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I don’t like most of what I paint outdoors, but the process is the point; and I know it will make me a better painter. (Gaye Adams)

There are all kinds of fancy , expensive things you can get to go Art outside. Don’t be stupid. All you really need is some colour, a surface, and a markmaking tool.

En plein air is a French expression which means “in the open air.” Don’t let the pretty word make you think it’s complicated! It’s a great way to really see things as they are- when they are right in front of you, not back at the studio. Or, yunno, your kitchen table.

You don’t need to get  complicated- while that’s an ideal way to paint some days in some places, other times even the nicest pochade box is cumbersome.

I took an all day hike up to Whitewater Glacier last summer , and I needed something light (even though my forest-fire fighting brother carried the pack, lucky me!) which would allow me to capture the place in a matter of minutes- I wanted to reach the saddle and we had to be back before dark.

So being in a gorgeous place that makes my heart joyous, I knew I’d want to set something to paper, but wouldn’t have much time.

So I brought a set of oil pastels, because they lay down colour quickly, and a sketchbook. I laid in the watercolour washes when I got home. This is “Whitewater Glacier.”

Slocan Lake (top) was painted more Manet-style.

I brought:

Watercolours- but not a fishing box full of tiny tubes that I’d dig through; what a waste of time! I have a large white plastic palette with small squares along the side with my favorite colours already prepared The only mandatory one for my watercolour box is really Payne’s Grey. I don’t think there’s a better colour to mix with other blues to create great shades of sky.

A book of watercolor paper – if you’re outdoors, student grade watercolour paper is fine- you don’t have time layer washes like you might with more expensive Arches paper- although a thick, rich stack of watercolour paper is a delicious luxury for an artist . Here’s a handy guide to watercolour paper.

Brushes- I can get away with two. I like a flat brush and a round, extra-pointed brush. The flat brush will cover enough area for a small wash while allowing for calligraphic line quality- that twisting strand like streamers or grasses. The round brush holds plenty of water and the tip allows fine lines. I find this gives me a balance between capturing details without getting overwhelmed, while allowing for quickly laying down areas of paint.

Whatever you’re doing outside- keep it fresh. Make many paintings, not just one, so the spontaneous quality stays with you after you leave the fresh outdoors for forced air heating. And remember, you don’t need to know what your tools are called before you use them! I googled all the links I’m showing you- and I use these tools on a regular basis. Stop getting ready to get ready and just GO.

PS: I also have a painting bag- it has only my painting supplies. It removes one of the many obstacles I have in getting myself to do what I love.