PleinScout is a community of plein air painters and urban sketchers helping each other find good places to make work. These guidelines keep that community welcoming, safe, and worth being part of. By using PleinScout, you agree to follow them. They work alongside our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Treat people well
We are all here for the same reason, which is to make art outdoors. Be respectful in your posts, comments, notes, and messages. Disagreement is fine. Cruelty is not. We do not allow:
- harassment, bullying, threats, or intimidation;
- hate speech or attacks based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or background;
- stalking, or using PleinScout to track or follow someone without their consent;
- sexual content, or content that sexualizes anyone.
Share spots responsibly
Locations are the heart of PleinScout, and sharing them carries real responsibility.
- Only share places that are open to the public, or private spots you own or have clear permission to share.
- Never post a location in a way that encourages trespassing.
- Do not share sensitive sites, such as private homes, protected land, sacred or culturally restricted places, or anywhere sharing could put people, property, or the location itself at risk.
- Be honest about access, parking, hazards, and conditions. A good note helps the next painter. A misleading one can put them in a bad spot.
- If a location has rules, fees, or hours, say so.
Respect the land and the rules
Plein air painters are guests in every place they paint. Leave it better than you found it.
- Follow all local laws, posted signs, and property rules.
- Respect private property and the privacy of people who live and work near painting spots.
- Follow leave-no-trace principles. Pack out what you bring in.
- Respect wildlife, plants, and the people already using a space.
Keep it honest and useful
- Post your own work, or work you have the right to share.
- Do not claim someone else's art, photos, or notes as your own.
- No spam, scams, or repetitive self-promotion. The occasional share of your own show or workshop is welcome. Flooding the community is not.
- Do not post false or misleading information about locations, events, or other users.
Protect privacy
- Do not post other people's personal information, such as home addresses, phone numbers, or anything that identifies someone without their consent.
- Be thoughtful about including recognizable people in photos you post.
- If you paint or photograph near homes or private property, do not share details that could expose where someone lives.
Safety first, always
PleinScout points you toward the outdoors, and the outdoors is unpredictable. Use your own judgment every time. Check conditions, tell someone where you are going, and leave any place that does not feel safe. Do not encourage others to take risks. If you see content that describes something dangerous or illegal, report it.
Reporting and enforcement
If you see something that breaks these guidelines, report it in the app or email Help@PleinScout.com. We review reports and may remove content, issue warnings, or suspend or close accounts. We use our judgment to keep the community healthy, and we may act on serious violations right away.
We are a small and growing community, and these guidelines will evolve as we learn from the painters who use PleinScout. Thank you for helping make it a good place to be.