The app
What is PleinScout?
A map of places worth painting, built by painters. Each spot has the details that decide a morning: parking, the walk in, shade, restrooms, notes from other painters, and the light. It also lists paint-outs nearby and has a feed for sharing your work.
Who is it for?
Plein air painters, urban sketchers, watercolorists, and anyone who makes art outdoors. Beginners and working pros both.
Is it on iPhone and Android?
Both. PleinScout is in beta on iPhone (through TestFlight) and Android (through Google Play testing). Public store releases follow the Kickstarter.
Where are the spots?
Anywhere painters add them. The map started in San Diego and grows every time someone shares a spot. If your area is thin, adding a few of your own favorites makes it better for everyone nearby.
Can I keep my favorite spot to myself?
Yes. Pro lets you save private spots that only you can see. Public spots are shared with the community.
Free, Pro & Kickstarter
What's free and what's Pro?
Free covers your home region fully: every pin on the map, full details near you, today's weather and tides, safety check-in, paint-outs and the feed. Pro adds full details anywhere, the Light Window planner, Value Map, My Paint Map, field-condition filters and private spots. See the full comparison.
Is there a free trial?
Yes, Pro comes with a 14-day free trial.
When is the Kickstarter?
November 2026. Join the beta list and we'll email you when it opens. More about the campaign.
What's a Founding Scout?
A Kickstarter backer who gets lifetime Pro and a permanent Founder badge. There's a limited number of them, and the reward carries over to Android.
Will there be ads?
No. Pro subscriptions pay for PleinScout, and we don't sell your data or track you for advertisers.
Safety & privacy
Are the spots safe and legal to paint at?
Spots are suggestions from painters, not guarantees. Conditions change. Always check before you go, respect posted rules and private property, and leave any place that doesn't feel safe. In an emergency, call 911.
What does the safety check-in do?
It lets you set when you expect to be done, so someone knows where you are and when you planned to be back.
Who can see my profile?
You choose. Every profile has visibility switches. Your email is hidden by default, and you decide whether your bio, location, website and Instagram show.
How do I delete my account?
In the app, go to Profile > Security > Delete Account. Can't open the app? Here's how to ask us by email.