DON'T Plein Air Paint WITHOUT these 5 Essentials

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    If you are yet to go out Plein air painting, it can seem a bit intimidating having to drag out all of your painting supplies with you. But, in reality, if you can consolidate some of your supplies, its possible to have a light and simple setup. In this article, I will go over my essentials for Plein air painting. And I'll link to the products I personally use. 

1. Paint
The first and most obvious thing that you need to bring out with you Plein air painting is, paint. Whether that be gouache, watercolor, acrylic or even oil, paint is essential. Technically speaking, you can 'paint' Plein air with markers, colored pencils or even graphite, but that is typically considered 'Urban Sketching'. Along with paint, you're also going to have to be mindful that you need somewhere to hold and mix your paint. This is where a palette comes into play. For watercolor, most Plein air painters I know of either use a metal tin palette, or a specialized watercolor travel palette. I have used both 

(Gouache I use: https://rb.gy/emqd)
(Watercolor I use: https://amzn.to/3nFFgST)

2. Water Cup
The water cup with water is just as essential as paint itself. Because I use gouache and watercolor, I absolutely can't work without water. There have been numerous times where I have had to turn around and head home because I forgot water and a water cup. If you use acrylic paint, water is still necessary to clean off the brush. And if you use oil paints, water isn't necessary but you will need a container of oil thinner. 

3. Tripod Stand
Though I have been able to make it through paintings without it, I still believe that a portable easel is essential. There are plenty of different types of portable easels from; the Gurney Easel, pochade boxes, traditional easel, and I'm sure there's more. Tripod easels are great because they are highly portable and easy to use. Often times they fold up small enough to fit into a backpack. (I'll link to James Gurney's easel design) 


4. Backpack/ Bag
Of course you are without a doubt going to need a backpack for all of your supplies. I've found a lot of luck using hiking backpacks for Plein air painting. And by no means does your backpack have to be expensive, but it should be reliable. I have also used 'sling bags' and found that those work pretty good too, and they're typically light-weight. Honestly whatever bag you have will work, as long as you don't leave it at home.

5. Sketchbook/ Canvas
The last tick on our Plein air painting checklist is something to paint on. I (and I'm sure many others) have driven to a location, reached in my bag, only to realize that I have nothing to paint on. Whether that be a sketchbook, watercolor board, or canvas, your painting session won't be going anywhere unless you bring something to paint on.


https://unsplash.com/@ethanwong

 The product links in this article are affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission on purchases through said links.


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