Mastering Watercolor Painting: Part 8 - Plein Air (Outdoor) Watercolor Painting

 Best Supplies for Travel & Field Painting

Compact Watercolor Kits – Use a small set of half pans or travel tubes to minimize weight and space.

Water Brushes – Brushes with built-in water reservoirs eliminate the need to carry a separate water container.

Portable Palettes – Folding palettes with mixing wells help blend colors efficiently.

Field Sketchbooks – Choose watercolor-specific sketchbooks with 300 gsm paper for best results.

Lightweight Easel or Clipboards – A sturdy backing surface ensures stable painting outdoors.

Water Container & Paper Towels – Even with a water brush, carrying extra water and a cloth for cleanup is helpful.

How to Handle Weather Conditions

Wind:

• • Use clips or tape to secure paper to your board.
  • Position yourself behind a natural windbreak (trees, walls, or large objects).

Humidity:

• • Paint dries slower, so allow time between layers.
  • Use a hairdryer or sunlight to speed drying.

Hot Weather:

• • Paint dries too quickly, so use larger water washes.
  • Work in the shade to maintain moisture control.

Cold Weather:

• • Carry warm water in an insulated bottle.
  • Water brushes may freeze—use synthetic bristles instead of natural hairbrushes, which hold water.

Sketching & Planning for Quick Outdoor Studies

Start with a Simple Pencil Sketch – Outline the basic shapes and composition before adding paint.

Establish the Light & Shadow – Identify where highlights and shadows will be.

Use a Limited Color Palette – Avoid overcomplicating; stick to 3-5 key colors.

Work from Light to Dark – Begin with broad light washes, then gradually build details and contrast.

Capture the Essence Quickly – Avoid overworking; plein air studies focus on impression over perfection.

📌 Pro Tip – If conditions change or you need more details later, reference photos help finalize work indoors.

← Previous Post Next Post →