PVAC is working out final details of our upcoming Plein Air Painting. Emails will go out soon with details.
Plein Air Painting with PVAC 2025
10 PLEIN AIR TIPS
1. PLAN AHEAD- Prepare your Plein Air Travel bag of art supplies and equipment well ahead of time. You can find a basic lightweight adjustable aluminum easel for around $40 that works for Oil and Acrylic boards.
2. CLOTHING- Dress for the weather in layers. Wear neutral colors because sunlight reflects off your clothes and will affect the perception of color on the painted surface. Temperature will change as the day goes on. Hats are of prime importance in all weather. A pair of comfortable walking/hiking shoes is advisable. Also, it’s best NOT to wear sunglasses while painting. Pick a spot where you and your canvas/paper are in the shade for more accurate color interpretation.
3. EQUIPMENT/SKETCHBOOK- Remember, less is best. Use light-weight outdoor painting gear, easels, canvas boards or pastel panels. Your location may be a hike from the car. Use an organized oil / acrylic palette or organized pastel holder. Have a small sketchbook with you and some type of drawing implements from pencils to markers. Bring several brushes, not everything you have. Same with paints. Again, always consider the weight. Make up an organized and designated Plein air equipment bag ready to go. If you are tempted to bring more (leave it in your car). However, choose a sturdy easel that will not be blown over on a windy day.
Don’t bring tubes of paint. Load up your palette with the colors you need ahead of time before you leave your studio. A limited palette works better for Plein air paintings. Invest in a wet paint carrier for this purpose. Masterson Sta-Wet Airtight carrier has 2 sizes and they are lightweight. It can also be used to transport a wet canvas home. Another option is an empty pizza box. Also, bring a water container.
4. BUG SPRAY/SUNBLOCK/WATER- Always have these items. Bring bottled water to drink at your painting location, and snacks to keep you going.
5. PICKING YOUR SPOT- Find a place you feel comfortable, safe and inspired. Look for interesting arrangements of light and shadow.
6. TIME- Best lighting conditions are early morning sunrise to noon or late afternoon into sunset.
7. WEATHER- Always be mindful of the weather. In case of gusty wind, be close to your set up so you can hold your painting equipment, so it does not get blown over. Hint: Weight your easel with stones on location.
8. TRANSPORT- You will need a place to store wet oil paintings and/or keep pastels safe in transport. Pizza boxes or other flat cardboard boxes or Masterson Sta-Wet Airtight are handy for transportation in your car.
9. REFERENCE PHOTOS- Use your cellphone or camera. Take pictures throughout the day for light reference later.
10. SIZE- Plein Air paintings are usually smaller in size: 6"x8", 8"x10", 9"x12", or the size of your WC block.
GENERAL ON-SITE PLEIN AIR PROCESS
1.)Tone your canvas/board at home and make sure it is dry.
2.)When you are on-site find a suitable location preferable in the shade
3.)Set up
4.)Take a photo of the subject in case the weather changes and you have to leave before being finished.
5.)Work quickly and loosly.
6.)Bring a box to carry the wet canvas/board home.
RECOMMENDED LIMITED PALETTE – YELLOW, BLUE, RED & WHITE OR
1.)Titanium White
2.)Burnt Sienna
3.)Yellow Ochre
4.)Cad Yellow
5.)Cad Red Light
6.)Alizarin Crimson
7.)Ultramarine Blue
8.)Phalo Green (or black to mix with yellow for green)
RECOMMENDED BRUSHES – YOUR FAVORITE BRUSHES OR
1.)Flat
2.)Filbert
3.)Round
4.)Rigger
5.)Dagger
6.)Angle
DOWNLOAD TIPS PDF
