Lighten Your Load: Plein Air Painting Tips

Plein air painting, which means in the open air in French, offers artists a unique opportunity to engage directly with nature and develop their artistic process. However, it can be challenging due to factors such as changing light, weather, and the weight of equipment. To lighten the weight of your gear, it is recommended to use lightweight easels, such as those made of aluminum, and to only bring essential items. Artists suggest limiting the number of colours and paint tubes, pre-preparing the palette, and using lightweight alternatives like watercolour boards, camping mats, and small sketchbooks. Planning for the changing light by finding a shady spot, using an umbrella, or working during specific times of the day can also help.

Choose lightweight equipment

When it comes to plein air painting, choosing lightweight equipment is crucial, especially if you plan to hike or travel to your painting location. Here are some tips to help you select the right gear:

First, consider the weight of your easel. A lightweight easel is essential, as it will be easier to carry, especially over long distances. Look for small versions of the traditional French Easel design or opt for purpose-made lightweight aluminium easels. If you're particularly crafty, you could even modify an already lightweight easel, like the Strada easel, to make it even lighter.

Next, streamline your paint selection. Instead of carrying heavy tubes of paint, pre-prepare your palette with the colours you'll need for the day. This not only reduces weight but also lets you focus more on painting. Bring only half-full tubes and choose your colours carefully. If you're a pastelist, consider breaking your pastels in half to maximise the number of colours you can bring without adding weight.

Another way to lighten your load is to leave the heavy chair at home. Instead, take a Z-fold camping mat, which is lightweight and can be folded for comfort. If you don't want to sit on the ground, consider a lightweight folding stool.

Lastly, be mindful of the miscellaneous tools you pack. Every item adds weight, so only bring what you truly need. For example, if you're painting with watercolours or oils, you might not need a heavy tripod. A lightweight walking pole can serve the dual purpose of aiding your hike and providing stability for your painting setup.

Remember, the key to successful plein air painting is to travel light so you can move more easily and stay comfortable.

Limit paint colours and tubes

When preparing for plein air painting, it is important to keep your setup as lightweight as possible. This is especially crucial if you are hiking or travelling abroad. To achieve this, you should limit the number of paint colours and tubes you bring with you.

Firstly, it is recommended to use a smaller number of colours. A limited palette or a warm/cool primary palette is a good choice for beginners. You can also break pastels in half to maximize the number of colours you can bring. This will help you to avoid carrying heavy pigments that you will never use.

Secondly, do not carry paint tubes. Pre-prepare your palette with generous amounts of paint before you leave your studio, loading up your palette with enough paint for the day. This will not only reduce weight but also allow you to focus more on your painting, rather than having to stop and squeeze out tubes of paint.

If you are set on bringing paint tubes, only bring half-full tubes. You can also opt for watercolours or oils, which tend to be lighter than other mediums.

By limiting your paint colours and tubes, you can significantly lighten the weight of your plein air painting setup. This will make it easier to travel to your desired painting locations and enhance your overall experience.

Use lightweight easel

When it comes to plein air painting, weight is a crucial consideration, as you may need to carry your equipment over long distances. One way to lighten your load is to choose a lightweight easel. Here are some tips and recommendations for selecting a lightweight easel for your plein air painting adventures:

First and foremost, look for an easel that is specifically designed to be lightweight. This might include easels made from modern materials such as aluminium, which tend to be lighter than traditional wooden easels. Some brands to consider are the Strada Mini, EasyL Pro, and Plein Air Pro, all of which are noted for their lightweight and portable designs. The Open Box M is another popular choice for its lightweight, compact design, and it even fits in a backpack! If you're looking for something more affordable, set a budget of $200 or less and explore options like the Daytripper Plein Air Easel, which is excellent but only available second-hand.

Additionally, consider the features that contribute to portability. For example, an easel that is easy to assemble and disassemble will make your plein air painting experience much smoother. Look for easels that come with a carrying bag or backpack, as this will help distribute the weight comfortably. If you're travelling by plane, ensure that your easel fits within the allowed dimensions for carry-on or checked baggage.

Another factor to keep in mind is the stability of the easel. While lightweight easels are essential for portability, you also want to ensure that your easel is stable, especially if you're painting in windy conditions. Consider designs that can be weighted down, such as by attaching a pouchade box or using a weighted bag, to increase stability without sacrificing portability.

Lastly, think about the type of canvas or panel you'll be using. Some lightweight easels have weight restrictions for the artwork they can support. If you work with heavier canvases or panels, ensure that your easel can accommodate the weight. Additionally, consider whether you need an easel that can hold multiple wet panels simultaneously, as this feature may be important for plein air painting when you need to work quickly.

By following these guidelines and considering your specific needs, you can select a lightweight easel that will enhance your plein air painting experience, allowing you to focus on capturing the beauty of nature without being weighed down by bulky equipment.

Plan for changing light

Planning for changing light is essential when plein air painting. Here are some tips to help you prepare for and manage changing light conditions:

Firstly, choose the right time of day for your desired lighting effects. If you're looking for dramatic shadows, consider painting during the early morning or late afternoon, known as the "golden hours". The low angle of the sun during these times casts longer shadows, creating a sense of depth and contrast in your composition.

Before starting to paint, take some time to study the shadows cast by different objects in your scene. Observe where the light is coming from and how it affects the shapes of cast shadows, as well as which areas are in shade and which are illuminated. This awareness will help you establish a clear intent for your painting and prevent your initial design from being ruined as the sun moves across the sky.

To maintain consistent lighting on your canvas, find a shady spot to set up your easel. Avoid painting with your canvas in direct sunlight, as this can result in darker and grayer colours than intended. Alternatively, use an umbrella to shield your painting from direct sunlight. If painting at night, consider using an easel light to illuminate your work.

Consider using a grayscale value chart to periodically check the values of your painting. This will help you ensure that your colours remain true to your intended values, even as the light changes throughout the day.

Additionally, simplify your palette by limiting the number of colours you bring with you. Pre-prepare your palette with a generous amount of paint before leaving your studio. This will reduce the weight of your gear and allow you to focus more on your painting rather than constantly having to squeeze paint from tubes.

Finally, remember that plein air painting is a unique experience that allows you to engage directly with the beauty of the natural world. Embrace the changing light and let it breathe life into your work. Don't be discouraged by initial failures; instead, focus on capturing the essence of the scene and expressing your own ideas and feelings through your art.

Use lightweight seating

When it comes to plein air painting, the weight of your gear is a crucial consideration, especially if you plan to hike or travel long distances. One way to significantly lighten your load is to opt for lightweight seating options.

A folding chair can add considerable weight to your setup, so it's worth considering alternatives. Shirley Heusel, an experienced plein air painter, recommends forgoing a stool or chair altogether. Instead, she suggests bringing a Z-fold camping mat, which provides a comfortable and lightweight seating solution. This option allows you to reduce the overall weight of your gear and improve your portability.

If you prefer having a chair, look for lightweight options designed for outdoor activities such as camping or hiking. These chairs are typically made from lightweight materials like aluminium or lightweight steel and can provide a comfortable seat without adding too much weight. Some chairs even come with carrying cases or straps, making them easier to transport.

Another option is to use a lightweight tripod stool. Tripod stools are stable yet lightweight, and some models can be easily folded and carried in a backpack or attached to a belt loop. This option frees up your hands, allowing you to focus on your painting without worrying about carrying extra weight.

Additionally, consider the weight of your easel, as it can make a significant difference. Aaron Schuerr, a plein air painter, modified a Strada easel, which is already lightweight aluminium, for his pastel painting kit. This modification allowed him to further reduce the weight of his setup. When choosing an easel, look for lightweight materials like aluminium or even consider using a lightweight sketchbook easel for shorter hikes or trips.

Frequently asked questions