WORKSHOP & PLEIN AIR SUPPLY LIST

Everything you’ll need for painting in an outdoor environment

 
 

When painting outdoors (en plein air), these are the supplies I take with me. However, feel free to use what you are accustomed to. Here is my suggested Plein Air Supply List for workshops:

• Dress accordingly. Check the local weather forecast. I recommend dressing in layers (in cold weather), with a neutral-colored shirt/coat.
• Supplies: if you don’t have supplies, contact Tim immediately so he can reserve a set for you ($30 payable at the session). You can also view this list at dickblick.com by clicking here. Otherwise, run through this list to ensure you’re ready to go:
  • Portable easel
  • Canvas/panel/paper for paint on.  Recommended size:  aprox 8×10″ to 12×16″. Gessoed panels are great for oils.
  • Paints. I will be working and demonstrating in oils. You’re welcome to work in your favorite medium of choice.
    • Landscape palette: Click here for a list of paints/supplies I use for landscape painting.
    • True Colors workshop palette: Click here to view a printable list and/or a prepared shopping cart.
    • Palette layout: How I lay out the colors on my palette (approximate colors): Lefties / Righties
  • Palette: wood with a nice patina or plexiglas.
  • Painting medium: optional. A variety exist to improve the flow of your paints. Follow the fat-over-lean principle for long-lasting paintings. 
  • Solvent to clean brushes (oil: odorless mineral spirits; watercolor/acrylic: water. TIP: in winter, you can add alcohol to your water to keep it from freezing).
  • Brushes: I use hog bristle filberts #2, 4, 6, and 8 and a flat #4 and 6 for landscapes.
  • Palette knife: I use a thin diamond-shaped knife, about 2″ long x .5″ wide. 
  • Paper Towels
  • Hat to shade from the sun’s glare
  • Small trash bag for soiled towels
  • Insect repellent
  • Folding chair if needed
  • Snack, bottled water
  • Sense of humor
  • Most of the supplies above can be purchased at DickBlick.com. Click here to view supplies: Ready-to-order Plein Air Painting Supply List. Printable list of supplies.
• Wet paintings: be sure to have a shallow cardboard box in your car to keep your painting safely secure when traveling home. Here are a few wet canvas carrier options:
  • Artwork Tuffbox by Road Cases– Heavy-duty wood cases, large sizes ($139+)
  • Lightweight Painting Carriers by Raymar ($21+)
  • Canvas Caddy– Carry your canvas like a suitcase ($10)
  • Panel Pak– Lightweight carrier for panels (no stretchers) ($20+)
  • Artwork Tuffbox by Road Cases

Questions? Please feel free to contact the studio.

Tim Chambers