En plein air is French term for "outdoors". Plein air painting is the method of painting outdoors. In the 1800s, plein air painting grew into a movement as oil paints became available in tubes, easels evolved into more portable models, and the practice became a more common practice, advocated by the Impressionists.   
 
This juried exhibition from members of the Sonoran Plein Air Painters encompasses a diversity of visual scenes and culture, echoing the wonderment of the Sonoran Region.

The Sonoran Plein Air Painters (SPAP) is a nonprofit 501 c(7) organization. It has as its primary goal the advancement and development of plein air painting by providing opportunities for educational, creative, cultural benefits, fellowship and artistic support through art shows, exhibits, paint-outs, workshops, study groups, critique groups, demonstrations and meetings designed to stimulate interest in plein air painting.