M. Stephen Doherty

M.Stephen Doherty was introduced to plein air (outdoor) painting by Thomas S. Buechner who knew that being able to carry painting supplies on business trips, family vacations, and weekend outings would allow him to continue painting while balancing the demands of jobs and family. Doherty became so enthusiastic that he organized groups of artists to paint in special locations, judged plein air festivals, lectured and demonstrated, and eventually he became the editor of PleinAir magazine.

Doherty earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Cornell University; taught art in public schools, colleges, and workshops; worked for an art-materials manufacturer; served as editor-in-chief of American Artist magazine for 31 years; and is now editor of PleinAir magazine (www.outdoorpainter.com). He exhibited his paintings in solo and group exhibitions; served on the advisory boards of art schools and artists’ organizations; judged art exhibitions for museums and art societies, and has written a dozen art books and hundreds of magazine articles. He just published a book about plein air painting with Monacelli Studio Press. He and his wife, Sara, moved to Waynesboro, VA in December, 2012, and both have been thoroughly enjoying the local community of artists and art enthusiasts. His website is www.stevedohertyart.com and his blog is http://pleinairstories.wordpress.com.