Plein air Rig

Yesterday I spent some time organizing my plein air gear, thinking I won't be using it nearly as much now that fall is really setting in here in Oregon. I don't mind too much, as I really enjoy my time in the studio too. I like that hunkering down, nesting that inevitably happens.

Before I really put plein air aside for a bit, I worked on a photo of my pastel rig. I also have it posted as a PDF on my website on the workshops page.  Here's the photo and a list of what usually bring. All the items fit in the backpack, so all I have to carry is the french easel and the pastel box. The foam core boards fit on the front of the easel, so I don't have to carry that either. Honestly, though, I don't hike in too, too far with this set-up. If I really want to go lean, I have a smaller box, made by Willow Wisp Farms that fits on a tripod, but I always miss my colors!!

1. full french easel w/ drawer fully extended to accommodate the pastel box
2. large Heilman pastel box with pastels organized by value/hue/intensity
3. backpack with the following items (4-27)
4. watercolor palette
5. small water container
6. bristle brushes
7. pencils
8. exacto knife
9. pencil sharpener
10. washcloth
11. paper towels
12. piece of plastic drop cloth
13. small sketch book
14. viewfinder
15. water to drink and for watercolors
16. 3 bungie cords
17. small camera
18. phone
19. sunscreen
20. bug spray
21. tissues
22. hand warmers
23. gloves with fingers cut off
24. small spray containers of alcohol and water
25. small container of gamsol
26. ipod
27. tape
28. 2 pieces of foam core with paper sandwiched between and glassine layers on top of each sheet of paper.

Maybe some of you will get to paint outdoors more than I will in the next couple months! Happy painting!!