April 7, 2019

My Plein Air Kit for Watercolors

MonikaFor Begginers, How-To ..., Plein Air, Supplies diy, plein air supplies

Monika Arturi Plein-Air Painting on Museum Campus Lake Michigan

Plein Air painting on the museum campus along Lake Michigan

Spring is here and yesterday I went out for my first paint out with the Plein Air Painters Chicago. I took my Plein Air kit and DIY easel out and I wanted to share with you how I put it together. While looking for a solution, I came across Joe Cartwright’s website where he shared his own DIY watercolor easel. Joe Cartwright is an Australian watercolor artist, teacher, and author. I love his work and thought it a good idea to take his advice.

The easels I worked on last year didn’t work out. One broke after a couple of uses and my other solution was uncomfortable. And while I love my Echr Lab Sketch bag, it’s great for sketching and walking around with it on but having it attached to my tripod just didn’t work comfortably.

Having all of the components for Joe’s easel, I decided to take it on and make a version of it myself. On his website he goes on to show how to add a palette and brush holder but I did that a little differently.

Below is my easel and plain air set-up.

Watercolor Plein Air Easel How I carry and assemble my watercolor easel

My Bag

Plein Air travel backpack

This bag holds everything. I bought it on Amazon for under $30 and so far it’s held up. Get this bag

Art board

Fasten the plate

I glued this quick release plate to the center of my art board. I used the 3M super strength glue.

Tripod

Attach to tripod

Once the glue has dried for 24 hours, I can use the quick release plate to attach by art board to the tripod.

Accessories

Customize your easel

A tripod clamp holds my water bucket and rag. My art-board has a strip of velcro for brush holders. Get the bucket

In My Plein-Air Bag The tools and accessories I carry

Brushes

I use mop brushes mostly and rigger brushes for fine lines. I’ve been experimenting with the 2 inch brush. Browse brushes

Paper

I bring with me a variety of papers, boards in different sizes. 300 lb. paper and boards have great durability for outdoors. Browse paper

Watercolor Paint

I bring a couple of my go-to palettes along with tubes in the colors that I choose for the day based on the location and humidity. Browse palettes

Clean Up

The rags are good for clean up. I dab my brush of access water on the sponge and paper towels are handy during painting for touch ups.

Sketch Kit

I bring my sketch kit to create thumbnails, value sketches, and my sketch for the painting. I keep the thumbnails small and quick. Try this kit

View & Color Finder

The view finder allows you to scan a scene and help you frame your next painting. The color finder allows you to isolate colors. Browse

Tripod Clamp

The tripod clamp is a versatile accessory. It can be use to hold a bucket of water, your rag, an umbrella, or anything you’d like. Buy it

Fastening & Lighting

Clamps and masking tape for fastening paper. A light for nocturnal paint outs, and a ledge I can attach with velcro to my board. Get the light

Apron & Book

This inexpensive apron with 3 large pockets is perfect for what I need. I carry this book with me incase I need some tips or motivation. Get apron

Sunscreen and Extras

I bring sunscreen and lip gloss with SPF. I also need music so I bring an old pair of earbuds. Customize to make your outing comfortable.

In Conclusion

I hope these few tips and tools help you. It took a little more time and creativity to put together this kit but it’s worked better than I hoped for so far. Use what works for you. Test things out before committing to them and event hough there are great easels out there, don’t make the big investment until you know it will work for you. How will you know? By trial an error and by talking to other Plein Air painters in your medium about what works for them and why.

You can browse more of my recommended supplies and books by clicking on the Resources tab.