My Plein Air Painting Gear Checklist:
1. Easel: I use an 11×14 pochade box made by Open Box M. (It’s a great-quality box — I’ve been using it since 2002.) The pochade box mounts onto a Sirui T-2005X model tripod with a Manfrotto 3229 head. Click here for my review of the Open Box M. If you’re serious about limiting the weight of your setup, a pochade box will probably make the biggest difference.
I’ve been using these products for many years and they continue to faithfully meet my needs. Recently I’ve received a few sample products from some of these art supply companies. But I recommend their products simply because they’ve proven to be worth recommending.
2. Canvas Panels: I recommend canvas panels rather than stretched canvas since light can’t shine through a panel from behind. Also, canvas panels are more portable and easier to store. If the canvas is mounted on a Gatorfoam panel, it’s also significantly lighter than a stretched canvas. Click here to learn how to make your own canvas panels.
3. Wet Panel Carrier: Especially if you’re painting with oil, you’ll need something to hold your wet painting while you carry it back to the car. I recommend the lightweight corrugated plastic wet panel carriers from RayMar. They sell a number of different sizes to accommodate small or large canvas panels. I use an 8” x 10” carrier and a 12” x 16” carrier.
4. Brushes: I tend to use only 6 or 8 brushes for outdoor painting. Bringing fewer brushes of course means a little less weight. Most are inexpensive bristle brushes (Flats). I also bring along a palette knife for cleaning my palette. Click here for more about my recommended brushes.
5. Brush Holder: A roll-up carrier or zipper case is great for protecting your brushes inside your pack.
6. Paint: I regularly use 10 or so oil colors, but sometimes limit my palette to 5 or 6. Bringing fewer tubes of paint along also means a lighter pack. I prefer M. Graham & Co. oil colors.
7. Brush Washing Container and Solvent: I use a small container with a lid that seals to hold my solvent for cleaning my brushes. I use Gamsol odorless mineral spirits, made by Gamblin. You can find a sealable brush washing container at an art supply store or possibly a hobby store.
8. View Finder: A tool to help with composition can be helpful. I recommend the ViewCatcher.
9. Umbrella: I just started using an umbrella a few years ago to help with shade and keep me cool in hot weather. I had always been afraid that wind would catch an umbrella and pull the easel down. But the Easy-L Umbrella Kit is a great design that allows the umbrella to detach from its shaft in high wind so that your easel won’t blow over.
10. Small Sketch Pad and Pencil: Useful for preliminary sketches and notes.
11. Multi-Tool: I carry a Coleman multi-tool with pliers, screwdrivers, knives, etc. Pliers are helpful for stuck paint tube lids. Screwdrivers come in handy for easel maintenance.
12. Paper Towels: I use Viva brand. The extra thickness compared to other brands means I don’t use as many.
13. Trash Bag for Used Paper Towels: A reusable plastic-coated shopping bag works great and lasts a long time. I got mine at Trader Joe’s.
14. Miscellaneous: It’s a good idea to wear a hat, bring along a rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellant and drinking water.
15. Backpack: To carry it all.
I’ve been using these products for many years and they continue to faithfully meet my needs. Recently I’ve received a few sample products from some of these art supply companies. But I recommend their products simply because they’ve proven to be worth recommending.
I hope this checklist will help you get outdoors to paint! Maybe it will lighten your load too. My gear weighs about 29 lbs. with everything included. If I limit the number of canvas panels, tubes of paint, etc., I can get it under 20 lbs. Not bad for hiking up a trail to find a great painting spot.
