Plein Air Watercolor Supply List: What I Take Painting Outdoors
Updated: Sep 23
Over the years, I’ve experimented with a lot of different ways to carry watercolor supplies outdoors. My goal is to keep the setup portable enough that I’ll actually use it, while still having everything I need to paint comfortably.
You certainly don’t need everything on this list to begin plein air painting. Start simply and adjust your setup as you discover what works best for you.
Easel & Support
Slik F740 Tripod (very compact)
Guerrilla Painter No. 17 Flex Easel Attachment
SunEden Artist Shelf-200
Sienna Pochade Box also work well as an alternative to the Slik Tripod
The Sienna Supply Box/Shelf is a good alternative to the Suneden Shelf (more compact)
Paper & Palette
Arches 300lb Coldpress or Rough Block, 11x14 (or smaller), the watercolor block is stretched for you with several sheets bound together.
Palette: Robert & Sharon Long Slant Palette. Lately I've enjoyed plein air painting with a Triadic palette, just three colors...Peacock Blue, New Gamboge, and Alizarin Crimson. I really like the harmony it makes which works well with nature.
Brushes
Escoda Travel Brushes
American Journey Canvas Brush Holder — I love this brush holder!
Sun, Weather & Comfort
Hat — for glare and sun protection.
Neutral-colored clothing — helps reduce bright reflected color onto the painting.
Camp Time Roll-a-Chair
Umbrella — useful for keeping direct sunlight off the palette and painting.
Carrying Everything
Backpack: the Kelty Redwing 50 works great it will allow you to fit everything into it, except the chair which can be attached to the side!
For the more compact Seinna setup, I use the Sienna Plein Air Backpack
Bring a camera!
Small Essentials
1 jar, 22oz or bigger, pre-filled with water to paint with.
Kneaded eraser
Mechanical pencil
Sharpening knife(to sharpen wax stick)
a sheet of sketch paper
Artist tape
Several Viva paper towels
Susan Scheewe Watercolor Resist Sticks(clear wax crayons)
Holbein Watercolor Atomizer Bottle
Drinking water
Want a simple watercolor materials guide?
I put together a free Watercolor Guide with information about brushes, paper, paints, palettes, and other supplies I use, along with a few practical tips on color and technique.
Start Simple
You don’t need a perfect plein air setup before you begin. Start with your basic watercolor supplies, something to support your paper, water, a few brushes, and protection from the sun. After a few outings, you’ll quickly learn what you actually use and what you can leave at home.
If you’re curious about why I enjoy plein air painting so much, you can also read Plein Air Watercolor: 6 Benefits of Painting Outdoors.
If you’d like to explore plein air watercolor, color, washes, and other painting techniques with me, I’d love to have you join me at Illuminating Watercolor.
