Plein Air Painting…so much fun I can hardly stand it!
Ah, the feeling one gets when gathering up all of the painting gear and loading it in the car! Driving to that special location. Carrying all the gear (sometimes a mile or so) to just the right spot. Picking the best possible view of a place…and then the sobering moment when you realize that the canvas (brushes, thinner, or paper towels- insert other here________ ) is at home on the table.
Over the years, I have tried to develop a method that makes this happen less frequently, and in fact rarely happens anymore. I have had great success in avoiding this situation, simply by finding a routine that works for me, and then sticking to it. Hey, if you think you are forgetting something…you probably are!
Buying a separate easel and supplies (brushes and paint), that are ONLY for outside painting, has been the one single thing that has helped me most. It is less daunting to go paint for a couple hours when everything is organized and waiting. Not only do I forget things less often, but I am ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Using free-time, ahead of time, is the right time to check and restock supplies. Check that the thinner/medium is full, colors are restocked, brushes are packed, and a canvas is included, etc… This is a good habit to consider, and is a quick way to make sure you are prepared.
Oil paints will typically stay “workable” all day. Laying-out paint on the palette beforehand, saves precious time and hassle while on location. Always putting the same colors in the same place on the palette EVERY TIME becomes automatic, making it easier to concentrate instead on mixing and painting.
A sheet of plastic wrap, pressed lightly into the paint will keep the paint fresh over-night if you are heading out early. The paint shouldn’t slide off the palette, even if the easel is carried on its side. If the oil paint is runny and wants to slide, squeezing it onto a paper towel first will absorb excess oil, and can then be transferred to the palette with a knife.
After returning from a painting excursion, clean all the gear and then put it back together again, so it is ready to go next time- Locked and Loaded. It is tiring to get back from painting and do the dirty work, but it is worth the extra five minutes.
Start with the essentials, and eliminate any supplies that can be done without; An easel and a few essentials is really all a person needs to paint a picture. If all the gear cannot be carried in one trip, there is too much! It is important to be able to go to places, if desired, that requires a longer walk in and out.
Simplify. The less complicated the better. This is a healthy mind-set, and one that can actually enhance the enjoyment of painting outdoors.