Plein Air Gear Suppliers

plein air gear art supplies oil pastel acrylic watercolor

Michael Chesley Johnson’s article “Gear Up!” in the July/August 2010 issue of Artist’s Magazine explains how to pack light and smart for plein air success in oil, pastel, watercolor and acrylic. The following is an excerpt — plus a complete list of suppliers of plein air gear (below).

Oil painting gear

One morning while teaching a plein air workshop, I had a student cruise up in his Chevy van and drop anchor at our painting spot. He proceeded to unload a studio’s worth of equipment. Out came a couple of taborets brimming with pastels, a studio easel, an Igloo cooler—I was waiting for the La-Z-Boy recliner. By the time he got comfortable, the other students, with their more manageable setups, were finishing their paintings. The point is simple: You can chew up a lot of time and calories by lugging around gear. These guidelines will get you painting sooner—and with less fuss.

How Much Plein Air Gear Is Enough?

My rule of thumb for plein air gear is this: Don’t pack more than you can carry in one trip from the car. Whatever I take has to fit into my backpack. Some prefer a canvas tote bag or a rolling cart. If you’re inexperienced with painting outdoors, I can guarantee you’ll take too much into the field. Over time, you’ll figure out what compromises you can make. Be aware, though, that forgetting an essential item as you rush to capture the golden hour is all too easy. I forgot my Gamsol once and experienced painting with straight oil paint out of the tube. Since then, I’ve created a checklist that I use religiously. No matter what your medium, some items are essential: a paint box in which to carry your medium, a palette on which you can mix paints or hold your pastels, and an easel. I would also advise you not to sacrifice comfort and safety in the process of stripping down your gear. Take items like drinking water, a cell phone and sun block.

Plein Air Suppliers List

Easels and Pochade Boxes

Specialty Products

. 


Michael Chesley Johnson, longtime contributor to Artist’s Magazine, is the author of Backpacker Painting: Outdoors with Oil & Pastel. He teaches plein air workshops in both oil and pastel throughout North America. Visit his website, mchesleyjohnson.com.


Related Articles

Join the Conversation!

Become a member today!

Choose an option below to join now.

$14.99/month

Join Now

 

Free Gift Included

$99.99/year

Join Now

 

  • Stream over 850 videos anytime, anywhere.
  • Enjoy exclusive events with live discussions from today’s top artists!
  • Get access to the Artists Magazine archives and save 30% on additional magazines.

View All Benefits

*Membership cannot be purchased with Gift Cards.