Which Impressionist artists became known for painting landscapes outdoors?

The practice of painting outdoors, known as en plein air, became a defining characteristic of the Impressionist movement. While earlier artists often used the outdoors only for rough sketches, Impressionists utilized technological advancements—such as collapsible tin paint tubes and portable easels—to execute finished works directly in nature to capture the fleeting effects of light and weather.1

Key Impressionist artists known for their commitment to painting landscapes outdoors include:

• Claude Monet: The leader of the movement, Monet was introduced to en plein air painting by Eugène Boudin and spent his career obsessively recording the effects of light on nature, often working on multiple canvases simultaneously to capture different times of day.123
• Camille Pissarro: A central figure who mentored younger artists, Pissarro maintained a lifelong practice of painting from nature, often working in rural areas outside of Paris.45
• Pierre-Auguste Renoir: A key member of the group who frequently worked outdoors alongside his colleagues to capture the vibrancy of the natural world.41
• Berthe Morisot: An influential Impressionist who also embraced the practice of working en plein air.4
• Alfred Sisley: Primarily a landscape painter, Sisley produced much of his most spontaneous work outdoors in the neighborhoods surrounding Paris.6