Painting en plein air simply means to paint outside. You may choose to paint a sweeping landscape or a simple rosebud. After portraiture, it is the most difficult genre an artist can attempt. It is also the most fun.
Plein Air Recommendations
- Preparation is the key. Make a list and check it twice. Pack accordingly.
- Only pack what you will need THAT DAY. Pack small. Pack light YOU must carry your own supplies, so choose your bag accordingly. I like a backpack, but others use wheelie bags, tool buckets, or the drawer in their French Box easels. I used to pack the trunk of my car and only plein air paint where I could drive and simply pull over to set up. It works, but can be limiting in subject matter.
- Be a good steward of the land. Leave no trace behind. Pick up any trash you see. Don't tread of vegetation. Be responsible.
- Detach from the painting, and enjoy the experience.
- Practice makes perfect.
- Take lots of photos. Using your plein air studies and photos, paint bigger versions of your paintings in the studio.
- Embrace the adventure.
Painting with Susan Plein Air Supplies
- Water-soluble Oils and/or Acrylic Paint with spritzer bottle
- Water and a washer cup
- Brushes, a variety
- Plein Air Easel (I use a John Coulter or a French Box)
- Palette with Disposable Palette Covers
- Canvas or Masonite panels. 8 x 10 or 9 x 12 is the best size
- Sketch pad
- Copic gray or black dual-tip sketch pen & #2 pencil/eraser
- Paper towels
- Wet wipes
- Plastic grocery bags for trash
- Chair or Camp stool, in case you don’t like to stand to paint
- Wet canvas carrier if painting in oils (I use a clean pizza box or newspapers)
- Digital phone camera, See Value App & Painting Grid Maker App OR red film & Plexiglas grid with dry erase pen
- Back up phone charger
- Sun hat (I usually pack sunglasses, too)
- Anti-bug spray
- Lip Balm
- Sunscreen
- Wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of standing
- Wear old clothes or bring a smock or apron.
- Remember we are outside, dress accordingly.
- Some people prefer to paint wearing plastic or rubber gloves.
- Water or other beverages, lunch.
- Pliers, if you have tubes of paint that are hard to open
**If you choose to paint with traditional Oils, bring a jar with a tight-fitting lid so that you can take your dirty Gamsol/Turp home with you. Do not dump dirty turp on location. You will likely need a little linseed oil or other medium to make your paint creamier.
