Watercolor Tips for Painting 'en Plein Air                   
All Watercolor Tips are FREE!
(for personal use)
Check List for Outdoor Workshops  
Painting on Location / Outside / 'en Plein Air!


Watercolor Painting Gear:

  • Watercolor Travel Palette ( 7-12 of your favorite colors are usually sufficient)
         I suggest starting with the                                    and add colors as needed
    
  • 3-4 favorite brushes
  • 2 rounds with good points (#8 - #10 or #12)
  • 3/4" flat brush
  • 1" wash brush (Susie's cutter brush)
  • Optional choices might be the water barrel brushes that hold water in the handle (S-M-L)

  • Watercolor paper divided into quarter sheets, watercolor block or watercolor sketchbook
  • Paper support/ board with clips, clipboard, lapboard etc  
        (I use a piece of coroplast a light weight corrugated waterproof plastic cardboard used for
         advertising signs by Realtors etc)
  • Water and 2 plastic containers, 1 for clean water and 1 for rinsing brushes
    (Many places have water available on site -- check to see if you need to carry in water.)
  • Watercolor Easel (Optional)  Some artists prefer to stand and paint at an easel while
    others prefer to use a TV tray or lap board and paint seated.
  • Umbrella (optional) for both sun and rain (white or neutral color)
  • Light weight bag or backpack to carry supplies
  • Miscellaneous Supplies:
  • Paper Towels. Toilet Paper Blotter or sponge
  • Pencil and eraser
  • Notepad or sketchbook for field notes and value studies

Other gear to consider:

  • Camera and plenty of film
  • Drinking water
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Bug Spray
  • Trash Bag for soiled paper towels
  • Extra large leaf bag or trash bag to cover art gear in case of sudden showers
  • Old or inexpensive doormat to keep chair from sinking into soggy grass.
  • Insulated lunch box or small ice chest for cold drinks/water.
  • Lawn or beach chair/ tray side table
    (on site picnic tables may or may not be available for our use)
Get out and paint! There is nothing like painting outside....'en Plein air!