist artists like Claude Monet popularized plein air painting in the late 19th century, emphasizing spontaneity and the effects of light. Today, many artists continue to embrace this method, using it to connect with nature and enhance their observational skills.