Plein-Air Supply List

"En plein air" is a french term that means in the open air, and has become the standard way to reference landscape painting on location. Plein-air painting is a great way to capture an experience while your feelings are immediate and accessible. There are of course particular challenges that must be overcome, when bringing your studio to a rocky cliff top, into the dappled light of the forest, or onto the open ocean. You will want to condense your typical supplies down to the necessities, as well as include some plein-air specific tools. Notice the same materials may be marked with a different priority level then they were on the Studio Supply List.  Here are the materials I bring on location.

Paint Colors

White Titanium-Zinc Blend (essential priority 1) (Permalba or Utrecht)
Cadmium Red Light (essential priority 1) (Gamblin 1980)
Transparent Orange (practical priority 2) (Gamblin +)
​Yellow Ochre (essential priority 1) (Gamblin 1980)
Cadmium Lemon Yellow (essential priority 1) (Utrecht or Gamblin +)
Cadmium Green (practical priority 2) (Gamblin 1980)
Phthalo Green (essential priority 1) (Gamblin 1980)
Brilliant Blue Phthalo-Ultramarine Blend (essential priority 1) (Utrecht +)
​Dioxazine Purple (practical priority 2) (Utrecht or Gamblin +)
Alizarin Crimson Permanent (essential priority 1) (Gamblin +)
Raw Umber (essential priority 1) (Gamblin 1980)
Notes: The '+' signifies Professional Quality. Utrecht and Gamblin have proven to be an exceptional value giving a high quality for the price. Gamblin's 1980 student grade even holds up well in specific colors. 

Canvas / Easel

Canvas Panels in Various Sizes (essential priority 1) 8x10", 9x12", 12x12" 11x14", and/or 12x16"
Plein-Air Tripod Easel, or French Box Easel (essential priority 1)
Wet Canvas Carrying Box (essential priority 1)

Brushes / Tools

Flat Bristle Brushes in Various Sizes (essential priority 1) (Robert Simmons Signet) a couple small: 1, or 2s, a few medium: 4, 6, and 8s, one or two large: 10, or 12s  
Palette Knife (essential priority 1)
Fan Bristle Brush (special priority 3)
Small Industrial Flat Chip Brush (special priority 3) 
Brush Sleeve (essential priority 1)
Drumstick Holder (practical priority 2) clamps to easel and holds paintbrushes 
View Finder (special priority 3)
Easel Umbrella (practical priority 2)
Carrying Case (essential priority 1) depending on terrain and preference - wheeled cart, back pack, industrial tool bag or combination

Clean-up

Paper Towels (essential priority 1) (Viva or Auto Shop)
​Odorless Mineral Spirit (essential priority 1) (Gamsol or Turpenoid)
Brush Washing Can (essential priority 1) At least 500ml size, stainless steal with air tight clamped lid.
​Turp. Hook (essential priority 1) to hang brush washing can on easel 
Trash Bag (essential priority 1) (TJ's Paper Bag)
​Hand Sanitizer (practical priority 2)
Notes: Besides the Turp. in the can, I also bring a small bottle of extra Turp. in case the brush washing can spills.

Other Tools

Brush Sleeve (essential priority 1)
Drumstick Holder (practical priority 2) clamps to easel and holds paintbrushes 
View Finder (special priority 3)

Protection

Sunscreen (essential priority 1)
Drinking Water (essential priority 1)
​​A Friend...  That way if you encounter dangerous wildlife, you wont have to outrun 'a bear'...  Just outrun your friend!