Scott Ruthven's Ultimate Guide to Plein Air Gear - Everything you need, with links!

Want to take your oil painting outside but not sure what gear to buy? This 38 minute video is just for YOU! Join me while I share each piece of gear in my plein air setup. I'll explain what it is, why I use it and where to get it. Jump start your plein air adventure right now!
Please like, subscribe and share if this was valuable for you!
This video isn’t sponsored but some of the links below are affiliate links which means if you buy something, I’ll receive a small commission for referring you. A real win-win and it doesn’t cost you a penny more!
0:00 Intro
2:10 Backpacks
2:30 Nite Ize S-Biner Carabiners: amzn.to/3sc60Hr
2:35 Spring Clamps: amzn.to/3k3qSxQ
4:00 Nite Ize Original Gear Tie, Reusable Rubber Twist Tie: amzn.to/3dvC5pq
4:00 Nite Ize GEAR TIE 12" BRIGHT ORANGE 2PK: amzn.to/2ZyWsKo
5:12 Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife: amzn.to/3ujiWNM
5:30 Tripods - Manfrotto MK290XTC3-BHUS Xtra Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit with Ball Head: amzn.to/3pwCCtK
8:57 US Art Supply Stainless Steel Leak-Proof Deluxe Brush Washer: amzn.to/37vD8Ci
9:05 Gamsol,1 Liter, 33.8 Fl. Oz.: amzn.to/3bgbb24
9:40 NO-AD Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 16 oz: amzn.to/3k5YQla
9:50 COB LED Booklight: amzn.to/3qCqYPp
10:10 Business Cards, Moo.com 25% off: refer.moo.com/s/scott_ruthven...
10:47 Travelogue Landscape 5-1/2 x 8-1/4, Artist Sketchbook: amzn.to/3bo1mzh
11:00 Copic Sketch Markers 5/Pkg W/Multiliner Pen, Sketching Grays: amzn.to/3azo2NM
11:07 Staedtler Pigment Liner Sketch Set of 6: amzn.to/3pCV9EA
11:26 BIC 4-Color Ballpoint Pen, Medium Point: amzn.to/3ucXREu
11:28 Staedtler Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils, 12 Pack Graphite: amzn.to/3ubz6IZ
12:20 Carhartt Men's All Purpose Micro Foam Nitrile Dipped Gloves: amzn.to/34mdwt2
13:07 Flambeau Waterproof Tuff Tainer: amzn.to/3saLvL9
15:00 Alvin Prestige Paintbrush Holder / Wallet: www.jdoqocy.com/click-1003482...
15:28 Brushes and Palette Knives: www.kqzyfj.com/click-10034827...
16:00 Panel Carrier: www.prolificpainter.com/
17:19 Painting Panels - Centurion OP DLX: www.jerrysartarama.com/centur...
18:00 Viva Paper Towels: amzn.to/3drKVop
18:50 Daytripper Easel: www.prolificpainter.com/
21:45 Pochade Boxes: amzn.to/3tmsPsO
23:18 Gamblin Solvent Free Gel: www.jdoqocy.com/click-1003482...
24:46 Thumb Box / Cigar Box
27:25 Setting the Palette
29:45 Palette of Colors
30:13 Traveling With Oil Paints
31:20 Painting Demonstration in Germany
Paints and Mineral Spirits:
Gamsol Orderless Mineral Spirits: www.tkqlhce.com/click-1003482...
Backpacks
Red Rocks Outdoor Gear: amzn.to/3uovnIb
Kelty Redwing 30 Tactical, Navy: amzn.to/3pGbHM6
Kelty Redwing 50 Backpack, Twilight Blue: amzn.to/3bhGA4o

[@gregballenger3439]

From a young artist that is trying to rediscover a love for painting, thank you.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

You’re welcome. Good luck, Greg.

[@EllenR654]

I just stumbled upon this video (4 years after the fact) while looking up pochade boxes; wow! I’m glad I found you! This video was awesome, you covered everything! I appreciate your calm manner and concise explanations, and I was blown away by the Heidelberg painting, and I love the little flower seedlings container! I’ve not seen this much description about plein air gear and set up anywhere; Thank you!!!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Thanks for your kind comment, you made my day! I’m happy the information helped.

[@virginiagrey698]

Thank you so much. Concise, full coverage and a great lessening of stress from all the confusion and hype from others. My greatest pleasure was seeing your subject in Plein Air. I have not been turned on by Mountains and trees. Enjoyed your variety.

[@suedeutscher7052]

Thank you so much for this and posting all of the materials!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

My pleasure! Let me know if you have any questions, Sue. Thanks for your comment.

[@dawnreardon67]

As a beginning artist hoping to paint plein air, I enjoyed this tremendously!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

I hope you get out there and paint! Thanks for your comment.

[@AndriyDemchuk-ny2vf]

this very good,good job and thanks for sharing!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

You’re welcome.

[@paulperry8614]

Very enjoyable video and your concise description of your gear, thanks for posting.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Thanks for watching, Paul. I'm glad it was helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@bonniegeiger2882]

Scott, thanks so much for this wonderful video - you, the equipment you showed & described so well, and the great painting from Germany - all so informative and enjoyable. No, it’s not boring to watch you.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Hi Bonnie! Thank you so much for your kind comment. I’m glad you liked the video. Good luck to you!

[@margaretsmilligan9393]

Loved this informative video, thank you so much from Scotland

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

That’s wonderful to hear, Margaret! So cool to have you tuning in from Scotland.

[@jmdfineart]

what a gorgeous, gorgeous painting! - truly a masterpiece!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Well thank you so much. The painting is a wonderful memory of that perfect place and time. 😊

[@barbskeelcsw]

What a nice guy and such a good painter. Super video!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Thanks so much! You are so kind.🙏

[@maxheadroom7687]

Excellent video, thanks for making this Scott, so helpful to someone new to the Plein Air scene! Loved your painting of the bridge and towers over the river in Germany!👍🇦🇺😎🙏

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Hi Max Headroom, You’re very welcome, glad it was helpful. Good luck with you Plein air.

[@sharonkuisis1717]

Thanks, great tips and ideas!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Glad to help! Good luck out there, Sharon.

[@sandramoorewilliams5384]

Excellent information and nicely detailed. Beautiful finished painting -- wonderful sense of ambiance, and atmosphere. Thank you for sharing your process and professional expertise.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

You are very welcome

[@Michelle-hg3sv]

Thank you, Scott. I paint en plein air now and then but I got a few great tips here.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

I’m glad to hear that. Thanks for your comment, Michelle and happy painting.

[@angeladavis5796]

Thanks for sharing these helpful tips! I'm a newbie Plein air artist so this was definitely what I needed to watch!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Glad to hear it. Good luck, Angela.

[@celestesmith9305]

Wonderful video and full of useful information! And your German city painting was spectacular. It is evident you enjoy your work and are a very talented artist!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Thank you, Celeste. I’m so glad you found it helpful. Fee free to ask, if you have any questions. Good luck on your painting 🧑‍🎨

[@danielorourkeartist]

Thanks for the tips man, really well put together video 😊 all the best on your plein air adventures, Daniel

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Thanks Daniel, glad it’s helpful. Good luck in your adventures!

[@Paunguliaq]

Scott, I have painted plein air for decades but am only now finally switching to oils. Your guide and advice is well done, comprehensive, and most helpful. You are obviously a great painter. Thank you for your help.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

I’m so happy to help! Thank you for your comment and good luck.

[@castrojr.971]

Thanks for sharing your gear and setup, you got a new subscriber :)

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

That's great, Juanito. Thanks!

[@frozencancukfinearts]

Great video, I have been painting 2 years and ventured out to work plein air a few times. It is demanding. Great little painting to wrap up the video.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Glad you like the video, Frozen Canuck! Thanks for taking time to write a comment. Best of luck in your plein air adventures!

[@stayclassyhitchcock]

great video

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

🙏 thank you.

[@blacksun67]

thanks for this helpful explanation, I built my pochade boxes myself with another approach (boxes with space for tubes, side-sliding mixing palette and panel attached inside the lids, but was nice to see your different setup :) greetings from Italy

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Hi Luca, I bet your pochade is perfect for you. It's nice when you can customize something exactly how you want it. Cheers to you!

[@thomasvahe197]

Merci.good painting.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Thank you!

[@sylhayes8152]

Very good teaching

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

😊 thank you

[@sherryhaney]

Thank you for this video. Don’t like to wear gloves, but tried a comparable pair from Lowe’s and now I’m sold. Saved so much money time and water.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Oh that’s great to hear, Sherry.

[@arvinsilva2494]

You have put out great tips in this video! I appreciate all this information. I have been in the market for a plein air setup. The Daytripper and French Resistance pochade have been my finalists for the final purchase, and your set up with the former quite convinced me to go with it. I like the large palette surface, and the subdued profile. I look forward to learning from you more! More power to you!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Hi Arvin, thanks for your kind words. Happy I could help! Good luck and keep in touch.

[@arvinsilva2494]

@@ScottRuthvenFineArt I definitely will keep in touch! The Daytripper got delayed in shipping so I'm still waiting after one month.

[@kimberlyspilker5715]

Thank you for sharing such an inspiring and informative video! I especially enjoyed the end when you painted the river town scene in Germany...you really come to life and it’s great to hear and see how much you love your work. By no means is it boring to watch someone paint, however! It is fascinating, especially for anyone who loves art and/or wants to learn to paint (I’m both. :) ) I am in the midst of gathering gear for my own adventures and I really appreciate all the time and effort you brought to putting this together.

[@kimberlyspilker5715]

Oh an yes, your painting is gorgeous! It’s stunning.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

You are so very welcome, Kimberly! I can’t thank you enough...your appreciation and recognition of the time and effort I put into making this video make it all worth while. I’m glad you enjoyed it and if you ever have questions, just ask.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Oh my gosh, Germany is so incredibly beautiful. There is a painting in every direction and the people are wonderful. I kept this painting for myself. :-)

[@DetraDearmas]

Luv my thumb box Too! Made one from a wooden cigar box made in Honduras. Even has engraving and the import stamp! No clips I use reusable sticking putty.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Hi Detra, that sounds like a work of art. I love unique stuff with a story. I’ll have to try your putty idea.

[@SharonWadsworthSmithart]

Great information Scott. I have been painting Plein Air in acrylics on canvas for years and my easel has just packed it in. I need something light and larger for big canvases. Your knowledge and suggestions are welcome! Keep your wonderful videos coming!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Thank you Sharon, I’m glad to help!

[@SharonWadsworthSmithart]

@@ScottRuthvenFineArt

[@SharonWadsworthSmithart]

Have you ever seen larger but portable easels for canvases (gallery 24 x 36 largest) Lightweight metal preferred?

[@paintingsofwaves_mikewoning]

Lovely painting and great video. Makes me want to get back into painting en plein air. For some reason I skipped out on it last year (ok, semi crappy gear may be part of the reason but still...) Thanks for inspiring!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

You can do it!

[@virginiarparker9503]

Thank you

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

You’re very welcome!

[@candelariomedina1611]

I was stationed in Germany (Darmstadt ) 68' to 77', too bad I didn't paint back than. Beautiful country. Thanks for the memories. Walked across that bridge more than once.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Germany is so beautiful. I'm not sure how much free time you had during your time there but I imagine you got to see a lot of the area.

[@candelariomedina1611]

I traveled all over Europe. My favorite country was the Netherlands, the people truly loved Americans. Was in London and Paris last October. Was shocked with how crowded the cities were. Long lines for all the museums and attractions. Wasn't like that back in the 70s.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

@@candelariomedina1611 I'll have to add the Netherlands to my bucket list!

[@cametientaucoeur]

Thank you for information. Also ordered gloves, as lack of available disposable, nitrile gloves. Jeanne

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

If you find gloves you like, buy several pairs!

[@jimjotka2187]

I like the French boxes are yet but I like your paintings

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Thank you.

[@SaIrAbEe.]

Great video! thanks for sharing the plein air painting gear. Can you please suggest when buying DAYTRIPPER EASEL which mixing area should we get Natural gray Plexiglass or Natural Gray glass and which size Upright mount should we get? Thanks

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Hi Saira Art, I recommend the gray plexiglass, because it won’t break. I use the 24” off-center upright panel holder, but you might need a larger or smaller one depending on the size of paintings you want it to hold. I like the off-center for balance. Good luck!

[@huchenstudio]

love the videos, i also like talking to people while painting, very easy to connect and make you feel alive. the amazon Carhartt Men's All Purpose Micro Foam Nitrile Dipped Gloves link says oout of order, may i know where else i can go get it? thanks a lot

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Hi Huchen, I’m so glad you like the videos. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Here’s a link to a bunch of good painting gloves on Amazon… amzn.to/34mdwt2

[@scottruthven3876]

I'm the other Scott Ruthven in Ohio, nice work!

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Good to hear from you, brother 😎

[@scottruthven3876]

@@ScottRuthvenFineArt glad to hear from you too. I see you inherited the artist genes and made something if yourself with them and a lot of hard work, refinement, and commitment. Deid Schaw

[@ldgablepainter]

Hi Scott, I just viewed your video and have recommended it to a friend who is in the market for a pochade box upgrade. Thank you for all the comprehensive information. I found it very easy to follow and clearly spoken. Good job!! Say did you have any difficulty when ordering Josh Been's prolific painter pochade? Perhaps it is a more recent issue, but my friend had heard there are often delays on production. I would suspect ordering this time of year would be suggested since his plein air excursions are done for the year. Again, thanks much.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Hi Laura! Glad the video was helpful and thanks for sharing it. A few people have commented about delays getting their equipment from Prolific Painter and delayed responses to their questions. I asked Josh about it last Spring and he was struggling to find workers in his small town. I think you are right though, ordering in the winter is probably a better idea since they get overwhelmed in the Spring. I still believe it is the best gear available and worth the wait. One of these days we will get together and paint!! Happy holidays.

[@huchenstudio]

Hi i just order mine, it took only 2 weeks. so if u still want, go for it.

[@cametientaucoeur]

Would you please tell me the name of the clip on book light. I don’t see a list of supplies. Nice review. Great painting. Thank you, Jeanne

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Hi Jeanne, the booklight is by iMagiTek but the brand names change often. Best to search for COB LED book lights on Amazon. They are inexpensive.

[@gailgrunberg3281]

Hi there, trying to find that Jensens pochade but can’t find it anywhere on google. Can you tell me who sells it. It looks perfect for me...thanks for your great demo.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Hi Gail. You can buy the pochade boxes direct from the company at www.judsonsart.com/ I’m not sure if they sell the model I have anymore but they have several to choose from and they are all built very well. Let me know what you get! 😉

[@maryquinlan6701]

Where did you buy your panel holder? Cant seem to find anything like it on the internet. Thanks.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Hi Mary, you can buy the panel holders from prolificpainter.com.

[@SkyNetworkTV]

Hi Scott, what size dimensions is your panel holder? I am just getting started painting landscapes and seascapes with watercolors and I already have a camera tripod but I am looking for a reasonably priced panel holder that can hold a board for me to tape or clamp my heavy duty watercolor paper onto. Thanks! -Suzy Wilson

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Hi Suzy, I have the 24” off-center mount upright with 12” cross bars from Prolific painter. They have several combinations to choose from. Here’s a link: www.prolificpainter.com/shop/upright-panel-holder/

[@allenvoss7977]

How do you keep the paint off of clothes ? I guess I’m just a messy painter

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Well Allen, paint on my clothes makes my wife grumpy 😯

[@liloharris9008]

How much do you think your total pack/set up weighs all together?

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Great question, Olivia. My pack, loaded with everything, weighs 20 lbs. Thanks for asking!

[@SharonCullenArt]

I didn’t have the carbon fiber but I had a nice manfroto tripod and it fell apart. I mean, it was new. I couldn’t get manfroto to work with me. So I refuse to use them. You really don’t need an expensive tripods. If you want good batteries, I use Amazon rechargeable batteries with the energizer charging station. Don’t get energizer batteries though. They don’t hold a charge Amazon batteries are the best rechargebles.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Thanks for the tips!

[@jimjotka2187]

Mosquitoes don't like dryer sheets Irish spring soap

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing that.

[@PrincessAloeVera]

gee whiz i wish someone would go into more detail on their favorite brushes. just showing them from a distance doesn't help much when there are thousands of brushes to choose from these days. I would REALLY like to SEE each one in that wallet.. what it is and what type and what brand and what size. You could just rifle all that info off pretty fast and it would be very helpful. I know it's a personal choice for painters but as a beginner.. I sort of need to find out what the favorites are to begin to try and know which ones I like. I know what brushes I have used as a beginner are NOT the best and I would LIKE to know more about what the pros are using. That was the reason I clicked on this vid and so that was not a good description of brushes and I THINK brushes are IMPORTANT. Thanks for the vid tho you did cover a lot of other stuff and the links you provided took a lot of time so btw it's still a big thumbs UP.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Thank you for your comment. I totally understand your frustration choosing brushes. If you paint landscapes, I recommend the Grand Prix line of natural hog hair from Silver Brush Company. Buy flats in sizes 2-10. Two brushes in each size will get you started. The size 6 and 8 flats are the ones I use most. I provided a link directly to these brushes at Dick Blick in the notes under the video. Good luck!

[@dixiesampier]

@@ScottRuthvenFineArt poor audio, hard to understand some of your words.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

@@dixiesampier Sorry about that. Any particular time stamp where it was difficult to understand? Thanks for watching and letting me know about the audio.

[@epollard2350]

prolific painter.com is sending out e-mails that orders are changed to "being built," but are not responding to emails from customers who wish to know if and when they can expect delivery. They supply no phone number, so there's no one to talk to. Scott, you really should investigate this, since you are endorsing their products. Please respond instead of simply deleting my comment.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

I’m sorry to hear that; I would be frustrated too! While I’m not an employee of Prolific Painter, nor do I have any first-hand insight to their business, posts they have made on social media indicate that a shortage of labor and strong demand are resulting in longer lead times. They are a small, local company making their products by hand and I think they just can’t keep up right now. I endorse their products because I use them everyday and have found them to be light, rugged and an overall good value. They are also made right here in Colorado, 🇺🇸 by an oil painter and his crew. So, I hope you get your easel soon and that you’ll find it was worth the wait.

[@epollard2350]

@@ScottRuthvenFineArt You would agree that there should be a customer service person to answer inquiries. Also, there should have been an option to cancel if the product would be delayed by weeks. Making customer contact an impossibility is highly suspect for an ethical company.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

Absolutely!

[@epollard2350]

@@ScottRuthvenFineArt I finally received my easel today and it is totally awesome. I was finally contacted by Nick from Prolific Painter and he his working hard to fill orders. The business has been swamped and workers are in short supply because of the pandemic. The Daytripper Easel is everything it is advertised to be and I highly recommend it.

[@ScottRuthvenFineArt]

@@epollard2350 Terrific!!! Let the painting begin! 🥳