my favorite PLEIN AIR PAINTING setups ✶ watercolor, gouache, oil, palettes, pochade boxes and MORE!

[@angiepen]

Another approach to the "How do you start?" question is to start very close to home that first time. Pack your kit and take it to the backyard, or the front porch, or a balcony, whatever you have Right There, and paint something you could probably see out a window anyway. That way, if it turns out your kit doesn't quite work, if it's missing something, you didn't drive/hike for an hour only to have to turn back. If outside near your house doesn't work, pack up and then paint in your living room, or any open space big enough to set up. No using the tables or chairs or anything; draw/paint something with just what you have in your kit plus the floor. Does it work? Missing anything? Even if this is just a dry run with a quick painting of your couch to show for it, it's like doing your first overnight backpack in your back yard. If you made a mistake in your kit choices, better to figure it out when your front door is twenty seconds away. [wry smile]

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

YES great tip - I do that too. I paint in my garden all the time. I paint on the couch all the time. I actually keep one portable painter on the living room table for that very reason.

[@chaconne0488]

Great advice! For years I have dreamed of painting outdoors, but there is always something in the way. In winter I made myself three sets, in three different bags: for drawing, for watercolors and for pastels. Only once did I manage to leave the house to the garden with a set of pastels and because there is still something disturbing. Thanks to you, I can see that it is not only me who has this problem :)), but you encouraged me so much that I will keep trying until I am successful. Best regards from Poland

[@berolinastrassmann]

Very sensible tip! It saved me a lot of frustration -and helped me find out not only what I need, but also what I do NOT need in my kit. Sometimes I pack things "just in case". On site I did not use it, but had to carry it anyway. A home "test drive" helps refine what you absolutely need to carry. Thanks for sharing!

[@mouseketeery]

Re: damp watercolour paintings - lots of sketchbooks have a pocket in the back which are the perfect place to put a couple of slices of waxed paper, glassine or similar. You can slip them between pages to stop your painting either printing onto adjacent clean pages, or worse, two damp paintings on opposite pages sticking together when you close the book. Very handy when you need to pack up quickly, for whatever reason.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I forgot about glassine, great idea!

[@anmarein4608]

Oh, a gear-bag video! I love those and not only for sketching and painting. Camping, hiking, photographing, outdoor cooking, paddeling, you name it, I'll watch ist. Even if I dont't do the activities myself. I do sketch and paint plein air though, mostly line and wash. I have two sheets of blotting paper in each sketch book. When the paint is dry enough that it won't smear but the paper still damp, I put the blotting paper on both sides of the painted page and close the sketchbook. At home I dry the sketchbook and the blotting paper thoroughly.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

does the blotting paper remove any of the paint?

[@anmarein4608]

@@SarahBurnsStudio No, when the paint is dry enought that it does not smear (when you would touch it for example) ist does not. It only draws the dampness out of the paper.

[@olgaloseva5058]

You have very atmospheric videos! Greetings from Russia!

[@TheMessyDeskxyz]

KZbin is on a roll recommending me everyone’s plein air setup videos! 😂 Can’t wait to see your 2024 July edition!

[@PumpkinBecki]

Yep, I'm a classic Gemini, I get bored doing one thing for too long, so I paint (watercolour and Americana/Folk Art in acrylics), cardmaking, sewing, zentangle, bonsai, cross stitch, drawing, jewellery making, making miniatures for fairy gardens and dolls houses...phew!!

[@SorrensSorrow]

Same lol

[@IsannaIAT]

OMG!! "I learn so much when I paint from life and it's just became my greatest joy" I can't say it better!! Thank you!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Wonderful!

[@Tex9Down]

I’m just a new terrible painter. But, I enjoy it. Never painted outdoors, but I want to. I just found your videos, liked it and subscribed in 60 seconds.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Welcome ☺️

[@PauPolys]

I just LOVE you're videos, I watch them over and over again, they put me in a good mood

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Wow really? ☺ Well I'm glad you enjoy them!

[@RealmsOfThePossible]

It's funny I was looking at your supplies and just going yep, got that, yep, got those...ooh what's that? Yep, got these... lol. The viewcatcher looks interesting may need to pick one up. I was going to buy the portable painter but went for the Frank Herring 16 half pan instead, really great palette. Love the videos!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I think many of us have the same items (or slight alterations) and yet we are so curious about everyone's setups. :D

[@vivvv2630]

Susan Chiang has a video on how to make two sizes of view finders. You may check it out…

[@Talesinmaking]

I love this so much!! I've started painting again after many years and although I'm not able to go outdoors painting often (due to health) I am actually just preparing my bag for my first little painting session outdoors and I'm excited!! I love your videos and your advice and the one thing I've saved to carry my water is old vitamin containers and I've got one for removing paint and a second one for wetting my brush plus they are small and very portable and the ones I'm using don't leak which is an added bonus. 😛🙃

[@kirana8290]

sorry if my english is messy, i use google translate for this😆 i really really admire all of your videos and also the long journey you tell. your painting is so cool! i've tried painting outside a few times, but it's really hard not to get distracted and grab people's attention. advice? thanks! have a nice day 🥰

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I usually wear headphones if I'm near people, that discourages people from talking to me :)

[@KristieBittleston]

This is by far the best video I’ve seen for a travel kit - THANK YOU!!!

[@sakshiibaghel]

Such insightful videos! Thankyou for this 🌞

[@brownlauren15]

Love your chair!

[@carolynderricks3226]

I can totally relate to your frequent moving and exploring when out doing plein air, so light and portable are two of my favorite words! Thank God for watercolors; but now I’m into oils and trying to figure out a kit that’s really portable! The challenge is part of the fun! Cheers!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Oh gosh, good luck! I'd be interested to hear how you make that more portable. I don't know if you saw my older plein air videos, but I used to do a lot of oil outside. Such a challenge!

[@mentalmadness5402]

Thank you for your recommendations. I am not a new painter, but I am just thinking about taking my art outside. I need a new challenge, and I think plein-air could be fun. That said getting support from you as to what to get is extremely helpful. No reason to do trial and error when you have already tested out options. Thanks again!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I really hope you enjoy your new adventures!

[@watercolorswithmary5794]

Hi Sarah! I love limited palette too, painting looks more natural and harmonious when you mix other colors from the ones you have... love your drone filming and beautiful landscape :) and that wet paint carrier looks great :) have a wonderful day! Mary :)

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you! Yes I agree the limited palette really helps keep the painting harmony

[@laurahale5774]

Awesome video! Looking forward to the camping/plein air adventure video. Catching up on gardening chores here in the Midwest, but fall colors are getting closer every day.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Just love this time of year SO MUCH!

[@linzertube]

Some fantastic tips for outdoor painting. Scotland is so picturesque, old and beautiful, EVERYWHERE…I totally understand why you’re there!

[@johntravena119]

It’s good you mentioned packing out the brush water. I know at least the cadmiums are extremely toxic but I’m not sure of other lightfast pigments in the yellow and red color ranges to replace them with. Think cobalt blue is very toxic as well.

[@NatashaNewtonArt]

So interesting, Sarah! I love to see what other artists include in their kit. The little Portable Painter looks so useful.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

It really is! I love it so much

[@OtoKano]

Thank you for sharing what you carry in your setup! Not brave enough to paint outside yet but I’m noting down your info for the future. Your kit is so super compact, it seems so doable :D

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

That was my priority, having a low profile setup helps me be more inconspicuous

[@VictorianStudio]

Hope you're having a fab trip and can't wait to see what you'll share with us next. Thanks for all the great info and the beautiful views with your awesome video footage - such a pleasure to watch you Sarah!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thank you! ☺

[@KarenKingArtist]

Fab video Sarah! I’m just starting out producing videos of my own and yours are a great example 🥰

[@dianequinn1500]

Thank you, Sarah. You are very beautiful. Your light shines through, crystal clear.

[@jaclee6]

Thank you for sharing your plein air setup. I paint watercolor, and have been itching to try plein air painting, this is helpful for me.

[@deborahhobbs8941]

Wow what beautiful scenery you have to work from!

[@izzyg8316]

Thank you so much for sharing! ❤

[@terryech9110]

So helpful to see the various options for a beginner like me. I always tend to take way more than I need then spend more time setting up and deciding what to use rather than sketching or painting.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Been there done that! Haha sometimes I still do..

[@jaysea5873]

Thank you so much for this video Sarah! The Q’s in the Q&A were exactly the kind of advice I’ve been looking for. I never know what do to with all the wet things: dirty water, wet brushes, and wet sketchbook. So thank you muchly for answering those. The comment below about using wax paper between pages is also a gold star idea! Cheers from British Columbia, Canada!

[@cheryrobertson2735]

I’m newbie plein air, thank you.

[@deborahbarbaccia6813]

Hi Sarah , great information

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

The pochad box seems so complete and good size, but I’m pretty sure that I won’t paint so much outside that would made worth buying. Then I have to start much more outside.

[@SharonCullenArt]

I always love to see what others do for their set-ups. Sometimes I pick up new ideas. Have a great trip Sarah! Sounds like fun. I haven’t been able to plein air paint or camp at all this summer because I need to have back surgery and my back is a mess, but I am so looking forward to getting back out there next spring. This Winter maybe I’ll get back to it, but from my car because we are supposed to be slammed with a super cold winter in Michigan. 🥶

[@margaretgonzalez9350]

love your work Sarah!....i have watched you grow from the beginning!

[@katjakatjabo7022]

Thank you for your helpful videos. This was one which was so useful for me for painting outdoor , I most time take too many things with me. And have to carry it onto the mountains.

[@Tracywhited2]

Such fabulous art work ! You’re so talented. I’m so sorry to hear you suffer from weakness and being so tired all the time. ❤️. Wishing you strength and health.

[@CozyCreates]

Hey, I tried white gouache is dry watercolor pans. It works but only for the lighter colors. I would add the color you use as black like an acual black or Prussian blue to be able to achieve that gouache feel for your darker tones. And add honey to make sure your gouache doesn't crack. But it offical works!

[@KayNymanArt]

I hope camping was lovely! Love your go bag. I really want to start taking a sketchbook and ballpoint pen with me hiking so I can sketch some thing along the way - pen sketches are my fave and I think it'd be great practice!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

It really is great - even if it just feels like scribbles..you get a lot out of it

[@andreatorraca8755]

Fabulous…as I’m getting ready to go out and paint….thank you so much!!!! You are awsome!

[@loreleibell6287]

Very informative. I've been outside "out in the field" painting more this year than last, and I want to say, Sarah, I think you've given me the inspiration to do it. I have a "go bag" too. Thank you!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

That's so wonderful to hear!!

[@AbdullahAzrael]

I love the portable painter micro by far my favorite palette because I keep it with me all the time amazing I love it I recommend it to everyone and personally I love the idea of mixing my own colors

[@ellenp7455]

I am trying to make myself to go to sketch outside for two weeks already😂. Every day it's " ok, maybe, tomorrow"... So I leave everything ( like paper and couple of pencils) at home and go about my business, and then I see something, that is just begging to be sketched and I think" Why I didn't take anything with me?!" Maybe, your tip of putting the kit together, even if it's just a piece of paper and pencils, will work! I am very hopeful it would work!🤞 Thank you and have a lovely trip! 🍀

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

You can start really simple until you've built more of a habit and confidence ☺

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Ohh wow that’s lots of valuable information! 💕 I love how you have various setups and various mediums. I recently bought a variety of sketchbooks ( cold-press & hot-press) and watercolor postcards to do & a couple of travel palettes. I was worried about having too many varieties. I also sewed my own brushes roll so I am ahead of the game with that. 😊. I will have to check out some of the things you suggested like painting boxes & definitely a matt you use to sit on. Thanks for sharing this video. I am super excited to begin my Plein Air journey now!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I’m excited for you!!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

@@SarahBurnsStudio Thanks 😊

[@marcwheeler4406]

You should get one of those handheld fans battery operated...lol...you know the ones that alot of menopausal woman use for hot flashes...this was a nice informative video as I always wondered how heavy your bags were....mikelle my mom👩‍🎨🎨

[@kr2112]

As always, s great! So inspiring! Thank you!!!

[@OneTrueWord1988]

Really great video Sarah! Thanks so much. 💐

[@indigodande4345]

lap desk yoga mat mosquito tent im gold. i think i will try that this summer. I really hate attachable easels to tripods they always fall over

[@beckyisj]

Thanks so much for this, Sarah! I'm just starting to get myself painting outside instead of just drawing & sketching and this is SUPER helpful

[@alrightpolyp512]

Excellent info! Love seeing what other people use to paint. The flag behind you is crying out to be ironed though.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Lol

[@janneostlund6051]

(If you are looking after an small lightweight chair i can rekommend the tree legged ones you can find in sportstores or huntingstores. Easy to carry with the backpack.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I do have one of those too, but I always feel so unstable on it 🤣

[@GrandmaMuggy]

Great video and lots of great tips!

[@carrollwilson5169]

Have fun camping. Great ideas in the video

[@linzertube]

I didn’t realize you have another channel, Sarah….I’m heading there now for a gander.

[@jayperezart]

thank you for the view finder tip!

[@melissa3991]

Love this!! Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻

[@SuperSpainlover]

Nice tips thanks

[@fuzzydragons]

its an artist bug out bag lol 😀 perfect thing really to have

[@bylolojkt]

You live in heaven 😍😍😍😍

[@Emiswitchcraft]

My set up is not very different but I‘ll have a look on few things like the palette for your gouache. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Its been a great little mixing tray!

[@Emiswitchcraft]

Have a nice camping week-end 😉

[@ruthballardart]

Super informative, thanks!

[@vivvv2630]

Love the video! 🙌🏻

[@maryhazlett]

I recommend you check into Art Toolkit. They have a website and are near Seattle. However, they now sell somewhere in Europe. (I also suggest Tom Bihn, also in Seattle. Tons of backpacks/accessories, geared to one-bag travel, even on planes - no need to check luggage). (are you in Scotland permanently? Are you there because of a partner? (if too noisy a question, ignore!)

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Thanks! Yep, I live here permanently - if you want to hear our story, we made a video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoHXapx8obaNmtk

[@bobgoodnoe4583]

Well done, ma’am.

[@lynnkile2463]

I never painted before but I am inspired by your beautiful painting. If I could only do half as good .i want to order the boxes so i can learn from you. How do i order these boxes i am so excited

[@alisonlyons4691]

Hi Sarah, your videos are so helpful and comprehensive, so thank you for all your info. I bought a postcard pad the other day with the idea of thumbnail sketches while oot n aboot. Can l ask where that gorgeous waterfall is ? I'm heading further nth in a couple of weeks. I know a number of places you find yourself at !! 😊 thanks again Alioban

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

The waterfall I showed in this video is Ardessie Falls

[@ElizabethKilbride]

You mentioned the two-piece plastic mixing tray you use, where did you get it? I can't find it anywhere. Please advise. Tip: would be a great idea to list each of your supplies and a link to where to buy them should someone wish to get something you use, and we could add to our kit. Thanks in advance.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I have a supplies link in the description which I keep updated :) The tray is the Guerrilla Painter Airtight Palette Tray from USA

[@tittupstrong8589]

Hello!! I watched your videos, I liked it and I want to leave a comment. I really like your painting and most of all I like that you have not lost interest in everything that surrounds you, you are an interesting woman and artist. I wish you great creative success

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

Very nice thank you

[@kazfarndon4990]

I have the portable painter and have been considering getting the mini version, wondering if it's worth having both. I think you answered my question. I saw someone use a clip to attach their mini to the side of the sketchbook by one of the mixing areas sides which looked a good idea.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yea it easily clips to a sketchbook or board. It's so convenient. I use the micro like maybe half the time?

[@kazfarndon4990]

@@SarahBurnsStudio thanks for info

[@morgenmachen2400]

Hi Sarah! Quick, specific and vaguely related (sorry) - I saw that you don't recommend the Moleskin sketch books any longer and I was wondering why. Is there a video or blog where I can find out about that? I've been combing through posts and I haven't found the info yet. I may have missed it. Would you mind pointing me in the right direction? Thank you.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

They are not 100% cotton paper, and they have a strange sizing (finish) to the paper. Meaning they don't handle watercolor properly. As you get better in watercolor you notice how much better 100% cotton content and proper sizing is for achieving desired results. Glazing and other techniques become more difficult on moleskine. In general they are fine for anything but watercolor.

[@morgenmachen2400]

@@SarahBurnsStudio thank you for replying. I was recently recommended a mixed media paper for botanical painting by a professional artist and I was shocked. I haven't tried it yet and I'm not sure I will. I only use 100% cotton as well. Since it's so so difficult to find affordable cotton sketchbooks with a decent GSM, I just order paper by the sheet (the quarter imperial), and fold it back and forth then tear to get a softer, almost decked look, then hole punch and add into a binder. A less than perfect result but for the money I can't beat it. Just thought to ask, but if you're painting with gouache, and not using washes or watery layers, will you use cellulose or lower quality cotton (Bee, Paul Ruben's, Strathmore etc)?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yes with gouache I don't care what the paper is made of, as long as its thick enough ☺

[@morgenmachen2400]

Really appreciate your excellent interaction here. Thanks for the fast and helpful resplies!

[@MandaPanda254]

I got a moleskin and a watercolour specific one and it is horrible. The sizing is a real issue. Definitely do not recommend either :)

[@SereneStudio]

Thanks for this, Sarah! I recently got a mini pochade box for my bday and took it outdoors with me, but what I found is I was using my portable Painter and sketchbook the most. The portable Painter is a game changer! I love mine, thank you so much for introducing me to it. :) I also can stand by simplicity being important outdoors. But it's hard for me to commit to colors when I'm not familiar with the landscape and what colors I'll need. If you're only doing five colors and you don't know the landscape well enough, how do you chose whether warm or cool primaries?

[@maryhazlett]

My response would be to use both warm and cool. And if you can do only 5, have #4 & #5 be red and blue. So, warm and cool reds and blues, and a yellow.

[@andreatorraca8755]

Smiles from Florida….:)

[@deborahtaylor7902]

Hi Sarah...great info and video...I am just starting plein air...I know I will love it! I am packed and ready to go...but I think need that folded cushion that u sit on..what is that called and where do I find one? thanks! great stuff and your paintings are so good!

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

I got it from REI, www.rei.com/product/734520/therm-a-rest-z-seat

[@alevel79]

I wish can spend so much time like you painted outside 🥰. How can I browse you “chair”

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

It's discontinued

[@pamelathomas2723]

Thx Sarah great info!! What mat do you use in the video? I see it rolls up.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

It’s a brush roll but it basically looks like a sushi mat? I got it at a random art store in Denver

[@hildybean]

Hey Sarah, your pen clips, are those 3 single Midori clips, or another brand triple clip? I’m intrigued…and envious. 😊

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

They are the cult pens brand

[@hildybean]

@@SarahBurnsStudio thanks so much!

[@cametientaucoeur]

Does your waterproof silver bag have a brand name? I bought the portable painter, very nice review. Jeanne

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

No it was just a cheap bum bag I got on amazon

[@sandradosscomedy]

I like your videos a lot. Do you use a drone to film?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yes I have a mini drone. It took a while to learn, but now it's like second nature!

[@rocki__maa7549]

Can I please ask the brush clips you mounted in your sketchbook are called or where they are from. I have been looking for these for quite a while.

[@moma-b]

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 😊

[@msbb5007]

♥️

[@scottydont7904]

Im 70 and I had to trim my oil set up from 35 to about 25lbs.The only thing left is to find a lighter tripod.

[@moma-b]

Comment to boost the algorithm. 😊

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

What do you do with all those small format paintings?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

They are for learning. But can also be used for prints

[@nareshmachhi1200]

You ar you butiful to You bag

[@marcwheeler4406]

Oh my gosh I forgot to say in my pior comments you can use the hand held battery fan to dry off your painting and palette if you need to move around...lol...I'm deftly having my own menopausal moments of hot flashes and I cant tell you how much I always wanted to have one of those tiny little fans...🥵👩‍🦳👩‍🎨....

[@easterneuropeantracksuit3312]

Sarah I’m I new subscriber how did you end up in Scotland?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Short version: I met my Scottish husband on a train while traveling. Long version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoHXapx8obaNmtk

[@oneeyewitch]

My snacks would weigh the same as the bag lol.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Haha..sometimes I do bring a lot and a thermos of coffee!

[@oneeyewitch]

@@SarahBurnsStudio Enjoy camping.

[@mariacamilagarcia9654]

Lol 🤣

[@minnesotom776]

That bag needs more cheeze-its

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Haha...if only I could buy them here!

[@margaretgonzalez9350]

re: paint water disposal?.....don't the paints come from the earth?

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Yes, but just because something comes from the earth doesn’t make it safe to dispose of in whatever way we want. Digging up toxic metals to use in paint then pouring it into water where fish and other marine life swim…nope!

[@margaretgonzalez9350]

@@SarahBurnsStudio i agree