Plein Air Equipment - What to take painting?

[@carolynderricks3226]

Hi Clare, I was just out today scoping plein air sites, and fine tuning my gear. I like to bicycle also so I’m trying to fit it all on my clunker bike, doing acrylics. Not easy! Love your overalls- great idea.

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Carolyn, no one said the plein air painting was an easy option, as you know by experience! Thank you re overalls! 👏🎨❤️

[@jenniferrugh189]

Recently found your channel and subscribed. Congratulations on your nice article in Plein Air magazine!!

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Jennifer for your support and for your good wishes of the Plein Air article! 📽🎨👩🏻‍🎨

[@DanStratocaster1]

Very nice.

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Dan!❤️

[@karoloakley2670]

Love the adventure of painting pleinair and seeing what goodies other artists stash in their backpacks! Thanks for sharing.

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Karol, happy to share!👩🏻‍🎨❤️

[@jimjotka2187]

I'm really impressed how much stuff you take..

[@ClareBowenArtist]

hopefully every eventuality! The challenge of plein air painting! 😊👩🏻‍🎨🎨

[@sammmenzies134]

Thanks for your videos Clare. I've found you as I was searching for a pochard. Unfortunately it looks like the Open Box M company has "disappeared". Shame - your pochard looks very handy. I was particularly interested in the smaller (8x10) one that you showed in an earlier video. Looking forward to watching some of your other videos.

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Samm! You are quite correct that the Open Box M is now no longer available which is sad indeed! Thank you for your support and you may find of interest on Instagram my short videos/reels there - clarebowenartist.👩🏻‍🎨❤️

[@robinaart72]

The paint carrier tube - nice idea that - esp for traveling light in mountains etc.

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Robin, I find it very useful 🎨

[@ZaiyaFineArt]

i love your content. 🎉

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Zaiya! ❤️

[@maggray5963]

Currently putting a kit together. People mention a boxnpaint which looks to be similar to the paint garage.I have a super ugly cooler bag with wheels which might do the trick but that backpack does look sweet. You seem to follow my packing method which involves adding till you run out of room. 🙄 Hard habit to break that one ...

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Agree not easy to simplify! The Palette Garage from Great Art Tools is a gem and obtainable from the American Company. Not sure where you are but sadly they will not export to the UK!👩🏻‍🎨🎨❤️

[@russellwilson6388]

Great video, I'm going to implement a lot of your recommendations, thank you clare ❤

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Russell, my pleasure!😊❤️

[@GillNicholasDelusions]

Fascinating and useful, thanks Clare

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Glad it was helpful Gill! 😊

[@josewilsondemacedo6176]

Thank You Clare!!!!

[@ClareBowenArtist]

You are very welcome Jose! 😀

[@_JoyceArt]

That tube and L-shaped wet paint carrier can be DIY-ed, by getting an L-shaped trim from a hardware store, and a PVC tube as well. That trim comes in PVC, wood and metal (at least where I'm from, but I guess it is sold worldwide. I use it the most random purposes. There was a very short period where it was really easy and rather affordable to order from the US, even living in Europe, and the UK. Sadly recently it's gotten very expensive and time consuming, or even outright impossible.

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Joyce for your helpful comment. What you say is quite correct, Great Art Tools will not send to the UK. 🙏🎨

[@jessoliveirart]

You are very kind, I liked to see your configuration to paint outside :) I will adhere to some tips

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Glad it was helpful Jessica! 😍

[@petertaylor2502]

Thanks Clare, I keep promising myself to get out and do Plein air your vids are encouraging I am only 75 plenty of time yet! Best wishes Peter

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Peter, do go out and try! Even in the back garden if you have one is a good starting point!

[@Grayson4795]

GIVE IT A TRY😭🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@petertaylor2502]

Have done!@@Grayson4795

[@Grayson4795]

Thank you so much

[@ClareBowenArtist]

You're most welcome Grayson!😊

[@jeffsayer2888]

Thanks Clare very informative. No need for the gym carrying that lot 😁

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Jeff, yes definitely keeps me fit!!

[@chalkhillblueportsmouth3363]

thanks for sharing 😊wishing you a great trip and looking forward to seeing your journey.

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you so much, can’t wait to show you!! 💚

[@zoewhiteart7676]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thanks Zoe, glad you liked it!

[@Pajeot1]

Thank you Clare for the wonderful video! Very helpful, I've implemented some of your ideas! Love your videos and your passion for painting. It's contagious :) Best wishes, Ron

[@ClareBowenArtist]

You are so welcome Ron and thank you for your support! 🙏❤️x

[@ArtelisStudio]

I love your plein air painting outfit! That’s a plein air gear too. 💗 overalls + pink hat + matching pink shirt 💗

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you! Glad you noticed! 👩🏻‍🎨

[@jancusters2450]

Forget to mention that it is a really good tip about the values brushes you mentioned. I always use pencils before painting. Well, yes, maybe try drawing values indeed, greetings...

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Oh good, I find them super helpful to get my head around value shapes instead of lines! 🤍🖤

[@deborahjvass]

This is so useful. I want to take out oils but it felt a bit overwhelming! Thank you for such practical advice.

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Glad to help Deborah, give it a go and have fun!👩🏻‍🎨❤️

[@Lauragld]

Love the tip about the rolling backpack! I just carry a backpack...but wheels would be so nice...especially when heading back home after painting. Love you videos Clare...so generous :)

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Laura! Very pleased you are enjoying the videos! 📽🎨👩🏻‍🎨

[@sashaknowler]

Love this ❤️

[@ClareBowenArtist]

So pleased, thank you Sasha. 😊🎨

[@BlancaVarguesArt]

Nice video!! I like so much!😍😍

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Blanca! 🤗

[@brentpickens3371]

Very helpful and informative!

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thanks Brent 👍

[@jancusters2450]

Many thanks for your presentation. I enjoy your videos very much. Keeps me motivited.

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you so much Jan, I’m really pleased they do!

[@fuzzydragons]

small snacks are a must for plein air painting 😀

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Agree 😋 painting always makes me hungry!!

[@ronschlorff7089]

@@ClareBowenArtist I usually try to paint near a restaurant, especially at the seashore in California, a nice fresh Dungeness crab sandwich, and cold glass of beer, goes well, for lunch, after slaving over a hot easel all morning! ;D LOL

[@simoncrump9106]

Thanks Clare that was fascinating. I think it's the boy scout in me that loves hearing about what people pack in their rucksacks. Joking aside, a really useful video, especially the little things that you've found from experience (one glove, half a hanky, cord to tie your tripod down etc.) Have a great trip! Look forward to seeing what you get up to. 👍

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thanks so much Simon! I’m glad there’s was some helpful tips in there. I like the scout elements too ⭐️

[@frandavies7576]

So helpful and reassuring!❤

[@mapk100]

Hugely helpful…thank you. You are such a delight 🥰

[@ClareBowenArtist]

You are so welcome Liz! 🙏❤️x

[@anilimo9296]

Thank you for your tips !

[@ClareBowenArtist]

My pleasure!

[@destino2portugal]

Very useful vlog Clare ❤️

[@ClareBowenArtist]

So pleased it’s useful thanks Nick ⭐️

[@stephenhessler8439]

I love looking at plein air equipment videos where artists explain how they have "paired down" their kit over the years. Then, they pull out a 15 pound backpack and a tripod and a wet paint carrier and a roll of 20 brushes (Rosemary and Co., of course). RIDICULOUS! What they don't show is the team of Sherpas and the trolley they need to carry all their stuff. I just returned with 15 paintings after a month of plein air painting and traveling in Europe with my KIT consisting of one Junior Size Yarka field easel that is the size of a small attache case (16X4X11 1/2). THAT'S IT. The Yarka has telescoping legs attached and space for all paints and brushes (5) and mediums and the lid even holds a PanelPak (9x12) of Centurion oil primed linen pad canvases. Use M. Graham Fast Dry Formula Titanium White and or an alkyd gel and your paintings will be dry to the touch in 2 days.They sell mineral spirits in Europe. Who knew? Oh, I forgot.......I wore a ball cap..

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Stephen! Thank you for taking the trouble to explain your plein air kit. I am sure readers will be delighted! 👩🏻‍🎨🎨😊

[@SwiftlyCyan]

I've been slowly getting a plein air setup together and this is wonderfully helpful to see! Really happy to have found your channel! Do you prime your boards? I've only really used pre-gessoed canvas panels so far and I'm really curious about MDF panels, but they're so so expensive to buy from art shops!

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi, I do prime my boards. Why don’t you Google MDF panels cut to size? Many companies advertise even next day delivery. Or a local hardware store such as B&Q will also cut for you as you require. Going to an art shop is not the answer! ❤️

[@peggyandthegreenfamily5469]

Hi Clare I have been painting for many years but due to life's little things that pop up from time to time, I have tended to paint from home acrylic inside the home and oils (My love) in the garden due to the smell etc upsets my wife. hence oils outside only, I have tried en Plein air twice on holiday paints/canvas got in the way. After watching what you take with you I think I must have another go, I have subscribed to you channel and will watch any videos you have posted, many thanks. Best wishes Ken and Christine xxx

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hello so nice to hear from you Ken! I hope your plein air goes well, message me if you have any questions. Thank you for subscribing. Best wishes, Clare

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

Have you tried the water mixable oils? They are great. Where I take painting classes those are recommended. I have asthma and I can use them. I was so happy to have learned about them.

[@tonitichauer4723]

Hi Clare, thanks so informative, but what was the pink polkadot thing. I'm in Canada, so maybe that's why i don't understand 😂

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Toni! Sorry for the delay in responding! Also for not making it clear that a ‘Pinny’ is an APRON! Greetings Canada! 🇨🇦

[@dorottyanagy7960]

Hi Clare, thank you for the video, very useful! Do you have any tips whre to get the paint garage in the UK please?

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Dorottya! Sadly there is no agent here in the UK for the American company that makes the Palette Garage. The US company, Great Art Tools will not post to the UK. Maybe a friend in America could get you one and post it to you? 👩🏻‍🎨❤️

[@RichardJHuntArt]

Always interesting to see inside other people’s plein air kit…… do you not carry bug spray? The number of times I seem together plagued by flies while painting…..

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Richard! I haven’t done in the past but do now! 🙏❤️

[@Jigger2361]

...holy smokes, I'd love to see how you'd pack for Everest! 🙂

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you I do like to be organised! 👩🏻‍🎨🎨😊

[@pollyester6627]

HI Clare, great video, thanks for revealing that sack of necessities for plein air! Wondering though why you use turps instead of the milder odorless mineral spirits? Looking into Rosemary & Co Brushes finally, what a variety they offer. And, if I may say in the most complementary way, you remind me of Jacinda Ardern. Cheers!

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Polly good question, I used to use Sansodor but found the consistency ‘watery’ unlike turps which goes with oils better. I don’t use much of it so it’s doable smell wise. Big compliment re Jacinda, thank you!! 💖

[@deborahmclarnon-riches8635]

Hi Clare was just about to order the aluminium version of tripod, you mention you have a more robust one for winter, could you give me a link to that one please. thanks

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Deborah two tripods options - Manfrotto 190xPro or Geehope L220C carbon fibre. 😊

[@javajoe668]

Do you have a list of the materials and equipment that you can share? Thank You 😊

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Java Joe, I don't at the moment as we are abroad painting but I will put one on there when I can - I'll message you when I do so you can have look. Best wishes, Clare

[@javajoe668]

@@ClareBowenArtist no worries Clare. I did find another video of your that showed some of your gear so that is fine. Enjoy Switzerland and will you be visiting any art supply stores why abroad?

[@pattypage9543]

Is this the setup you travel with? Trying to plan ahead on what to take to your workshop in September

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Patty, it is the main set up I travel with. We will send you a list too. Would you like that soon? 😊🎨

[@pattypage9543]

If you wouldn’t mind, I would like the list. I would like to get used to painting with that set up.

[@pamayres4786]

I usually bring an umbrella too

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Me too - I should have mentioned that! Thanks for the reminder :-) best wishes, Clare

[@jimjotka2187]

I take a French box easel.. very Little in it

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thant is good! 🙃

[@judynail1690]

That was very helpful. I'm going to paint in the south of France later this year and I'd never seen the palette garage. I'll have to get one of those. Does it have to be unloaded for the flight?

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Judy 😊you do need to empty it for the flight as it could everywhere. Safer empty. You can order them from Great Art Tools but sadly they don’t shop to the Uk. Have a lovely trip to france! Best Clare

[@pamelarobinson1185]

Hi! Thanks so much for all your helpful videos! I’m wondering if your plein air easel will work for doing sight-size paintings? It seems like maybe the mixing tray would be too high if you were to work with your board at eye level?

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Pamela you’re right this style of pochade doesn’t work well for sight size. My new does - Daytripper by prolific painter. 😊👍

[@roberthoward3723]

Been viewing your “kit” video I notice you have an oil paint storage box? (Box n paint?) are these available in UK please.

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Robert! Do you mean the Palette Garage by Great Art Tools, an American company? They won’t ship to the UK but will to Europe if you know someone abroad who could help!👩🏻‍🎨❤️

[@roberthoward3723]

@@ClareBowenArtist Thank you for coming back to me - have just googled the product; yes that’s the one I’ll get my cousin in the States to forward thanks very much. Am anxiously looking forward to your next painting and Mr B’s accompaniment!

[@agnieszkaszczepaniak6994]

Hello Clare can you please help me, I am just waiting for my first outdoor easel - daytripper - so excited, but ahead is another decision to make - what tripod for that, I love manofrato but which one to choose so it can be good for my backpack, light and strong. I will be so happy to hear your opinion about it. Greetings Agnieszka

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hello Agnieszka, I use two tripods. One for the summer/autumn the other for winter. Light = not so stable int he wind but easier to carry. Its the one I use the most - here is the link its not cheap, you could go for the non carbon one which will be cheaper www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00M8RQKS4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 This is the other one I use, a bit heavier and longer but very stable www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FZLBVBG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I hope this helps give you ideas. Good luck with your new pochade and plein air painting! Clare

[@kathysfineart9152]

I found this so helpful. I am wondering about the capacity of your backpack . Is it 40 Litre or perhaps the dimensions would be helpful. I am going shopping for a rolling backpack right away!

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Kathy so sorry for slow reply…. My backpack is a Samsonite: height 50cm width 34cm depth 21cm sizes approx! Hope this helps 😊

[@shradhathorat]

Hey Clare.. Do you carry an umbrella as well?.. I have seen some artists attach it to the easel..

[@shradhathorat]

Do you need it in the first place?

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hey Shradha! Yes I do if I think it is likely to rain!☔️

[@annhydeArtist]

Hi Clare, This has been so reassuring. I've been painting plein air for about 6 years too, and EVERY time I set off with what I 'Think' is the right equipment. I end up adding Extras! and the "just in case" 🤣 I bet you have the same. I'm trying to par down to the 'essentials' as much as I can. Recently I had a conundrum as to what palette to take with me - pochade/easel - large or small? the choices were endless 😖 🤣. You're so confident with the videos too, I'm impressed. I youtube too but have, til now, avoided actually being onscreen. Watching your videos, I'm really going to try and bite-the-bullet and include myself, you have done encouraged me, thank you. Readers: Like and Subscribe to Clare's channel :)

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Ann, thanks so much for your kind words! I’m glad my video is reassuring. The equipment is such a big part of plein air! I hope you bite that bullet and make an appearance in your videos 👩‍🎨🎨 happy painting, Clare

[@annellajoubert9194]

Where do you get the little paint saver in the tube?

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Annella. It is from a company in America called Great Art Tools and the item is a Palette Garage. 👩🏻‍🎨🎨😊

[@mirtamahieu1813]

Thank you very much for the explication .How do you prepare the mdf boards to paint with oil ? Do you put something no the back?

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hello I use 3 layers of acrylic primer. The first layers thinned with water. I hope this helps, best Clare

Hi Clare! Do you have a lighter version? I don't own a car or even like driving, so all my plein air is walking/biking distance, or public transport plus walking/biking. Any suggestions for that? Thanks in advance!

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Sylvia! Daybreakeasel.com is a good company. They do a lite size easel 7 x 10” might be what you are looking for!

@@ClareBowenArtist Oh, I see. I'll check them out, thank you!

[@bastonero7572]

I can relate to antihistamines 😁

[@ClareBowenArtist]

♥️

[@BirdGardenChannel]

Great gear rig - thanks for sharing! Does the Palette Garage work for acrylic paint?

[@ClareBowenArtist]

I am sorry I don’t use acrylic paint so I can’t say one way or the other. 😊

[@rebeccacaridad]

Hi Clare, thanks for sharing all of this. Can I ask you what photo/recording equipment you use to record your Plein air videos?

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Rebecca I use my iPhone 12 pro plus. Or my husbands phone Samsung 20. On a tripod with a phone cradle (In other words a smart phone & tripod) 😊Hope that helps!

[@rebeccacaridad]

@@ClareBowenArtist Thanks Clare, very helpful!

[@BetinaLundkaerJensenartist]

Hello Clare, thanks for sharing. I wonder if you seal your MDF panels? I seal mine with Golden Gac 100 and gesso...

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Betina I do a thin watered down coat of white acrylic gesso and then two thicker on top. Do you find sealing helps? Thank you 😊

[@BetinaLundkaerJensenartist]

Well, I'm not sure if it is really necessary, but when using hardware store MDF without canvas, the idea is to keep moisture out of the panel and acid from attacking the painted surface. But maybe it is just a waste of time and money to do it 😅and gesso would be enough

[@robinmorgan2713]

Best to seal due to possible oil migration, esp if board is not high quality mdf

[@BetinaLundkaerJensenartist]

@@robinmorgan2713 Yes, I think so too... I'll keep sealing!

[@rebeccawalton5415]

Hi Clare, How do you pack your paints/turps when you fly so they are not confiscated? Is there a non-flammable turps substitute you use? Thanks!!

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Rebecca most people buy turps / solvent when they get to their destination. There are plane friendly solvents you can buy. I can’t remember the name though. Fir my paints I put them in a clear airtight box and mark artists colours - not paints. I would look it up there’s info online. Hope this helps!

[@zubairdrawinganimation3360]

Really really amazing and my name is Zubair and I am from Pakistan and I like drawing and comics and I have also my KZbin channel.

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Thank you Zubair for your comment. Greetings Pakistan! 🇵🇰

[@zubairdrawinganimation3360]

@@ClareBowenArtist walaikum Salam and thank you and nice to meet you 😊

[@christinehalet6234]

i would order a palette garage but only from USA and the shipping costs 52 $ FROM usa TO france . so you know how get it elsewhere ?

[@ClareBowenArtist]

I am sorry Christine but I cannot help you. I purchased mine in America so didn’t incur the exorbitant shipping costs!

[@richardmika2136]

toilet paper be handy never know when need some

[@ClareBowenArtist]

True Richard!

[@richardmika2136]

i nver had a tripod set up but looks fun i painted large when i had my school i uses water based oils few times for small paintings

[@eileenjohnston6835]

What is a penny?

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hello Eileen it’s a pinny - or an apron ☺️💙

[@judynail1690]

Ha I wondered the same thing but figured it must be an apron! lol

[@phillipstroll7385]

No need to buy a palette garage. A price of angle iron, not really iron, and a plastic mailing tube is the exact same thing for a pennies on the price of a palette garage. Just glue a peice of felt to the lid. Nothing to it at all. I made mine for $2.00. That included having the store cut the angle peice for me at all the lengths I wanted. I bought the metal peice for. 25 cents because it was damaged in the end. I got 6 palette garages out of it. Paid $1.25 for the shipping tube. 10 cents for the felt. I'll be dammed if I'm going to pay twenty plus for something that costs a few dollars.

[@ClareBowenArtist]

Hi Philip thanks for your ideas. I too have looked into other options. Not found anything (in the UK) as good. I’ll keep looking…