Plein Air Supplies |
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First of all, this list is based on my own painting gear and a suggestion to you only, you are welcome to bring what you usually use. If you decide to make a purchase, do please have a wee practice so you know how your tools work and what you do or don't need.
I take my own gear with me and, apart from paper, I prefer not to buy while I'm away. I want to keep your art supplies simple and straight forward, the local art supply store in Lucca is lovely but they don't have a big stocks, more like one of everything, so here are a few suggestions for you: For walking and public transport, my cabin bag doubles as my painting bag: the external pockets are great for my cell phone and earphones, sunblock, lippie, money etc. My easel and painting gear all goes in the bag. Remember to bring a couple of long bungees.
On top: 4 legged stool and field easel. Inside:
LIGHTWEIGHT FIELD EASEL
https://www.artsupplies.co.uk/item-jakar-lightweight-adjustable-watercolour-easel.htm the best thing about painting at an easel is the freedom of arm movement and brushstrokes and being able to step back. The downside is that you have to stand to paint which can be quite tiring. In Australia, they are available from Eckersleys , lookup "Artlogic". PLEASE NOTE: there many cheaper easels but they are vertical - make sure you get an easel with a tilting "arm". EASEL AVAILABLE FOR RENT FROM ME FOR THE WORKSHOP (first in, first served, BOOKING ESSENTIAL, see paypal link on workshop page) 
WATERCOLOUR PAPER
Arches and Fabriano watercolour blocks are brilliant for travel painting en plein air, they are solid so you don't need a board - just paint directly on the top sheet. I have several sizes and often take 2 with me: 12 x 16 inch OR 10 x 14 inch, perfect for a cabin bag. My personal preference is Cold pressed or NOT with the green cover. Another option: is to bring a small piece of gatorboard (40cm x 30cm) for painting quarter sheets and buy a sheet of watercolour as you go = 8 small sketch/paintings. A small palette is a good idea, (left) the cloverleaf from Barry Hernimann is excellent for many reasons, comfort, ease of use and clean-up and doesn't blow away in the wind and (centre) Fusion 18 palettes from Mijello are great and both available from Bromleys. I use tube paint to fill the wells.
For sketching/journaling over a coffee or wine I use my a little (right) Schminke or W&N artist pan set.
For a comprehensive list of all my colours, see my FAQ page
Brushes (left to right):
don't feel you have to go out and buy everything on my list, bring what you usually use!! ADDITIONAL HANDY THINGS:
an old hand towel and tea towel 2-3 large bulldog clips (for your easel) 2-3 teeny bulldog clips (for your sketchbook) new flat kitchen sponge 1 inch artist tape or masking tape (from art store) water spritzer (small) large and small zip-lock bags for your palette and paints and other goodies. chinese lantern waterpot (see the medium pot with the wire handle) OR a trampers (Xfold) cup 
sketchbooks:
for actual sketching with a pencil, I use a moleskin A5 blank notebook, which i also use for writing, I prefer sketching onto smooth paper. Pencils etc: 6b/9b for sketching and a plastic eraser. I mostly use a craftknife for sharpening and a putty eraser for watercolour paper. For a painting sketchbook, I'm using a Stillman and Birn Alpha softcover 10 x 8 inch, next time I will get the hardcover. They also offer some great sketchbooks and journaling options. In New Zealand they are available from Takapuna Art Supplies and in UK from Jacksons but I would try to source first-hand rather than online to make sure it will suit your needs. I hope I haven't blinded you with science - do feel free to email me anytime with any questions!
IMPORTANT: do try out and become familiar with any new equipment to make sure you are happy and that it will work for you!! Pack it all in your suitcase to test too!! x |
Due to supply difficulties wherever you are in the world, please be happy with the colours and quality of paint, brushes and paper you have right now. You might get a different result from me - that's great - your work is already starting to have your unique style and you will be developing your own sense of colour!! WHEREVER YOU ARE
IN THE WORLD, GET MY RECOMMENDED WATERCOLOUR MATERIALS HERE My recommended watercolour materials are available online from these stores, anywhere in the world My Amazon USA store of Favorite Products My list of faves at Jerry's Artarama My faves at Jackson's Art UK My fave Rosemary & Co Hake brushes I am an affiliate marketer and earn a small commission on your purchases from some of these links, thanks for looking! |
